Can GLP-1 Impact Hormonal Acne?
June 15, 2026
Yes, both the natural glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone produced by the body and the synthetic GLP-1 receptor agonist medication can impact hormonal balance or dysfunction based on the patient's health. The naturally occurring hormone is released in the gut after food intake to slow gastric emptying, lower blood sugar, and increase feelings of fullness. When this chemical messenger is released, it helps regulate systemic inflammation by stimulating insulin when glucose levels are high. In most cases, it will likely benefit those with chronic inflammatory skin conditions like acne, psoriasis or recurring boil-like abscesses.
However, hormonal acne is distinct from bacterial acne that often occurs anywhere on the skin. These breakouts are due to shifts in hormone balance, where deeper lesions are common and breakouts follow a cyclic patterns like changes in estrogen or testosterone. Adolescents with hormonal acne may experience breakouts in the "T-zone”, including their forehead, nose, and chin. Adults over 20 are more likely to see flare-ups concentrated on the lower face, jawline, chin, and cheeks and often in the form of painful cystic bumps.
While not life-threatening, acne is an embarrassing skin condition that can be life-altering, especially among teenagers. However, acne can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, skin tones or ethnicities. Plus, regardless of what triggered the breakout, specialized care is needed to properly treat cosmetic challenges like dark spots (hyperpigmentation) or scarring that can last much longer than the original sores. But, it is important to use the right non-comedogenic cleansers and moisturizers as heavy oil-based concealers can actually trigger new acne.
Do GLP-1 weight loss medications differ?
Yes, synthetic GLP-1 medications that have been approved for treating obesity and overweight individuals with metabolically-related diseases like type 2 diabetes are receptor agonists that mimic the naturally-occurring, short-chain peptide. In fact, natural glucagon-like peptide-1 lasts in the system for only a couple of minutes after it is released, whereas some forms of the medication can remain in one's system for hours or even weeks. More specifically, semaglutide (e.g. - Ozempic, Wegovy) have a duration of effects that take about 5 weeks to completely clear the body.
“While the natural hormone has a shorter lifespan,” says Dr. Michael Steppie, medical director of Central Florida’s Associates in Dermatology, “the duration and actual effects of using GLP-1 RAs for weight management basically depends upon the individual patient’s overall health, drug dosage, and bodily functions that help to maintain glucose homeostasis. Unfortunately powerful drugs can affect acne by either improving it, or triggering temporary breakouts due to hormonal dysfunction. Plus, it is important to recognize that there are other skin conditions that can look like acne but are not, so treatment options start with proper diagnosis.”
Substantial weight loss using GLP-1 RAs can help to balance testosterone and estrogen in patients to help prevent hormone-related acne breakouts due to decreases in sebum. Recent studies have shown that GLP-1 incretin mimetics can reduce sebaceous gland activity to minimize oily skin. Moreover, reproductive-age females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and adults suffering from hidradenitis suppurativa with painful bumps in areas where skin rubs together (armpits, groin, under the breasts) have reported significant improvements while taking prescriptive GLP-1 medications.
June Is Dedicated to Acne Awareness
Since June is dedicated as Acne Awareness Month, it is a perfect time to shed more light on this most common skin condition that affects about 50 million Americans each year. Although astronomical summer solstice doesn’t start until June 21st, meteorological summer begins on June 1st and lasts three full months through August 31st. So for all residents in the Orlando communities, summer is here. Unfortunately, climate models indicate the summer of 2026 may trend toward intense heat driven by a potential El Niño.
For starters, let’s discuss some of the differences in severity of the basic types of acne most often diagnosed and treated by Orlando dermatologists during the summer months. These are categorized based on the type of blemishes seen on your skin, including:
- Comedonal Acne – Comedonal acne is a common, non-inflammatory type of acne that appears as flesh-colored bumps, blackheads, or whiteheads, typically across the face's "T-Zone" (forehead, nose, and chin). It occurs when hair follicles become blocked by a mix of dead skin cells and excess naturally produced oils (sebum). These breakouts are primarily driven by genetics, irregular skin cell shedding, and hormonal fluctuations—such as surges in androgens during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy.
