Help ACNE & Testosterone

[Jbreezus]

Anyone got any genuine advice on managing chest and back acne while using testosterone and a small amount of Anavar?


I seem to run into the same problem every time I use testosterone. My skin stays relatively clear for the first 12 weeks, then I start breaking out across my chest and back.


I’ve used Accutane (isotretinoin) in the past, and while it works, I absolutely hate how it makes me feel. The side effects leave me feeling like crap, and I’ve previously ended up going back to stimulants just to feel normal again. That’s something I genuinely want to avoid, so ideally, I’m looking for a solution that doesn’t involve Accutane.


Current protocol:

• Previously injecting 0.5 mL of Test E 250 mg/mL twice weekly.
• Recently switched to 0.25 mL every other day to see whether more stable hormone levels help.
• Currently using Gold Standard Labs Test E, which I’ve personally found to be better than my prescribed Bayer testosterone.
• Also using a small amount of Anavar.

I’ve recently started applying zinc oxide baby rash cream to the affected areas, and surprisingly, I’ve found it works better for me than tretinoin. However, the acne is slowly starting to return, and I’m concerned I’ll eventually have to consider low-dose Accutane again.


A few things worth mentioning:


I’ve always had acne-prone skin, even as a teenager, so I suspect I’m naturally more susceptible to androgen-related breakouts.


My diet has remained consistent for years, and I consume very little dairy. I also shower immediately after training, avoid tight clothing where possible, and maintain good hygiene. So I’m not really looking for advice along the lines of “just shower more,” because I’ve already got that covered.


The frustrating part is that whenever I stop testosterone, my skin eventually clears up completely. Unfortunately, my libido crashes, my energy drops, and I generally don’t feel anywhere near as good as I do while on TRT.


What I’m really trying to figure out is:


Has anyone experienced testosterone-related acne that consistently appears around the 12-week mark and successfully managed it long-term without Accutane?


Has changing injection frequency, adjusting hormone levels, using specific topical treatments, or anything else made a noticeable difference?


I’m particularly interested in preventing the breakouts rather than constantly treating them once they appear.


I’d appreciate hearing from anyone who’s dealt with something similar and found a sustainable solution. I’m not expecting a miracle cure, but I’d love to find something that allows me to continue TRT without dealing with recurring chest and back acne.


Thanks in advance, legends.

 

[Jackedroo]

Hey bro,

I ran into the same problems.
I changed my injections to daily (Running Test E).
Got on top of my vitamins and minerals specifically implementing Vitamin E and Zinc orally.
In terms of diet diary was a major contributor for my acne reducing that as well brought it down significantly.

As for hygiene i started using LaRoche Effaclare (green bottle with salicylic acid) and the blue bottle normal was on my face and body followed by the La Roche Duo M cream twice daily.
Now i get nothing on my body maybe one or two here and there but not systemic and running wild

Hope there's something there for you to take away from and you get the result you are looking for.
All the best brother.

 

[Upcomer]

Anyone got any genuine advice on managing chest and back acne while using testosterone and a small amount of Anavar?


I seem to run into the same problem every time I use testosterone. My skin stays relatively clear for the first 12 weeks, then I start breaking out across my chest and back.


I’ve used Accutane (isotretinoin) in the past, and while it works, I absolutely hate how it makes me feel. The side effects leave me feeling like crap, and I’ve previously ended up going back to stimulants just to feel normal again. That’s something I genuinely want to avoid, so ideally, I’m looking for a solution that doesn’t involve Accutane.


Current protocol:

• Previously injecting 0.5 mL of Test E 250 mg/mL twice weekly.
• Recently switched to 0.25 mL every other day to see whether more stable hormone levels help.
• Currently using Gold Standard Labs Test E, which I’ve personally found to be better than my prescribed Bayer testosterone.
• Also using a small amount of Anavar.

I’ve recently started applying zinc oxide baby rash cream to the affected areas, and surprisingly, I’ve found it works better for me than tretinoin. However, the acne is slowly starting to return, and I’m concerned I’ll eventually have to consider low-dose Accutane again.


