The effect of testosterone and anabolic steroids on the skin surface lipids and the population of Propionibacteria acnes in young postpubertal men.

The effect of testosterone and anabolic steroids on skin surface lipids and the population of Propionibacteria acnes (P. acnes) was studied in power athletes. The subjects used self-administered high doses of testosterone and anabolic steroids during a 12-week strength training period. After 8 weeks' use of hormones the amount of dissolved skin surface lipids (SSL), and the Colony Forming Units/cm2 (CFU/cm2) of P. acnes had increased (p less than 0.01). The percentage values of dissolved SSL constituents changed. The cholesterol (CHO) and also the relative values of free fatty acids (FFA) increased. SSL constituents obtained by collection on absorbent paper likewise changed the dissolved constituents. It was concluded that high doses of testosterone and anabolic steroids may increase the SSL, the P. acnes population, and the percentage of the CHO and FFA of the skin surface lipids in healthy young men.