If you’re taking birth control for hormonal acne (acne brought on by hormonal fluctuations), you’ll want to choose a combination birth control pill that has estrogen and progestin. The progesterone-only mini pill won’t have the same impact—in fact, progesterone-only birth control pills can increase acne for some people.
How Does Birth Control Treat Acne?
Hormonal acne is caused by high levels of hormones called androgens (a type of sex hormone), which cause your skin to produce more oil. This can lead to acne. Androgens rise during puberty, which is why acne becomes more common during this time. However, some people have hormonal acne well into adulthood.
Combination birth control pills, which contain both estrogen and progestin, result in reduced inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. Most people with acne who start a combination birth control pill see a reduction in their acne symptoms within two to three months.
However, not all birth control pills help with acne. The progestin-only mini pill won’t clear up acne and may even make it worse. That’s because progestin can mimic androgens in the body, increasing oil production.
Types of Birth Control Effective for Acne
Most types of combination birth control pills are effective at treating hormonal acne. There are three types of birth control pills that have been specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating acne in women who are 15 or older, and who have started their periods.
The three types of birth control approved for treating acne are:
- Ortho Tri-Cyclen (ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate)
- Estrostep Fe ( ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone acetate)
- Yaz (ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone)
However, you’re not limited to these three options. Your healthcare provider can also prescribe other combination birth control “off-label” for acne. That means you’re being given medication for a purpose other than the purpose it was initially approved for. Research has shown that most combination birth control pills are similarly effective at treating hormonal acne.
Benefits of Birth Control for Acne
Combination birth control pills are generally very effective at treating acne. The benefits of birth control for treating acne include:
What Are the Side Effects of Birth Control for Acne?
The side effects of birth control pills can include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
There are also rare but serious side effects, including blood clots and deep vein thrombosis. It is important to note that birth control may deplete the body of minerals and vitamins, so a person’s nutritional needs may change when on birth control.
Other side effects to consider with hormonal contraceptive use are an increase in chronic inflammation. This increases the risk of inflammation-related disorders, such as cardiovascular disease, depression, and autoimmune disease.
Can Birth Control Make Acne Worse?
Most people who go on birth control will see an improvement in their hormonal acne within two to three months. However, there are some situations in which birth control can make acne worse. For example, you may experience an uptick in acne if you stop birth control pills.
In addition, progesterone-only pills can make acne worse since progesterones can mimic androgens in the body, and lead to more oily skin.
Acne Treatment Alternatives
If you have hormonal acne but don’t want to use birth control, there’s another option: a blood pressure medication called Aldactone (spironolactone).
According to one study, 93% of those who tried spironolactone showed improvement in their acne. However, spironolactone is not safe for people who are pregnant or who may become pregnant as it can cause malformations in the fetus. Because of that, healthcare providers recommend that people on spironolactone use reliable birth control if they are at risk of pregnancy.
In addition to hormonal therapy, there are a wide range of acne treatments. These include lifestyle changes like managing stress, adapting your diet, and having a good skin care routine. Over-the-counter and prescription medications can also help, as can treatments like laser treatments.
When to Ask a Provider
If you’re struggling with acne, talk to a healthcare provider and consider consulting a dermatologist (a specialist in skin conditions). They can help you create a treatment plan that works for you.
They can also help you decide whether using birth control to treat acne is the right choice for you. A gynecologist (specialist in women’s health) can also weigh in about the other ways that birth control might impact your health and wellness.
Although acne is common, managing it can be complex. If you’re not making progress treating acne on your own, reach out to a healthcare provider for professional guidance.
Key Takeaways
- Taking birth control for acne can help clear up redness, pimples, and other symptoms caused by hormones within two to three months of starting the medication.
- While birth control for acne is effective, it comes with side effects, including reduced pregnancy risk, breast tenderness, and increased risk of blood clots.
- Talk with a dermatologist or gynecologist about whether birth control for acne is right for you, and what other treatment methods may work.
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