Could birth control pills help treat acne?

Yes: Since hormones play a role in the development of acne, regulating these hormone fluctuations with birth control pills can help treat acne. This is particularly true in women who notice worsen acne flare-ups with their period. Certain birth control brands such as Yaz (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) and yasmin have specific anti-androgen (anti-testosterone) effects which are quite effective for acne.

Yes: Most combination birth control methods (combined birth control pills, the patch, and the ring) help acne for most women. Progestin-only methods (the shot, the implant, and sometimes the hormone iud)can make acne worse. Of course there are benefits and risks of all medications that you should discuss with your clinician.

Yes: Birth control pills help lower the amount of circulating male hormones called androgens. Decreasing the amount of androgen can help improve acne especially when combined with other acne treatments.

Yes: For some women they help, for other women they cause acne.