A few things worth mentioning:


I’ve always had acne-prone skin, even as a teenager, so I suspect I’m naturally more susceptible to androgen-related breakouts.


My diet has remained consistent for years, and I consume very little dairy. I also shower immediately after training, avoid tight clothing where possible, and maintain good hygiene. So I’m not really looking for advice along the lines of “just shower more,” because I’ve already got that covered.


The frustrating part is that whenever I stop testosterone, my skin eventually clears up completely. Unfortunately, my libido crashes, my energy drops, and I generally don’t feel anywhere near as good as I do while on TRT.


What I’m really trying to figure out is:


Has anyone experienced testosterone-related acne that consistently appears around the 12-week mark and successfully managed it long-term without Accutane?


Has changing injection frequency, adjusting hormone levels, using specific topical treatments, or anything else made a noticeable difference?


I’m particularly interested in preventing the breakouts rather than constantly treating them once they appear.


I’d appreciate hearing from anyone who’s dealt with something similar and found a sustainable solution. I’m not expecting a miracle cure, but I’d love to find something that allows me to continue TRT without dealing with recurring chest and back acne.


Thanks in advance, legends.

Hi Mate,

Sorry to hear you're having dramas, can relate, annoying right!
Like you, had acne as a teenager so prone to it.

I've only been running compounds for the majority of this year, so I can only give you the best advice based on my experience. Might be another member with better knowledge than myself that can weigh in.

Initially I was on 250mg test/week - no issues, then added in Mast and raised test to 300mg/week.
This is when I started having the acne.

I've recently scaled back to 175mg/week from 250mg/week as i was having other issues at 250mg also.
My thoughts around this were to drop the mast, scale back the test to the lowest dose I want to be on and see what happens from there.
Since doing so I have noticed instant change with acnes easing up. I'll likely stay on 175mg when cruising from here on in, and only increase during build phases, and possibly add other compounds in. Feel just as good on 175mg as I did on 250mg to be honest.

Maybe drop it back to like 150mg -175mg/week and see where your ceiling is to remove the acne. try to keep it there for a while and see how you're feeling. Get rid of the Anavar all together and play a process of elimination.
Hard to know what's happening when multiple compounds in the mix.

Unfortunately we are just a wee bit sensitive to compounds it seems, sucks, but it's like being a cheap drunk right!?!

Hope this helps.

 

[Viper Labs]

Short checklist for you matey.

Check your blood work if there is significant e2 levels from conversion or even lack of testosterone (I highly doubt as GSL has solid reputation)

Change injection frequency to daily. This can help give you a more balanced panel.

Quality body wash. I won't name one. Simply ask a chemist rather than me saying "you must use this"

Check your diet. We all react in our own ways to different diets. High fats vs low fats etc.

Accutane make your final choice.

Hope you get it sort champion. I know it can certainly give a hit to self esteem

 

[the_alcatraz]

Anyone got any genuine advice on managing chest and back acne while using testosterone and a small amount of Anavar?


I seem to run into the same problem every time I use testosterone. My skin stays relatively clear for the first 12 weeks, then I start breaking out across my chest and back.


I’ve used Accutane (isotretinoin) in the past, and while it works, I absolutely hate how it makes me feel. The side effects leave me feeling like crap, and I’ve previously ended up going back to stimulants just to feel normal again. That’s something I genuinely want to avoid, so ideally, I’m looking for a solution that doesn’t involve Accutane.


Current protocol:

• Previously injecting 0.5 mL of Test E 250 mg/mL twice weekly.
• Recently switched to 0.25 mL every other day to see whether more stable hormone levels help.
• Currently using Gold Standard Labs Test E, which I’ve personally found to be better than my prescribed Bayer testosterone.
• Also using a small amount of Anavar.

I’ve recently started applying zinc oxide baby rash cream to the affected areas, and surprisingly, I’ve found it works better for me than tretinoin. However, the acne is slowly starting to return, and I’m concerned I’ll eventually have to consider low-dose Accutane again.


A few things worth mentioning:


I’ve always had acne-prone skin, even as a teenager, so I suspect I’m naturally more susceptible to androgen-related breakouts.


