What skin condition is improved by the reduction of free androgens in women who use combined oral contraceptives?

The skin condition that is improved by the reduction of free androgens in women who use combined oral contraceptives is acne. Combined oral contraceptives work by altering hormone levels in the body, specifically by decreasing the levels of androgens, which are hormones that can contribute to increased sebum production and the development of acne lesions.

By lowering free androgen levels, these contraceptives help to reduce the oiliness of the skin, decrease the likelihood of pores becoming clogged, and consequently, mitigate the formation of acne. This mechanism is why combined oral contraceptives are often prescribed as an effective treatment for hormonal acne in women.

Other conditions mentioned, such as psoriasis, acanthosis nigricans, and eczema, do not have a direct correlation with androgen levels in the same way that acne does. Each of those conditions is influenced by different factors, including inflammatory processes, insulin resistance, or environmental triggers, rather than the hormonal pathways directly affected by the use of combined oral contraceptives.