Where to buy topical spironolactone for acne?

Table of Content:
What is topical spironolactone? | Do you need a prescription? | Where to buy it? | Advantages | Side-effects

---

What is topical spironolactone?

Dr. Eric Howell, board-certified dermatologist, says that topical spironolactone is a prescription medication that is used off-label in the treatment of acne and female hair loss (female pattern baldness) due to its anti-androgenic properties (androgens are hormones that play a role in both conditions)¹. 

Topical spironolactone acts locally on the face or scalp to mitigate the effects of androgens in the skin without the systemic effects often associated with oral spironolactone.

Do you need a doctor’s prescription to buy topical spironolactone?

Dr. Howell says that topical spironolactone can only be purchased with a doctor’s prescription. Besides, since it is not widely available in pharmacies, you need to buy it at specialized compounding pharmacies.

How to get a prescription for topical spironolactone?

You can request a prescription for topical spironolactone via Miiskin with a board-certified dermatologist. Since topical spironolactone cannot only be bought in a compounding pharmacy, your formula is likely to include topical spironolactone + tretinoin if it’s for acne. The price for the consultation is $59 and price for a medication refill consultation is $39.

Where to buy topical spironolactone?

Once your independent dermatologist has issued your prescription, you can buy your topical spironolactone via Skin Medicinals. 

More about topical spironolactone for acne

Advantages of topical spironolactone

Controls oil production

Topical spironolactone helps regulate sebum (skin oil) production, a key factor in acne formation. By reducing excess oil, it minimizes clogged pores and breakouts². 

Reduces inflammation

With its anti-inflammatory properties, spironolactone can help soothe redness, swelling, and irritation commonly associated with acne³.

Targeted application

Applied directly to problem areas, topical spironolactone provides localized treatment, ensuring it addresses acne-prone skin without affecting unaffected areas.

Minimal side effects

Compared to its oral counterpart, topical spironolactone typically has mild and well-tolerated side effects⁴. 

Effective as combination therapy

When used alongside other acne treatments, such as tretinoin, topical spironolactone can improve overall acne management and treatment effectiveness.

Potential side effects of topical spironolactone

Topical spironolactone is generally well-tolerated, with most side effects being mild. Common reactions may include:

• Redness
• Itching
• Swelling
• Irritation
• Burning sensation
• Skin scaling⁵

These effects are typically temporary and subside as the skin adjusts to the treatment.

Can oral and topical spironolactone be used together?

Studies indicate that combining oral and topical spironolactone can be beneficial for women with persistent acne. This dual approach may enhance treatment effectiveness while potentially reducing the need for long-term oral antibiotic use⁶. 

Who should avoid topical spironolactone for acne?

Due to its anti-androgenic properties, topical spironolactone is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it may pose risks to the baby.

---

Article References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3763909/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8483163/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36412248/#
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554421/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1110116416300333
https://www.dovepress.com/the-efficacy-and-safety-of-oral-and-topical-spironolactone-in-androgen-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CCID
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34250269/
https://www.bmj.com/content/381/bmj.p1114#