Birth control pills for hormonal acne

The treatment of acne in women can be done with the use of contraceptives, because this medicine helps in the control of hormones such as androgens, reducing the oiliness of the skin and the formation of pimples. 

Normally, the effect on the skin is observed around 3 to 6 months of continuous use of contraceptive pills, and the best ones to help control acne are those that contain an estrogen derivative, associated with progestogens such as: 

• Drospirenone : such as Ilimit, Radiance 20, Yaxibelle, Miafem 20, Femelle 20, Jasmín or Kala;

• Cyproterone : such as Diane 35, Mileva, Dixi 35;

• Dienogest : like the brands Qlaira and Visannette;

• Clormadinona : as Belara.

Cyproterone is the progestin that has the strongest effects, so it should only be used in severe cases of acne, for as short a period of time as possible, because it is not as safe. Drospirenone, Dienogest and Chlormadinone are most used for the treatment of mild to moderate acne.

When to use the contraceptive pill for acne

Treatment for acne should preferably be done with the use of topical products such as cleansing lotions and creams with retinoic acid, adapalene or benzoyl peroxide. In addition to this, topical and oral antibiotics in tablets such as isotretinoin or spironolactone, prescribed by the dermatologist, can also be used. 

However, oral contraceptives may be an option for pimple control in some women, especially when:

• Acne did not improve with other products;

• Desire to use any contraceptive method, in addition to controlling pimples;

• Pimples that get worse or inflamed during the premenstrual period;

• When the cause of acne is a disease that increases the levels of androgens in the body, such as polycystic ovary syndrome. 

As the contraceptive modifies the levels of hormones in the woman's body, the gynecologist should be consulted before starting its use.

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In addition to this, it can cause some side effects such as dizziness, pain and tenderness in the breasts, headache and bleeding outside of menstruation, and if these symptoms are very intense, the use of the medication should be stopped and consult a doctor. 

How do they work

The most indicated contraceptives as acne treatment auxiliaries, act by decreasing the production of sebum by the sebaceous glands, reduce follicular hyperkeratinization, decrease the proliferation of the bacteria that causes acne, called Propionibacterium acnes, and still reduce inflammation, thus improving the appearance of the skin and reducing the appearance of new pimples.

Can quitting the contraceptive cause acne?

It is very common that when women stop using contraceptives their skin feels greasier and pimples appear, for this reason the use of cleaning products for the face is recommended, in order to control oiliness such as lotions or soaps that are sold in pharmacies One example is Clinique brand acne products.

If the symptoms are very severe, a dermatologist should be consulted for an evaluation of the skin and to prescribe a more individualized treatment.

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When not to use contraceptives

The use of contraception is contraindicated in cases of:

• Pregnancy and during breastfeeding;

• Kids;

• Men;

• Smoking;

• Hypertension;

• Presence of unexplained vaginal bleeding;

• Uncontrolled diabetes;

• Personal history of thrombosis, heart attack, or stroke;

• Personal or family history of diseases that increase blood clotting;

• Breast cancer;

• Cirrhosis or liver cancer;

• Very strong migraines.

In addition to this, it should not be used in people with hypersensitivity to any of the components of the contraceptive formula.