The hormonal effects of oral contraceptives can help some women to clear pimples, blackheads and other acne manifestations. Usually, according to the American Academy of Dermatology's AcneNet, dermatologists try patients on oral contraceptives after other treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoid creams, have failed. Even then, they generally prescribe birth control pills along with other methods in order to attack the acne on several fronts.
Basics
At the root of acne is sebum, an oil produced by the skin. When your body generates too much of the substance, it can combine with dead skin cells to clog your pores. An excess of androgens--male hormones--or a sensitivity to them can cause excess sebum production, according to dermatologist Audrey Kunin. Oral contraceptives balance the androgen with extra estrogen.
Types
According to the Mayo Clinich, three types of birth control pills have U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for treatment of acne in women. They are ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate, sold as Ortho Tri-Cyclen; ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone, sold as Estrostep; and ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone, sold as Yaz.
Complications
Birth control pills can have side effects. The most serious, according to the Mayo Clinic, are a slightly increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, high potassium and blood clots. Other potential problems include headaches, nausea, depression and decreased libido.
Considerations
One major consideration when choosing whether to take oral contraceptives for acne is, of course, whether or not you are interested in getting pregnant. Even if you are not, though, birth control pills still may not be for you. Because of the increased risk for complications, doctors tend not to prescribe oral contraceptives to treat acne in women who are over 35 year old, who smoke, or who have a history of migraines or who have high blood pressure, according to AcneNet.
Time Frame
Like most other forms of acne treatment, oral contraceptives do not yield immediate results. It generally takes about three months to see improvement, according to AcneNet. Before the skin starts to clear, the acne may actually get worse. If that is the case, continue taking the medication as prescribed, AcneNet advises.
Member Comments