Acne is the most common skin complication which can occur and happen to both men and women. Usually, we go through our acne-period during our teenage years since this is when our hormones go crazy. This happens when our androgen hormones activate and over-produce on their own. If you’re dealing with unbearable acne and you’ve tried several different face products, cleansers, and skincare treatments with your dermatologist, your next big step may be incorporating birth control into your everyday routine. Here’s all that you should know about this.
Why Did My Acne Flare Up? How Does It All Start?
When our sebaceous glands overproduce oils, we tend to break out. This can also happen if your pores are clogged or filled with dirt, makeup residue, or pollution. Let’s not forget to mention that the use of some makeup or skincare products can irritate your skin and cause it to break out. This also applies if you’re using some expired products (which you should always avoid and double-check).
For some women, luckily, birth control pills can decrease the secretion of oil from your glands. This is why this pill can even out the breakouts (in case you are dealing with hormonal disbalance). If you’re dealing with some topical breakouts, a pill won’t make a difference and it won’t calm down your breakouts. In case you are not dealing with hormonal acne or pimples, you should stay away from the pill.
How Does Birth Control Work?
The birth control pill has synthetic hormones that will prevent the sperm from fertilizing an egg that is in the ovaries. Some pills contain estrogen and progesterone which will change the way your body functions, and the way you produce oils. Women drink these pills orally every day along with a glass of water. Some women use the pill only as a form of contraception and if they don’t want to have kids, while others use them only for their skin. However, it is crucial to talk with your dermatologist and your gynecologist before you make this big step, and before you start using contraception.
Birth Control & Acne
If you go on a pill that contains both estrogen and progestin, you should be able to fight off acne. Each pill has its own variation of hormones, but every kind still needs to be prescribed for acne by your doctor. According to some researchers, birth control can calm down non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne, so it can be used at the early stages of your flare-up.
Also you can check our list of things people with acne should avoid.
What Are The Side Effects When It Comes To The Birth Control Pills?
Unfortunately, there are several different side effects when it comes to contraceptive pills. The most common ones are:
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Weight gain as well as weight loss (can vary from person to person)
- Changes in your period (consistency, smell, cycle, etc)
- Headaches
- Fainting
Also, birth control pills are usually not advised if you have any of the following conditions:
- Heart disease or blood clots
- Hypertensions
- History of cancer (especially breast cancer)
- Any form of liver disease or diabetes
- If you smoke and you are older than 30 years
- You are pregnant or you are breastfeeding
- You are obese or you are physically immobilized
What Are The Different Types Of Birth Control?
The FDA has approved some of the birth control in the U.S, and those are:
Ortho Tri-Cyclen uses estrogen and combines norgestimate. This is a synthetic and handmade form of progesterone. This form of a pill is available in four different doses.
Estrostep uses estrogen and is combined with a progestin called norethindrone. There are four different types of pills available with different kinds of estrogen.
YAZ uses estrogen and it combines a man-made form of progestin. The FDA claims that similar pills can increase the risk of blood clots when compared to other pills.
How To Treat Mild Or Severe Acne?
Women who are at least 14 years old can cure their acne. It is important that you have already gotten your period, and that you are consulting your doctor regarding contraception. Your doctor will prescribe you birth control for the entire month. Once you start the process you might need to continue using the pill for 3-4 months.
However, heads up since an initial flare-up is possible if this is your first time taking birth control pills. Your doctor may also prescribe some other forms of acne treatment, since combining different products may give you the best outcome. They can prescribe medications, antibiotics, as well as some topical products for clearing off the skin.
Intrigued On Going On The Pill?
Did you know that over 60% of women in the U.S. use birth control pills? This study was done mostly on women who were being sexually active. However, nowadays more & more women are using this form of contraception, and it isn’t as big of a taboo as it used to be before. If you’ve tried out all of the other skincare options, such as treatments, products, and surgeries – would you be willing to give this one a try as your final resort? Let us know! We are committed to helping people who suffer from skin issues, or you can book your consultation/treatment directly with us.
