A 27-year-old member asked:
Does taking birth control pills help clear up your skin...especially acne of the face? im currently on a low hormone birth control?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Bac Nguyenanswered
Family Medicine 24 years experience
Some can help: If you have hormonal-acne, i.e. Worsening of acne during certain time of your cycle, some pills can help reduce this. It depends on certain combo of pills which may or may not help. Consult your for the most appropriate pill for you! if one does not work, try another after a few months.
Good luck.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Tara Passowanswered
Dermatology 41 years experience
Acne and BCP: Response of acne to birth control pills is not predictable. While a given pill can help one person, it may do nothing for another person, and yet another may have her acne worsen with that same brand and strength.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Wesley Grootwassinkanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 31 years experience
Yes: Birth control pills will increase a protein in your blood wich wil bind up the free testosterone in your blood. This decrease in free testosterone decreases acne. Certain pills also contain the abillity to block the conversion of testosterone to its active form in the skin further enhancing the anti-acne effects.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Related questions
A 20-year-old female asked:
I've been put on birth control for my cystic acne and it's now my 7th month and i've cleared up. I want to get off bc, how can I balance my hormones?
Dr. Michael Tomeoanswered
Dermatology 39 years experience
It may flare up: If you discontinue your birth control pills , your acne may flare. You should probably continue the treatment for now. The alternative is to visit a d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old female asked:
I get cystic acne every month before my period. Other than taking birth control pills, what is the best treatment for painful cystic acne due hormone
Dr. Michael Sparacinoanswered
Family Medicine 38 years experience
See your doctor: You have several anti-acne drugs available to you. Some have significant side-effects, making a discussion with your doctor vital.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
I have a hormonal IUD(Kyleena) Recently, my acne has been VERY bad. Is there anything I can do/take to help it ? Any strong topicals? Estrogen/Birth Control Pills?
Dr. John Berrymananswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 55 years experience
IUD ?'s: The hormone in some IUD's is progesterone, which will assist in pregnancy protection, but will not stop menstrual function (ovulation). Oral bcp's wi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
19 viewsReviewed Dec 15, 2020
A 22-year-old female asked:
What can I do for hormonal acne other than birth control pills?
Dr. J. Lawrence Dohananswered
Dermatology 58 years experience
Spironolactone: Prescription. Costs $16 for 3 months. Very safe but not to use if pregnant. Can use with or without birth control meds. Some birth control makes acne ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
How does it take for birth control to clear hormonal acne?
Dr. Mary Davidanswered
Specializes in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Estrogen: Hormonal acne is caused by high levels of androgens ( male hormones like testosterone). The estrogen in bit control pills increases the production of ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 23, 2016
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