Your acne is a blood result, not a skincare problem.

Hormonal acne results from elevated androgens (DHEA-S, free testosterone), insulin resistance, or thyroid imbalance. In women with PCOS, insulin resistance drives acne in 40%. Excess androgens trigger sebum overproduction and clogged pores. Topical treatments (tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide) address the symptom, not the cause. Acne returns once treatment stops. arq. measures DHEA-S, free testosterone, fasting insulin, TSH, and metabolic markers. Once the hormonal root is identified—elevated DHEA-S, insulin resistance, or thyroid dysfunction—acne clears within 12-16 weeks with dietary changes, supplements, and targeted medication. Treatment continues until hormones normalize.

Yes. Most dermatologists diagnose acne visually, prescribe topical or systemic antibiotics, then watch it return. They don't run hormonal bloodwork. arq. tests: DHEA-S (adrenal androgens), free testosterone (bound + unbound), fasting insulin (insulin resistance), TSH (thyroid), vitamin D, and zinc (critical for skin). If DHEA-S is elevated, insulin is high, or thyroid is sluggish, these explain persistent acne. Standard dermatology misses this. Once identified, hormonal acne resolves with targeted treatment addressing the actual cause. Most patients see significant improvement within 8-12 weeks.

Tretinoin (Retin-A) is available in India via prescription from dermatologists. It's highly effective for acne and anti-aging but only treats the surface—it doesn't address hormonal causes. Many dermatologists prescribe it without hormonal testing. Result: acne improves on tretinoin but returns when you stop. arq.'s approach: test hormones first. If acne is hormonal (80% of cases), treat the root. Tretinoin helps during the transition, but hormonal balance prevents recurrence. Most patients reduce or eliminate tretinoin once underlying hormones normalize. This prevents long-term dependence and builds lasting clear skin.

High fasting insulin (from processed foods, stress, PCOS) triggers the body to overproduce androgens, which increase sebum. Excess oil clogs pores; bacteria thrives. Women with PCOS experience this acutely—40% get acne from insulin resistance alone. arq. measures fasting insulin and HOMA-IR (insulin resistance index). If elevated, dietary changes (lower glycemic load), exercise, and sometimes inositol or metformin dramatically improve acne. Blood sugar stability reduces androgens naturally. Most patients see significant acne improvement within 8-12 weeks as insulin normalizes, without needing strong topicals or antibiotics.

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) causes elevated androgens and insulin resistance, triggering severe cystic acne, especially along the jawline. Standard acne treatment (tretinoin, antibiotics) doesn't work because they don't address hormonal imbalance. arq. tests testosterone, DHEA-S, fasting insulin, FSH/LH ratio, and thyroid. PCOS acne responds to: dietary changes (low glycemic), inositol supplementation, spironolactone (anti-androgen), and treatment of underlying insulin resistance. Most PCOS patients see 70-80% acne improvement within 12-16 weeks. Continued hormonal management prevents recurrence. This is fundamentally different from topical-only approaches.

Spironolactone is available in India under brands like Aldactone. It's a potassium-sparing diuretic that blocks androgens, reducing sebum production and acne. Dermatologists sometimes prescribe it, but only after hormonal testing. arq. tests androgen levels to determine if spironolactone is appropriate. Dosing is 50-100 mg daily; results take 8-12 weeks. Side effects are rare but include breast tenderness and irregular periods. It's effective for hormonal acne, especially in women with elevated testosterone or PCOS. Combined with dietary changes and supplements targeting insulin resistance, spironolactone provides lasting clear skin.

Zinc is critical for skin barrier function, immune response to acne bacteria, and hormonal regulation. Low zinc impairs wound healing and increases sebum production. Many acne-prone people are deficient—vegetarians especially, since plant zinc is poorly absorbed. arq. measures serum zinc. If low, supplementation (15-30 mg daily) combined with hormonal treatment accelerates acne clearance. Zinc also modulates testosterone sensitivity at the skin level. Adequate zinc (with hormone balance) produces clear, resilient skin. Most patients notice stronger skin and faster healing within 4-6 weeks of zinc repletion.

arq.'s acne protocol: (1) Physician consult to detail acne pattern—location, severity, hormonal cycle impact. (2) Home blood draw testing 100+ biomarkers, including DHEA-S, free testosterone, fasting insulin, TSH, vitamin D, and zinc. (3) Results within 5 days; your physician identifies the root: elevated androgens, insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction, or nutrient deficiency. (4) Personalized protocol combining dietary changes, supplements, topical treatments, and medication (spironolactone, tretinoin if needed). arq. doesn't treat acne generically—treatment targets your specific hormonal profile. Most patients see 70-80% improvement within 12-16 weeks; clear skin within 16 weeks.