Amanda Nelson, PhD, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, Penn State College of Medicine names a potential new therapeutic for severe acne and describes how her lab identified the candidate. Presentation from the 12th AARS Annual Scientific Symposium at SID, 2025.
* this is the only drug for acne that actually affects each one of the key 4 factors contributing to acne
* over 40 to 50 years of data has shown us that isotretinoin decreases sebum levels, normalizes follicular hyperkeratinization, affects C. acnes levels on the skin and also modulates the host inflammatory reponse but we still don't fully understand how ISO is working when it's in the skin of these patients
Oral isotretinoin for acne: a complete overview (2022) Alessia Villani, Francesca Nastro, Francesca Di Vico, Gabriella Fabbrocini, Maria Carmela Annunziata & Lucia Genco
ABSTRACT
Introduction:Acne is one of the most common and widespread skin conditions, affecting the health as much as patients’ quality of life. A wide variety of treatments for acne, topical and systemic, could be prescribed, depending on its degree of severity. Isotretinoin, a derivative of retinol, has been widely used for the treatment of severe forms of acne, and those forms do not respond to...
Sebum physiology and its contributions to acne vulgaris (AV) pathophysiology have been long debated. Within the pilosebaceous unit, androgens drive sebocyte production of sebum, comprising mono-, di-, and triglycerides (the latter converted to fatty acids); squalene; cholesterol; cholesterol esters; and wax esters. Upon release to the skin surface, human sebum has important roles in epidermal water retention, antimicrobial defenses, and innate immune responses.
Aims
Alterations in sebum alone and with other pathogenic factors (inflammation...
Predict estradiol, DHT, and free testosterone levels based on total testosterone
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This tool provides predictions based on statistical models and should NOT replace professional medical advice.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your TRT protocol.
ℹ️ Input Parameters
Normal range: 300-1000 ng/dL
Predicted Hormone Levels
Enter your total testosterone value to see predictions
Results will appear here after calculation
Understanding Your Hormones
Estradiol (E2)
A form of estrogen produced from testosterone. Important for bone health, mood, and libido.
Too high can cause side effects; too low can affect well-being.
DHT
Dihydrotestosterone is a potent androgen derived from testosterone. Affects hair growth,
prostate health, and masculinization effects.
Free Testosterone
The biologically active form of testosterone not bound to proteins.
Directly available for cellular uptake and biological effects.
Scientific Reference
Lakshman KM, Kaplan B, Travison TG, Basaria S, Knapp PE, Singh AB, LaValley MP, Mazer NA, Bhasin S. The effects of injected testosterone dose and age on the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in young and older men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Aug;95(8):3955-64.
