Birth Control for Acne Before and After

How does birth control help treat acne? Effects of contraceptives on acne. The hormones in birth control pills can help reduce acne. The tablets reduce the circulation of androgens, which reduces the production of sebum. The tablets must contain both estrogen and progestin to be effective against acne.

Does birth control clear acne?

Birth control pills can be used with other acne treatments, such as topical creams and gels. For women who mainly have a break during their menstrual cycle, some birth control pills can help. Studies show that these pills can clear acne by reducing the overactivity of the sebaceous glands in the skin.

Do progestin-only pills help acne?

However, to date, the FDA has approved only three types of birth control pills for the treatment of acne. All three are combined ■■■■ contraceptives that contain both estrogen and progesterone. In fact, progesterone-only birth control pills can make acne worse.