Whether you’re a teenager or an adult whose acne never went away, got worse, or just suddenly appeared one day, we get it. Acne is among the most common skin conditions in the United States. So, when a supplement becomes popular for seeming to cure acne, you know the internet will go OFF. So, let’s talk about it. Today we’re going to give you the low down on taking DIM for acne.
What is DIM?
DIM stands for Diindolylmethane, pronounced die-in-do-lil-meth-ane, but we’ll stick with DIM for obvious reasons.
It’s a naturally occurring compound made by your body after ingesting cruciferous veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and the like. DIM supplements contain a concentrated and much higher dose of the compound than you would ever get from eating vegetables.
DIM, though, isn’t new to science. In fact, it’s said to help prevent certain cancers, improve bone strength, and boost Estrogen metabolism.
Why take DIM for acne?
So what does a vegetable-derived compound that does all of the above have to do with acne? That, as you may have guessed, is a very good question. And here’s what we think is a very good answer.
DIM supplements can help balance hormones by reducing the adverse effects of Testosterone in women. Small amounts of it — largely known as a male hormone — are entirely normal in women. But, an imbalance either too much or too little, may cause some problems.
Testosterone is a known contributing factor to how much sebum — or oil — your skin creates. And sebum is part of what creates those pesky bumps. So, too much Testosterone can increase the frequency and severity of breakouts.
But DIM can stop Testosterone telling your body to create more sebum. And it does that by blocking the Testosterone receptors in your cells. Which in turn means your body creates less sebum. And less sebum means less acne.
You can see the draw and why so many people are looking into DIM supplements for acne.
DIM for acne: The research
Here’s the catch: There’s little in the way of strong scientific evidence to support these claims.
That’s right. Currently, the vast majority of the evidence we have in support of taking DIM for acne is anecdotal. And if you’ve been around the acne or hormone-balancing block, you know that what works for one person won’t always work for the next person, even when there is scientific evidence.
Is it safe to try?
DIM can be purchased online and in supplement aisles and stores. They are generally considered safe, but there are varying recommendations for how much you should take. That’s a red flag!
However, as with any medication or supplement, there are some circumstances under which you should absolutely NOT take DIM supplements.
If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you shouldn’t take DIM supplements. Why? Because when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you really don’t want to mess around with your hormones without solid science to back it up. Plus, there aren’t many studies on pregnant women for ethical reasons. Although lots of pregnant women take medication, there’s no real advantage to putting pregnant women, or their babies, at possible risk in these cases.
In addition, if you take oral birth control, consult a physician before starting DIM, just in case it could affect how well they both work.
In any case, talk to your doctor if you’re considering taking DIM for your acne. When it comes to hormones, you don’t want to go it alone, especially if you’re taking medications or have a history of other health issues.
What are the side effects?
Side effects of DIM supplements are few and relatively mild. They include:
- Darker urine
- Digestive issues, such as gas, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea
- Changes in your Menstrual cycle
Can’t I just eat more broccoli?
In a word, yes. But you’ll likely never be able to eat enough broccoli or cabbage to get close to the amount of DIM you would get from a supplement.
Having said that, one of the best things you can do for your body, your hormones and your skin is to eat a well-balanced diet with as little processed food as possible. Luckily, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and all the other cruciferous veggies that DIM is formed from fall nicely into that category. How deliciously convenient!
There are, of course, lots of other things you can also do to help reduce breakouts, including:
- Using gentle, natural soaps and cleansers
- Massaging in light, water-based moisturizers, gels are also fab
- Short sun exposure – less than 10mins to avoid drying or burning
- Wearing light clothing to minimize temperature fluctuations
- Staying hydrated
- Getting good quality sleep
- Regular exercise
Dim for Acne: Bottom line
DIM may help some people balance their hormones. But we simply don’t have strong enough research or data to say for sure, or recommend the proper dosage. There aren’t even any research-based recommendations for how long you should take it. And we also don’t know if there are any long-term side effects to taking DIM for acne.
We’re not saying it won’t work for you, and we’re also not saying it will. But we are definitely saying that you should proceed with caution. Beware of anything or anybody claiming to have one magical solution to your hormonal woes.
Most importantly, talk to your doctor before starting any kind of supplement, including DIM. You never know how it’ll interact with any medication you’re already taking. Ditto if acne or breakouts have become severe or debilitating. It’s always worth a conversation with a physician to rule out underlying causes, or to put your mind at rest.
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Anna Targonskaya, MD
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