It may take several months of treatment before acne starts to clear, and flare-ups are common at the beginning of birth control acne treatment. Your doctor may prescribe topical treatments along with birth control pills. When used as directed, most birth control pills have an effectiveness rate of close to 99 percent.
However, a dermatologist may prescribe birth control pills for acne even if contraception is not a concern. The pill also may have other benefits, such as shorter and lighter periods and less painful menstrual cramps. Birth control pills today have lower levels of estrogen and progesterone than in the past, which reduces the risk of medical problems.
However, women taking the pill may still have higher risks of some side effects including:. In some cases, switching to a different pill may relieve side effects, such as breakthrough bleeding and headaches. Your doctor can help determine which pill is best for you. Some women should not take birth control pills if they have certain health conditions or lifestyle habits that may raise their risk of problems.
While it can take as little as a month to notice an improvement, says Twogood, "in most studies, it took three to six months to show a reduction of acne due to birth control use. Side effects of taking birth control pills for acne are the same as those of someone who takes the pill for contraception or any other indication. The most common short-term side effects of birth control are nausea, breast tenderness, and bloating. You may also experience longer-term mood changes and changes in libido.
You should speak with your doctor about whether you're a good candidate for this medication given your medical history and to get more information about other possible side effects. Harper , MD. If your acne is getting especially bad and isn't responding to other treatments, consider speaking with a specialist or your primary care physician. Your doctor can help identify the underlying cause of your breakouts and suggest a treatment plan.
While there is no harm in asking your doctor about taking birth control for your acne, particularly if you believe your breakouts are hormone-related, be prepared to follow a suggested treatment plan, even if it doesn't include the pill. While birth control can be incredibly effective against certain types of acne, it's important to note that it's not intended to be the first line of defense.
Usually, dermatologists will first recommend a topical retinoid. Levin agrees: "In addition to clearing existing acne, Differin Gel will also help to prevent future breakouts from forming by increasing skin cell turnover to minimize clogging of pores.
And while being on birth control can help manage hormonal acne, you still need a solid skincare routine and diet. Foods that are high in sugar or contain dairy are known to cause acne.
To establish a diet conducive to fighting acne , look for foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as those packed with essential fatty acids and antioxidants, to help get acne under control.
As for your skincare routine, Friedman says it should take on a "less-is-more approach" as opposed to loading up on anti-acne products. The inflammation that causes the visible pimple disrupts the skin barrier, impacting its ability to keep water in and harmful things out. Overwashing or using harsh cleansers can further disrupt the skin barrier, which can, in turn, create more inflammation and even more acne. While birth control can be an effective treatment for certain types of acne, it's not appropriate for all acneic skin types nor is it typically the first recommendation for treating acne.
If you're struggling with acne, talk to your doctor about various treatment options, and ask if birth control could be your route to clear skin. Hormonal contraceptives and acne: A retrospective analysis of Patients.
J Drugs Dermatol. A review of hormone-based therapies to treat adult acne vulgaris in women. Int J Womens Dermatol. Cleveland Clinic. Birth control: The pill. Updated July 21, Thank you [email] for signing up. Bottom line: Not all birth control pills treat acne or treat it with the same level of effectiveness. Get the SingleCare prescription discount card. Once you begin taking birth control pills, it could take several weeks to months to see a difference in your skin.
Many studies show some improvement at three months with the greatest improvement evident at six months. This is because the pill needs some time to recalibrate the hormone levels in the body that cause acne. There are a handful of side effects associated with birth control pills. Headaches, nausea, menstrual irregularities such as spotting in between periods , weight gain, and breast tenderness are the most common.
Although rare, a more serious side effect is the risk of deep vein thrombosis—in which a blood clot forms in your vein, often in the thigh or lower leg. If birth control pills do not clear up your acne, your doctor may prescribe another kind of medicine to clear up your skin.
Topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoids, particularly used in conjunction, have been shown to be effective in fighting pimples. Meanwhile, the high blood pressure medicine spironolactone, though not FDA-approved to treat acne, has been shown to be effective, especially among women.
Spironolactone should generally not be used in conjunction with oral birth control products containing the progestin, drospirenone, due to increased risk of adverse effects. In some severe cases, your dermatologist may consider isotretinoin Isotrentinoin coupons What is Isotrentinoin?
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