Androgens, Oil Production & Acne
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:
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Explain the role of androgens in sebum production
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Understand how androgen sensitivity affects acne development
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Recognize androgen-driven acne patterns
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Apply hormone-aware logic to ethical acne treatment planning
What Are Androgens?
Androgens are a group of hormones that include:
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Testosterone
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Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
(High-end hormone pathway illustration here — androgen signaling to sebaceous glands, clean clinical aesthetic)
They strongly influence sebaceous gland activity.
Androgens & Sebaceous Glands
Sebaceous glands:
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Contain androgen receptors
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Respond to circulating androgens
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Increase oil production when stimulated
(Sebaceous gland activation visual here)
More receptors = stronger oil response.
Androgen Sensitivity vs Androgen Levels
Acne is often driven by:
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Sensitivity of receptors
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Not necessarily high hormone levels
(Comparison visual here — normal hormone levels, increased receptor sensitivity)
This explains why acne can occur with “normal” lab results.
Follicular Changes & Breakout Formation
Androgens contribute to:
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Increased sebum
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Thickened follicular lining
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Pore congestion
(Follicular clogging illustration here)
These changes create an acne-prone environment.
Typical Androgen-Driven Acne Patterns
Common patterns include:
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Jawline
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Chin
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Lower cheeks
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Neck
(Pattern-mapping visual here — facial zones linked to androgen influence)
Pattern recognition is key.
Androgens, Inflammation & Acne Severity
Androgen activity may:
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Increase inflammatory response
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Worsen cystic lesions
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Prolong healing time
(Inflammation escalation visual here)
Inflammation, not oil alone, drives severity.
Androgens in Different Life Stages
Androgen influence shifts during:
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Puberty
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Menstrual cycles
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Pregnancy
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Perimenopause
(Timeline visual here — life-stage hormonal shifts)
Acne may fluctuate rather than resolve completely.
Ethical Acne Treatment Planning
Ethical aestheticians:
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Manage oil and inflammation
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Support barrier function
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Avoid over-extraction
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Set realistic expectations
(Ethical care planning visual here)
Hormonal acne requires maintenance, not promises.
When to Refer
Referral may be appropriate when:
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Acne is severe or cystic
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Breakouts persist despite proper care
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Signs of hormonal imbalance are suspected
(Referral decision visual here)
Collaboration improves outcomes.
📘 Case Example: Adult Jawline Acne
Scenario:
A client in their 30s presents with recurring jawline acne resistant to topical treatments.
(Androgen pattern illustration here)
Application:
Understanding androgen sensitivity explains persistence and informs ethical care.
🧠 Scenario Questions
(Discussion Board Required — answer at least ONE)
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Why does androgen sensitivity matter more than hormone levels in acne?
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How can acne patterns reveal hormonal influence?
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Why can over-extraction worsen androgen-driven acne?
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How should expectations be set for hormonal acne clients?
Discussion Requirement:
Students must respond to at least ONE (1) scenario question above in the discussion board, demonstrating application of lesson concepts to real-world aesthetic practice.
💭 Think About This
Acne is often a response to internal signals, not surface neglect.
Consider:
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Why does acne recur in the same areas?
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How does receptor sensitivity change treatment logic?
Lesson Summary
Androgens play a central role in sebum production and acne development. Acne severity is often driven by receptor sensitivity rather than hormone levels alone. Ethical acne management requires inflammation control, barrier support, and realistic expectations rather than aggressive correction.