Acne affects almost everyone at some point, and it usually resolves by the time people reach their 30s. Acne often occurs on the face, chest, back, and shoulders. Adolescents are at the highest risk of experiencing acne.
Some birth control pills (oral contraceptives) have been approved to treat acne in women. Because acne is affected by hormones in the body, stabilizing those hormone levels with oral contraceptives may be beneficial.
This article will describe how birth control pills may reduce acne and which ones to try.
How Birth Control Pills Work
Birth control pills are oral medications that prevent pregnancy. These medications contain the hormones progestin and sometimes estrogen. The pill works by stopping or reducing ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) in order to prevent pregnancy. These medications do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Birth control pills are commonly used in the United States. From 2015 to 2017, it’s estimated that 12.6% of women aged 15–49 used oral contraception.
In addition to preventing pregnancy and helping with acne, oral contraceptives can be effective in treating:
Anemia Dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps) Endometriosis Migraines Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Hormones and Acne
The hormones in our bodies can greatly affect our skin. Hormone-related acne can occur when hormonal changes increase the amount of oil that is produced in your skin. Acne occurs when the pores become clogged, and an excess amount of oil quickly clogs the pores.
For women, hormone levels naturally change over time. Your hormones change throughout menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and anytime you take or stop taking birth control pills.
Pills Approved for Acne
There are four brands of oral contraceptives that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of acne. All of these pills are combination drugs that contain both progestin and estrogen. The progestin-only pill (the minipill) has not been proven effective against acne.
FDA-approved birth control pills for acne include:
Yaz (drospirenone and Ethinyl estradiol) Ortho Tri-Cyclen (Ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate) Beyaz (drospirenone, Ethinyl estradiol, and levomefolate) Estrostep FE (Ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone acetate, and ferrous fumarate)
Side Effects
Oral contraceptives have possible side effects and complications that must be considered before beginning a new routine. Common side effects include:
Breast tendernessSpotting between periodsHeadachesNauseaIrritability
More serious complications can include:
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Heart attack High blood pressure Breakthrough bleeding Stroke
When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider
If you are curious if birth control pills could be a good fit for you and your skin, speak with your healthcare provider. They will be able to make specific recommendations and discuss your risk for side effects or complications.
Once you begin a regular birth control pill regimen, stay in contact with your healthcare provider. Tell them if you are experiencing any side effects. It’s helpful to remember that it can take about two to three months to start seeing an improvement in your acne.
Summary
Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point in their lifetimes. Birth control pills are oral medications that prevent pregnancy using hormones. Because hormones play a part in the development of acne, combination birth control pills that have both progestin and estrogen have been found to be effective at treating acne.
A Word From Verywell
If you have been struggling with acne for a few weeks or a few years, you are most likely eager to get rid of it as soon as possible. This common skin condition can affect your self-image and quality of life, so don’t put off talking with your healthcare provider. Ask if an oral contraceptive may be helpful and what types of side effects to expect.
Wash your face twice daily. Use a gentle cleanser that does not irritate your skin. Never scrub or rub your skin too harshly. Avoid touching your face as much as possible .
