Sara Spruch-Feiner

diindolylmethane found in brussel sprouts, brocolli, cauliflower

<h1> DIM seems to work by balancing your hormones. </h1>

<p>Experts hypothesize that DIM may help balance hormones by blocking excess testosteroneand when hormones are balanced, hormonal breakouts should, in theory, be diminished. Lets back up a bit: When androgens (aka male hormones like testosterone) and hormone receptors (cells that translate messages to the body) bind together, it causes changes in the skin that can lead to acne. </p>

<p>Think of androgens binding to hormone receptors like a key in a lockthere is a cascade of effects that it unlocks when it happens, says Dr. Rabach. "This includes things like increased oil production in the face, which clogs the pores and leads to acne. In short, when androgens and hormone receptors interact, acne happens, but Spironolactone prevents that from ever happening to begin with.</p>

<p>DIM, as mentioned before, is thought to have the same mechanism as spironolactone. It binds to the androgen receptor so that there's no 'hole' for the androgen 'keys' to bind to," says Dr. Rabach. "When the the two cant bind, then oil isnt increased, and fewer clogged pores means less acne." </p>

<h1> However, theres not too much hard data on DIM. </h1>

<p>Because there is not yet solid data backing up these results or documenting clear dosages to recommend, Dr. Rabach says she's unlikely to recommend DIM in spite of the fact that, anecdotally, it works for many people. </p>

<p>"DIM shows promising results on hormonal acne in some people and may be a viable natural alternative for people that do not want traditional medicine, but there are no randomized placebo controlled studies, so I can't endorse it 100 percent," she says. </p>

<p>One other thing to note: The <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/beauty/skin/a27600015/beauty-supplements/" id="a51bbf1c-7ab9-3682-a52d-382b430c3300">  supplement </a> industry isn't regulated, meaning the FDA doesn't vet products to make sure they contain exactly what they say they do. So, even if research indicated the dosage required for results (which it doesn't), it's hard to say for sure if you'd actually be getting that dosage from supplements you can buy in stores.</p>

<h1> Still, some people have seen major results while taking diindolylmethane. </h1>

<p>New York City-based publicist and blogger   read about DIM online after finding herself lost for options on treating acne. Because it appeared every month at the same time and was mostly centered around her chin, Stephanie strongly suspected it was related to hormonesand no amount of clean pillowcases, salicylic acid or a dairy-free diet, was making a difference. </p>

<p>I started taking 200mg of DIMI'd read online that this was a great starting dose," she says. "After two to three months, I started to see results." After four months, her skin was pretty much clear. I didnt have to worry about waking up with a big whitehead on my chin," she says. "I would get the odd pimple, but for the most part, I felt great about my complexion. </p>

<p>For Stephanie, however, the good results ceased after seven months. There are so many factors that we dont know about each individual who takes DIM, like how is their diet, skin hygiene, stress, etc.," says Dr. Rabach. "One of those factors or a combination can override DIM." Unfortunately, it comes back to the same limitations on our knowledge of DIM's effectiveness and how it works: "There is no good research to explain how long or if DIM will work for everyone in a predictable way," says Dr. Rabach." </p>

<h1> Okay, so how much DIM would be required to successfully improve hormonal acne? </h1>

<p>While there is no research-backed recommended dosage, anecdotally, some people say taking 100 milligrams twice a day has worked for themthough, of course, you should always consult your dermatologist or doctor before adding a new supplement to your regimen. </p>

<p>If you and your doctor do decide DIM is a good fit for you, Dr. Rabach says the most common side effects to be aware of are nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, gas, and headaches. It could also darken your urine due to the presence of DIM metabolites that have an amber color. "Individuals who eat large amounts of DIM-containing cruciferous vegetables would notice similarly colored urine," says naturopathic doctor <a href="https://www.sworcare.com/blog/dim-cancer" id="f68a3465-4bdd-3c1b-ae1a-171a0f231c88">  Marcus Laux </a> .</p>

<p><strong> Bottom line: It may be worth a shotif your doctor approves. </strong></p>

<p>While the hard-and-fast data and studies may not be there for DIM, the initial feedback from <a href="https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/news/a21707/natural-acne-supplement/" id="ac80d03b-2b65-3236-aada-d74bb4e84a5c">  people who have used it </a> is that it may work very <a href="https://www.instyle.com/beauty/skin/hormonal-acne-dim-supplement" id="1f729d94-283a-3d32-a0e3-cf7f9fc1fc04">  similarly </a> to Spironolactone. Plus, there are multiple <a href="https://www.byrdie.com/dim-hormonal-acne-4691308" id="259a11ab-59ed-38b1-a45d-882b14bbd9d7">  personal success </a> stories online. Sound like it might be a good fit for you? Be sure to have a conversation with your doctor first to determine whether it's safe.</p>

