Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) may improve acne in women. Birth control pills for acne are typically considered when acne doesn't respond to other treatments, such as prescription medication. Three estrogen-progestin combination birth control pills are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acne in women:* Ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate (Ortho Tri-Cyclen)
* Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone (Estrostep)
* Ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone (Yaz)
Acne develops when sebum — an oily substance that lubricates your hair and skin — and dead skin cells build up in the hair follicle and form together as a soft plug. As the plug grows, the follicle wall can rupture, allowing more oil and skin cells to accumulate. Bacteria then trigger additional inflammation and infection.
Birth control pills for acne work by reducing the amount of sebum. Because the pills target only one cause of acne — excess sebum — it's best to use them with other acne treatments, such as medicated creams containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. You may need to take birth control pills for several months before noticing any results, and your skin may get worse before it gets better.
Though typically safe and effective, birth control pills aren't for everyone. Side effects and possible complications include:
* Headaches
* Change in menstrual flow
* Potential fetal problems, if taken when pregnant
* Breast tenderness
* Nausea and vomiting
* Decreased sex drive (libido)
* Depression
* Slightly increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, high potassium (hyperkalemia) and blood clots
Talk to your doctor about how your health history and age may affect your risks with birth control pills for acne. Don't take combination estrogen-progestin pills if you:
* Are age 35 or older and currently smoke
* Have a history of cardiovascular disease
* Have a history of breast, uterine or liver cancer
* Have a history of blood clots in your legs or lungs