Acne Testing

FAQ

1. Who needs acne tests?

   If you're struggling with persistent or severe acne, these kinds of tests could be beneficial for you. It can help uncover the specific factors triggering your breakouts and guide you towards a more targeted treatment approach. You may also want to get acne testing if you've never had breakouts before, and are now starting to experience them with no clear explanation.

   Whether you're a teenager experiencing hormonal changes or an adult dealing with stubborn acne, testing can offer valuable information to address your skin concerns.

2. What are tests for acne?

   These tests typically involve different types of blood tests to have a closer look at underlying factors that may be contributing to your acne. They can provide valuable insights into hormonal imbalances, inflammation markers, vitamin deficiencies, and other potential causes of acne.

   The most commonly tested biomarkers for this purpose are:

   • CRP
   • SHBG
   • Cortisol
   • DHEA-s
   • Prolactin
   • FSH & LH
   • Thyroid profile
   • Testosterone, free and total

   Food allergy tests such as gluten or lactose intolerance tests may also be required to fully understand the root cause of your acne.

3. What blood tests should be done to diagnose acne?

   Acne tests usually focus on finding potential underlying root causes of breakouts, such as:

   • Inflammation
   • Poor general health
   • Vitamin deficiencies
   • Hormonal imbalances

   Blood tests are very helpful in understanding what's below the surface. However, needless to say, it is always recommended that you speak to a dermatologist to go over your results and get your skin thoroughly examined. With data from your blood test and guidance from a professional, you'll be on the road to finding the ideal solution for your individual needs.

4. What does a hormone test for acne involve?

   Hormone tests require a blood sample. Your sample is then analyzed at our advanced labs to evaluate the levels of various hormones and other biomarkers in your body, such as androgens (including testosterone). By understanding your hormone levels, you can start ruling out or catching imbalances that may be contributing to your breakouts.

5. How can acne testing help tailor my treatment plan?

   Acne lab tests can give you a snapshot of your hormone balance, inflammation and vitamin status that could be contributing to your breakouts. By identifying these specific triggers, you can start managing your skincare from the inside out. Addressing imbalances or underlying conditions is the first step to clear skin.

   However, some humans' acne can be due to external factors like poor hygiene, alcohol & drug use, or specific allergies to different chemicals or items. The next step after blood testing, is to visit your trusted dermatologist. They will be able to guide you through the best treatment options taking into account the root cause of your acne, general health and lifestyle habits.

6. Can testing hormones for acne help in diagnosing the severity of the condition?

   Hormone blood tests can't offer a direct measure of acne severity but it does help add data and understanding to potential causes. Determining severity relies on the visual examination and evaluation by a dermatologist or skincare pro. However, hormone testing does come in handy by revealing one of the most common underlying causes that contribute to acne: hormone imbalances.

   If you do have a hormone imbalance, you can work towards addressing and controlling it, which will in turn greatly improve your skin.

7. Can tests for acne help determine what type of acne I have?

   Yes. Blood tests are definitely a valuable tool in determining what type of acne you have. They also play a part in identifying possible triggers or underlying factors associated with different types of skin conditions.

   However, considering the complexity of skin health, determining the exact type of acne you're experiencing usually relies on the keen eyes of a dermatologist during a visual examination. When blood tests are combined with the expertise of a pro, the results can help tailor the best and most effective treatment plan that suits your unique skin needs.

8. How often should I get tested if I have acne?

   If you've been experiencing breakouts recently, regular testing may be recommended to uncover the underlying causes and monitor any changes in your hormones, inflammation markers and vitamin status.

   If you're taking acne medication already, it is recommended that you get tested at least 3 times per year to monitor your treatment safety (especially to keep track of your liver and kidney health from possible medication side effects).

   The frequency of testing can be adjusted based on how well your acne treatment plan is working and any changes in your acne symptoms. In any case, chatting it out with your dermatologist can help you find the right testing frequency for you.

9. Do I need to visit a doctor?

   Nope. You don't need a doctor's visit to get a test with us.

10. How do I get my results?

    You'll get your results via email as soon as they are available. We will notify you via SMS as well. You can also see them at any time in the future right in your dashboard where you can easily share them with your professional and compare them side by side with future tests.

11. Does my lab prescription expire?

    We're the only lab that honors your lab order forever.