My diet has remained consistent for years, and I consume very little dairy. I also shower immediately after training, avoid tight clothing where possible, and maintain good hygiene. So I’m not really looking for advice along the lines of “just shower more,” because I’ve already got that covered.


The frustrating part is that whenever I stop testosterone, my skin eventually clears up completely. Unfortunately, my libido crashes, my energy drops, and I generally don’t feel anywhere near as good as I do while on TRT.


What I’m really trying to figure out is:


Has anyone experienced testosterone-related acne that consistently appears around the 12-week mark and successfully managed it long-term without Accutane?


Has changing injection frequency, adjusting hormone levels, using specific topical treatments, or anything else made a noticeable difference?


I’m particularly interested in preventing the breakouts rather than constantly treating them once they appear.


I’d appreciate hearing from anyone who’s dealt with something similar and found a sustainable solution. I’m not expecting a miracle cure, but I’d love to find something that allows me to continue TRT without dealing with recurring chest and back acne.


Thanks in advance, legends.

its your hormones mate you need to run labs

@Grumpy1 @abolone @koba @gar71 @BSS @Scuffer @Oths @ChewedSleek @Allupfromhere @pigsy

 

[Grumpy1]

Get some bloods done
But really only injection frequency might change the outcome some people are just subjective to acne when boosting testosterone
Bloods will rule out any other issues

 

[ChewedSleek]

All the advice you’ve received above has hit the nail on the head brother

 

[Jbreezus]

Hey bro,

I ran into the same problems.
I changed my injections to daily (Running Test E).
Got on top of my vitamins and minerals specifically implementing Vitamin E and Zinc orally.
In terms of diet diary was a major contributor for my acne reducing that as well brought it down significantly.

As for hygiene i started using LaRoche Effaclare (green bottle with salicylic acid) and the blue bottle normal was on my face and body followed by the La Roche Duo M cream twice daily.
Now i get nothing on my body maybe one or two here and there but not systemic and running wild

Hope there's something there for you to take away from and you get the result you are looking for.
All the best brother.

Thank you brother appreciate the reply,

What was your daily test Pin dosage amount? I just started subcutaneous daily at .1ml 250mg/ml test e. I’m gonna go to the drs and get a full blood panel done.

I don’t like injecting into my delt as I’ve got ptsd from hitting the nerve in the arm too many times using 25gauge syringes which are fine in the ventro glute but still needle shy a bit.

 

[Jbreezus]

All the advice you’ve received above has hit the nail on the head brother

Thank you for your reply appreciate all the help I can get at this stage, I’ve been using Testosterone on and off for 2 years.

 

[Jbreezus]

Get some bloods done
But really only injection frequency might change the outcome some people are just subjective to acne when boosting testosterone
Bloods will rule out any other issues

Short checklist for you matey.

Check your blood work if there is significant e2 levels from conversion or even lack of testosterone (I highly doubt as GSL has solid reputation)

Change injection frequency to daily. This can help give you a more balanced panel.

Quality body wash. I won't name one. Simply ask a chemist rather than me saying "you must use this"

Check your diet. We all react in our own ways to different diets. High fats vs low fats etc.

Accutane make your final choice.

Hope you get it sort champion. I know it can certainly give a hit to self esteem

100% mate doesn’t feel the greatest feeling like I’m 15 again @ 26

 

[Jbreezus]

Hi Mate,

Sorry to hear you're having dramas, can relate, annoying right!
Like you, had acne as a teenager so prone to it.

I've only been running compounds for the majority of this year, so I can only give you the best advice based on my experience. Might be another member with better knowledge than myself that can weigh in.

Initially I was on 250mg test/week - no issues, then added in Mast and raised test to 300mg/week.
This is when I started having the acne.

I've recently scaled back to 175mg/week from 250mg/week as i was having other issues at 250mg also.
My thoughts around this were to drop the mast, scale back the test to the lowest dose I want to be on and see what happens from there.
Since doing so I have noticed instant change with acnes easing up. I'll likely stay on 175mg when cruising from here on in, and only increase during build phases, and possibly add other compounds in. Feel just as good on 175mg as I did on 250mg to be honest.

