Is spironolactone really a miracle cure for acne?
Het Nieuwsblad, 9 June 2026
Does the blood pressure pill spironolactone help against acne? Dr Griet Voet in Het Nieuwsblad on hormonal acne, who it suits and what follow-up is needed.
On social media, spironolactone, an old medicine for high blood pressure, is being praised as a solution for acne. In Het Nieuwsblad, Dr Griet Voet explains how it works: it inhibits the influence of male hormones on the sebaceous glands, resulting in less sebum and less inflammation.
The medicine mainly helps with hormonal acne in adult women, but it is not a miracle cure and usually not a first choice. It is only prescribed when conventional treatments are not enough. Men are not given it, and caution is also needed in pregnancy, kidney problems, high potassium levels or certain heart conditions. A clear effect is only seen after at least three months. At the start, blood pressure is often measured, and a blood test sometimes follows.
Key advice
Only use spironolactone under medical supervision.
It mainly helps with hormonal acne in women, not in everyone.
Give the treatment at least three months.
“Spironolactone can work very well for some patients, but it is not a miracle cure.” — Dr Griet Voet
Want to know more? Read about Acne at Clinique Dermatologie Gent.