I’d heard of people using birth control pills for acne but never really understood the connection between the two. I sought out to find why some dermatologists prescribe birth control pills for acne- just like one did for my baby sister who’s dealt with cystic acne most of her life.
If, so does it help? What are the best birth control pills to help with acne? I sourced for info and put together reviews to help understand both the benefits and side effects of using birth control to get rid of acne.
Article Contents
It is one of the most common skin problems. While it is considered normal at some point in our lives due to hormonal flares, some people develop severe forms which may require medical interventions. I bet no one likes to deal with acne and pimples. Even worse, is the aftermath of scars that blotches your face.
Environmental factors such as pollution, pathogens, and dust have contributed significantly to the growing significance of acne around the global. Other substantial causes of acne include stress, hormones, digestive problems and poor skincare routines. For severe forms of acne, genetics may play a big role.
The treatment of acne depends on the severity of the skin disorder and the reaction to various treatment methods. There are numerous primary treatment methods for acne that include over the counter treatment such as lotions, cleansers or creams. If the acne persistently does not clear up, then dermatologist may recommend both pill-based medications and topical therapy in the form of retinoids and antibiotics. Dermatologists have advocated the use of birth control pills as a treatment method for treating acne.
One of the primary causes of acne is a hormonal imbalance. An increase in the male hormone androgen which is present in both men and women. The hormone androgen causes sebaceous glands to produce the excess oil which clogs skin pores resulting in acne breakouts. Acne usually manifests itself in various forms of; blackheads, pimples whiteheads, nodules and cystic lesions.
Change in hormonal levels may trigger acne breakout in women and men. These changes that occur during menopause, pregnancy, menstruation, and puberty affect the skin oil glands. Acne forms when the skin glands produce excess oil. The excess oil(sebum) clogs the pores resulting in skin blemishes and appearance of pimples. Periods of stress and acne cause fluctuations in uncertainty and anxiety. The changes in periods cause an increase in androgen which results in stimulation of the adrenal glands and produces sebum in the skin follicles. Pimples and acne form when the excess sebum combines with p. Acne bacteria, debris, and dead skin cells.
Birth control pills contain synthetic hormones that aid in reducing the secretion of oil from the glands resulting in minor breakouts. Oral contraceptive pills that contain both progesterone and estrogen aid in reducing the amount of androgen within the body. When there is less presence of androgen, the body produced less sebum which results in reduced acne breakouts.
Not all birth control pills can control acne dermatologist have linked medicines that contain progestin to worsen and promote acne breakouts.
Whether by coincidence or taken deliberately, many women find that oral contraceptive pills clear up their acne. For some, however, birth control has minimal effect on the blemished skin. These effects may vary on using different brands. Here are common contraceptive brands (with most reviews) on getting rid of acne.
The use of Estrostep as a treatment method for acne has been in use for some time. The oral pill decreases testosterone and increases SHBG.
This pill combines progestin referred to as norgestimate and estrogen
The use of YAZ contraceptives has been marked with great controversy over the years. At one point the contraceptives were one of the leading pills used in America. It combines both synthetic progestin referred to as drospirenone and estrogen. The combination of both progestin and estrogen in YAZ increases the sex hormone levels and reduces testosterone levels. It is an effective treatment for moderate acne for women above the age of 14 years who have only begun menstruating.
Health experts found the use of YAZ increases the chances of developing a blood clot.
Oral contraceptives can reduce the bacteria surface on the skin pores. Additionally, oral contraceptives act as anti-inflammatory agents reducing inflammation and skin irritation which is often associated skin breakouts.
Health precautions are essential when taking contraceptives for acne. Dermatologist recommends that there are people who should not take birth control pills because of the significant side effects risk associated. These include people who.
For most people, the use of birth control pills for acne comes as a last resort. I have read reviews of people who swear by the fact that this remedy worked for them. However, most say they had to stop its use due to the side effects which may be unbearable for some. Note that not everyone will experience these unwanted effects as our bodies react differently to hormonal treatment. Here are the most common side effects of Contraceptive pills;
Here are some reviews and experiences from people who’ve used birth control for acne
“I have been on this pill for around 4 months and my skin has been better than its ever been before. I’m 18, but ever since I was in the fifth grade I have suffered with gross cystic acne. I have tried many sorts of topical creams and another version of birthcontrol (ortho tri cyclen), but yaz has done the most so far. I’ve had slight weight loss, my sex drive was boosted, and my skin has felt much clearer (with the exception of one breakout). I have not noticed any of the bad side effects people keep talking about, the only thing I have noticed was dry hands. If your skeptical about yaz, DONT BE!”
“Initially going on it was pretty rough. I went through a rollar coaster of side effects. Nausea, headaches, minor weight gain, 1st month wasn’t a good time but I just finished month 3 and my cystic acne has completely cleared up as well as the side effects and I couldn’t be happier. Although the adjustment period was rough I think it is worth it in the long run.”
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