Key takeaways:
Table of Contents
- Transgender patients who initiated any gender-affirming hormone therapy were more likely to develop acne than cisgender controls.
- Early referral to a dermatologist can prevent acne-related scarring or distress.
Initiating testosterone in transmasculine patients and estradiol in transfeminine patients increases acne risk, according to a study published in JAMA Dermatology.
“Dermatologists knew that testosterone often triggers acne, but large, long-term, population-level data were lacking,” Howa Yeung, MD, MSc, associate professor of dermatology at Emory University School of Medicine, told Healio. “As more transgender and cisgender patients access hormone therapy, dermatologists need accurate risk estimates to guide counseling and care.”
Acne Care for Gender-Diverse Patients Needs Betterment
Dermatologists need to proactively address acne in gender-diverse patients undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy, according to research published in JAMA Dermatology on January 23, 2026. The study highlights a gap in current care and advocates for more evidence-based, inclusive approaches.
Hormone Therapy and Acne
Gender-affirming hormone therapy can considerably impact skin health, often triggering or exacerbating acne. Researchers found that acne frequently develops or worsens after initiating testosterone therapy in transgender men and estrogen therapy in transgender women. However, current guidelines often lack specific recommendations for managing these dermatological effects.
Proactive Treatment is Key
“Acne should never be a barrier to receiving gender-affirming care,” Howa Yeung, MD, MSc, of Emory University, told Healio. “But anticipating acne allows us to treat it effectively and to prevent related scarring or distress.” Yeung emphasizes the importance of dermatologists proactively discussing potential acne development with patients before they begin hormone therapy.
Study Details
The research, published by Smith CA, et al. in JAMA dermatology, analyzed the dermatological effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy and identified a need for improved acne management protocols. The full article is available at jamanetwork.com.
Contact Details
Howa Yeung, MD, MSc can be reached at howa.yeung@emory.edu.