Maybe drop it back to like 150mg -175mg/week and see where your ceiling is to remove the acne. try to keep it there for a while and see how you're feeling. Get rid of the Anavar all together and play a process of elimination.
Hard to know what's happening when multiple compounds in the mix.

Unfortunately we are just a wee bit sensitive to compounds it seems, sucks, but it's like being a cheap drunk right!?!

Hope this helps.

Legend brother awesome advice idk about the cheap drunk bit though it feels more like an expensive drunk because I’ve spent so much money time and effort to attempt to get rid of the acne again

 

[Upcomer]

No worries. Haha yeah maybe not the best metaphor.

Lower the dose man, run bloods and see what’s happening. Try and get back to IM mate, I find the lat and glute best personally.

I would be mucking around with body washes and definitely not accutane, that stuff is bad shit.

 

[Viper Labs]

Thank you brother appreciate the reply,

What was your daily test Pin dosage amount? I just started subcutaneous daily at .1ml 250mg/ml test e. I’m gonna go to the drs and get a full blood panel done.

I don’t like injecting into my delt as I’ve got ptsd from hitting the nerve in the arm too many times using 25gauge syringes which are fine in the ventro glute but still needle shy a bit.

If you plan to see your doctor mate, I would strongly suggest that you don't begin making changes before hand.

Subcutaneous injections are not something I recommend personally.

Insulin needle backloaded.
Side delt
Rear delt
Lats

My suspicion is that its simply hormones out of wack and you can fix this all quickly once you know the culprit. Get to the doctor sooner than later.

Imedical is a solid option for blood tests if you don't want to sit explaining yourself to your GP. Report back with blood work and you will get plenty of support within EF community.

 

[Jbreezus]

If you plan to see your doctor mate, I would strongly suggest that you don't begin making changes before hand.

Subcutaneous injections are not something I recommend personally.

Insulin needle backloaded.
Side delt
Rear delt
Lats

My suspicion is that its simply hormones out of wack and you can fix this all quickly once you know the culprit. Get to the doctor sooner than later.

Imedical is a solid option for blood tests if you don't want to sit explaining yourself to your GP. Report back with blood work and you will get plenty of support within EF community.

Hey mate any reason why subcutaneous .1ml pins are not recommended by yourself ?,

I’m just curious as I’d like to do .1ml everyday intramuscular but I find I only like doing ventro gluteal injection site and if I don’t do there, I procrastinate pinning as I get too scared to pin other sites. my glutes definitely need a break though so maybe if I push through the PIP it’ll get better ?

I don’t mind explaining to a doctor but I just need to find the right guy for the job not someone who’s gonna panic like all fuck that my test is through the roof? Also any tips on what bloods to request off Imedical and what to look for with my hormones to understand my issue any advice is appreciated thank you man

 

[Viper Labs]

For me it is simply a personal recommendation mate. Due to seeing too many variations on blood work by consumers using subQ.

Far more clinical evidence for IM in comparison to subQ but this does not mean subQ is useless. I just find it good practice to stick to what's been around with literature in stone

Please feel free to DM me or reach out via threema and I can happily walk you through imedical and what package would be best suited to your needs.

WNUY9656

 

[Upcomer]

Solid support shown @Viper Labs.
Bloody Love these communities

 

[Jackedroo]

Thank you brother appreciate the reply,

What was your daily test Pin dosage amount? I just started subcutaneous daily at .1ml 250mg/ml test e. I’m gonna go to the drs and get a full blood panel done.

I don’t like injecting into my delt as I’ve got ptsd from hitting the nerve in the arm too many times using 25gauge syringes which are fine in the ventro glute but still needle shy a bit.

My daily dosage started at 28.6 mg daily (200Mg weekly). I got all my acne sides resolved on that dosage it took about 12 weeks before i went into a push phase and increased my dosages up to 85mg daily (roughly 600mg weekly). i titrated over two months and sustained 600 for 16 weeks with no acne other than one or two spots on my face.
Iwas also using 25 gauge needles. the delts took me a while to get right but that was a dexterity and coordination thing .