The effect of topically applied progesterone on sebum excretion rate

There is evidence that anti-androgens may help in the treatment of acne vulgaris. We therefore performed a double-blind trial to assess the effect of topically applied progesterone on sebum excretion rate. Thirty-eight patients took part in the trial which was for 3 months. The preparation had no effect in males. However, a significant reduction in sebum excretion rate was found in females, the effect being maximal at the end of the second month. There was a significant loss of effect at the end of the third month and this was not related to deterioration of the progesterone preparation.