Do Birth Control Pills Help Cure Acne?

Acne does not necessarily disappear once we are no longer in our teens. In fact, acne can go on to cause the same problems well into adulthood, including embarrassment, a decreased sense of self-esteem, anxiety and even isolation. When it comes to curing acne, there are a myriad number of methods prescribed by dermatologists to treat it, ranging from creams to antibiotics to simply changing one’s diet and even birth control pills. The effectiveness of some of these methods, however, is still to be determined.

Do Birth Control Pills Help Cure Acne?

Dermatologists have been prescribing birth control as a way to cure acne in healthy women and those who have reached sexual maturity for decades. It is typically prescribed only after other acne treatments such as creams or antibiotics that have not worked. However, it is only “combination” oral contraceptives, which contain both estrogen and progesterone, that are approved for treating acne. This only includes a total of three brands, including Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep and YAZ. Alternatively, birth control pills that contain only progesterone can actually make acne worse.

Combination oral contraceptives are thought to work by reducing the amount of androgens in your body. These androgens cause sebum (oil), which promotes the growth of bacteria that can contribute to acne. In this way, while birth control may be somewhat effective, it really only treats one cause of acne – excess sebum or oil. To be sure, there are a number of factors that can potentially contribute to acne besides excess oil production.

On the whole, studies have failed to show a large difference in how well the above birth control pills actually cure acne.

How Can I Actually Cure Acne?

Our team at Fairview Plastic Surgery and Skin Care Centre is committed to helping you look and feel your absolute best. When it comes to treating acne, we offer several different treatments.

First of all, we recommend chemical peels, which can treat acne in sometimes as little as one treatment. Microdermabrasion can also be beneficial for those with acne, including those who have acne scars. We also offer a product called Vivier SkinTx, which is a medical grade skin product that helps to restore skin and correct acne at the cellular level, as well as a number of other problematic skin issues. This particular product is endorsed by leaders in the skincare industry, including dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

If you are suffering from acne, contact our team of professionals at Fairview Plastic Surgery and Skin Care Centre today for a consultation. We are committed to helping you look and feel your best.