So think of Spironolactone as a little machine that interrupts the binding process, and as a result, prevents acne. “I like to compare it Pacman," says Dr. Marchbein.

Spironolactone is one of the acne treatments included in the American Academy of Dermatology treatment guidelines. The drug isn’t generally used as a so-called first-line treatment for acne.

What Is Spironolactone? If you haven’t heard of the pill, join the club. I only came across it during one of my early hypochondriac Google searches before my hormonal acne was at its worst.

The report, conducted on behalf of NBC News, found that spironolactone made up 47% of all oral medications prescribed to women for acne in 2023, up from 27% in 2017.

However, I have no regrets and, overall, I'm happy with my decision to go on it. If you're considering spironolactone for hormonal acne, here are eight things I wish I knew before I started taking it.

Effectiveness of spironolactone for women with acne vulgaris (SAFA) in England and Wales: pragmatic, multicentre, phase 3, double blind, randomised controlled trial.