- Inflammatory Acne – If you're dealing with red, swollen, and often painful blemishes, you might be experiencing inflammatory acne. Unlike surface-level blackheads or whiteheads, this type of acne forms deep within the skin when clogged pores become infected, making the area tender to the touch and prone to scarring. The root cause of inflammatory acne is an immune response triggered by trapped bacteria and excess sebum due to hormone fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, or times of high stress.
- Nodulocystic Acne – Nodulocystic acne is the most severe form of acne that is characterized by large, painful, and deep-seated nodules or pus-filled cysts. Often appearing on the face, chest, and back, these swollen breakouts can last for weeks or even months, sometimes draining pus or bleeding. To effectively clear the skin and prevent lasting damage, it is important to seek professional dermatological care as early as possible and your dermatologist will likely prescribe a targeted combination of therapies.
Unfortunately, acne is quite often surrounded by myths that can make it harder to understand and properly manage the condition. A common myth is that acne is caused by poor hygiene; but in reality, acne results from clogged pores, hormonal shifts and bacteria, not uncleanliness. In fact, over-washing your skin can even irritate it and make acne breakouts worse. While acne is correctly associated with teenagers, it isn’t uncommon for adult breakouts that can continue into the 30s, 40s, 50s, or during one’s elder years.
SteppieMD Acne Products for Summertime Skincare
Dr. Steppie and his team believe you deserve high-quality skincare products that meet your specific needs and deliver truly visible results. By combining the right SteppieMD Ethereal Beauty products with an integrative approach to skin health, you can effectively tackle your unique skincare concerns, whether that includes acne breakouts due to using prescriptive GLP-1 weight loss medications or not.
FLAWLESS SKIN CLEANSER #1 – This medicated cleanser contains a potent 5% ultra-pure glycolic acid combined with a proven OTC acne fighting drug called salicylic acid at a maximum strength of 2% concentration. A flawless skin cleanser accelerates the removal of dead skin cells that often interfere with skin oil drainage. Strength options available to suit patient needs.
Key Ingredients:
a) Glycolic Acid (5%)
b) Salicylic Acid (2%) USP* (pharmaceutical acne ingredient)
c) Alpha Hydroxyl Acid
d) Witch Hazel
e) Skin Conditioners & Natural Botanicals
BB CREAM SPF 50 – Apply a pea-sized amount of this luxurious multi-tasking BB cream for daily oil control, gentle skin hydration, and superior sun protection that provides superior broad-spectrum protection from the sun’s damaging UV radiation. Enriched with antioxidants and emollients for optimal hydration, BB Cream minimize melasma, fine lines and wrinkles.
Key Ingredients:
a) Zinc Oxide (16.5%) and Titanium Dioxide (3.2%)
b) Ceramides
c) Phospholipids
d) Vitamin E, Resveratrol, Co-Q10, and Green tea polyphenols
e) Iron Oxide
DIVINE APPEAL 10X – This potent active retinol serum is among the strongest formulas available without a prescription. It is a time-tested Vitamin A that promotes an ageless looking appearance. Our multitasking formula enables your renewed skin to come to life while boosting exfoliation for improved skin texture, pores, and pigmentation.
Key Ingredients:
a) Time-released delivery of retinol (equivalent to .05% tretinoin)
b) Innovative triglyceride
c) Chamomile extracts
d) Vitamin E
e) Stable Vitamin C Ester
Whether you are prepping for the day ahead or winding down at night, our revitalizing serums, creams, and cleansers are designed to help you uncover your skin's natural beauty. Visit us online today to learn how you can easily integrate these holistic cosmetics into your daily regimen. Our fast-acting cosmetics work to correct skin damage due to hormonal imbalances by quenching your skin's thirst during summer’s harshest heat by smoothing out fine lines and restoring a radiant, flawless glow.
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Dr. Michael Steppie is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon based in Orlando, Florida. With residencies in internal medicine, dermatology, and dermatologic surgery, he currently serves as the president and medical director of Associates in Dermatology. With his personal goal of ensuring each patient's skin can receive the best possible care, he created the SteppieMD Ethereal Beauty line of skincare products backed by rigorous research to meet the highest quality standards using cutting-edge ingredients. Whether your acne is related to taking GLP-1 medications or not, call 800-827-7546 to schedule an appointment at one of our sixteen Central Florida offices in Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Celebration, Clermont, Davenport, Dr. Philips, Hunter's Creek, Kissimmee, Mount Dora, Ocoee, Poinciana, or St. Cloud.
