Getting started
How to get started with the study
The results of the SAFA trial are out! Our trial has shown evidence that spironolactone is an effective treatment for persistent acne, and a safe and readily available alternative to antibiotics.
The results have been published in the British Medical Journal .
We would like to thank all the women who took part in the study and the hospital and GP research teams who made it possible.
Watch our explainer video on the SAFA results
A short video about SAFA
Watch a short video about the SAFA study
What is SAFA?
Find out more about the SAFA study and why we are doing it
Can you take part in this study?
Find out what taking part in the SAFA study involves
410 women recruited (recruitment complete)
The Spironolactone for Adult Female Acne (SAFA) Research Study
The SAFA study looked at the effectiveness of spironolactone for acne or spots by comparing two treatment groups: either spironolactone or placebo (dummy pill).
Spironolactone is currently used to treat high blood pressure, but may also be effective as an acne treatment.
What is the study about?
This research study recruited 410 adult women (aged 18 years or over). It was run in dermatology centres across the UK (Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Epsom, Harrogate, London, Nottingham, Poole, Portsmouth and Swansea).
We are no longer recruiting participants for this study, and the results have now been published - https://www.bmj.com/content/381/bmj-2022-074349
What did the study involve?
Women who were eligible to take part and who wanted to join the study attended 3 visits (when starting the study, at 6 weeks and 12 weeks) and took either spironolactone or a dummy pill for 24 weeks (6 months). The first visit when starting the study took place at the clinic in person. The visits at 6 weeks and 12 weeks could take place as virtual clinics.
Women stopped taking the study tablets at 24 weeks and were ask you to complete a questionnaire about how satisfied they were with the treatment and to asses if there was any improvement in their spots/acne. Participants were sent a final follow-up questionnaire 6 months or sooner after they stopped taking the study tablets. Participants could continue to use creams, gels or lotions for acne while in the study.
As a thank you for their participation, participants received a £20 shopping voucher at the first visit and a £10 shopping voucher at 6 weeks and 12 weeks.