<h1> This article is part of Women's Health 2020 Acne Week. Click   here  for more. </h1>

These Supplements Might Help Cure Your Acne

If youve suffered from <a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a19935052/adult-acne-in-women/" id="559ee09d-4eb2-34aa-aca1-f9aba3935d4c">  hormonal acne </a> , you know there's no easy fix. And yet, there's a supplement that's starting to garner attention for how well it seems to work. Diindolylmethane, or DIM, is a compound derived from cruciferous vegetables (think: broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, etc.)but if you cant get enough of it through your diet, it also comes in sup...

Can DIM Supplements Cure Your Hormonal Acne? A Derm Explains

<p>A kansa wand is a wooden-handled tool with a tip made of kansa metala material made of copper and tin. In fact, the kansa wand predates the jade roller. According to Michelle Ranavat, founder of the Ayurvedic skincare line,  , the kansa wand originated in the kitchen. Originally Kansa (the metal) was used in the kitchen as a drinking glass because it purified the water inside and as a plate because the acidity in the food would balance leading to better digestion, Ranavat explains, noting that, eventually people started discovering the benefits on the skin through massage and the rest is history!</p>

<h1>  How do you use a kansa wand?  </h1>

<p>If youve used a jade roller or any other facial massage tool, using a kansa wand wont feel too unfamiliar. A kansa wand should be used with a serum or oil so it doesnt tug at the skin. In India they use a saffron-infused serum, Ranavat explainsthe tradition inspired the brands saffron-infused  , but anything in your medicine cabinet will suffice. She recommends that you start by moving in circular motions around the eye sockets, then figure eights across the forehead, and finally upward strokes across the jaw area.</p>

<p>If your oil turns grey as you massage, dont panic. The grey is a chemical reaction between the metal and the acid content on the skin as it heals (called oxidation), Ranavat explains, noting that you can simply use a gentle cleanser after to wash it away. </p>

<p>A kansa wand is a harmless skincare technique to try. The only contradictions for using a kansa wand would be, if you are allergic to metals (i.e you get rashy from costume jewelry), explains Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine and a Women's Health advisory board member.</p>

<p>On the whole, Dr. Gohara approves of the trend towards at-home tool usage. People are learning that genuinely good skin-care requires daily commitment, Dr. Gohara says, noting that shes glad to see people move away from the thinking that one magical cream or procedure will be a cure-all. As a dermatologist who recognizes the complexities of a beauty routine, I applaud this type of devotion.</p>

<p>Even though modern technology has bestowed us with many high-tech dermatological treatments, the humble facial massage is having a major moment. We already know that facial massage can help reduce puffiness, give the face a lifted appearance (at least temporarily) and, by bringing oxygen to the skin, helps to boost glow. The simple physical action of facial massage helps reduce tension (hello, clenched jaws and eyes constantly strained looking at screens).</p>

<p>Facial massage also encourages lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system is the bodys natural detoxification system. There are lymph nodes all over our faces and when they become blocked, its thought that it can result in a lackluster complexion, or even breakouts. Your lymphatic system is the drainage system of your body, explains Martha Soffer, founder of  , but, it doesnt have its own pump like the circulatory system does, so you need to help it flow through breath, movement, and manual stimulation (such as using the kansa wand). By using the kansa wand to drain lymph, youre stimulating your skins own natural healing abilities, which means bouncier, firmer, brighter, and more lifted skin.</p>

<p>And while jade rollers and hands are certainly effective, it turns out there is an extra perk that comes with the use of a kansa wand thanks to the metal referenced in its name. Because the metal is alkaline, when you use a kansa wand for facial massage it can apparently help balance the skins pH. Ideal skin pH contributes to maximal hydration, minimal inflammation, and of course prevention against aging. This is obviously a cherry on top to the benefits of facial massage, explains Dr. Gohara. </p>

Exactly How And Why You Should Be Using A Kansa Wa

In the age of Instagram-friendly facial apparatuses, there are lots of options. One that's lesser known in the categorybut def deserves some more representationis the 5,000-year-old kansa wand, a facial massage tool with a long history in Ayurvedic tradition.

Exactly How And Why You Should Be Using A Kansa Wand

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Sara Spruch-Feiner

Articles written by the author

Can DIM Supplements Cure Your Hormonal Acne? A Derm Explains

Exactly How And Why You Should Be Using A Kansa Wand