The Top 4 Brands Of Birth Control Pills For Acne
There are only 4 brands of birth control pills that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for preventing pregnancy AND treating acne. The FDA is the federal organization that must approve all prescription drugs, both brand-name, and generic brands, for their intended use.
That said, doctors will tell you that almost any combination birth control pill should help with acne.
However, these 4 birth control pill brands are special because the chemicals and specific hormones that they contain have been shown to help with acne.
The 4 FDA-approved brands of birth control pills for acne are the following:
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Beyaz®: Drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol/ levomefolate calcium tablets
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Estrostep® Fe: Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP and ferrous fumarate tablets
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Yaz®: Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets
If you’re interested in any of the above 4 brands for acne, let us help you pick the best option for you.
Why Some Birth Control Is Bad For Your Skin
Different pills have different chemical formulations, and the side effects these chemicals can have can vary from person to person. This is why you might have a friend who loves their birth control pill, but when you took it you experienced lots of negative side effects. Heres a deeper look into the ways birth control pills can differ and what effect that may have on your body.
There are many different birth control choices on the market. While they all prevent pregnancy, not all birth control choices contain the same ingredients. Most hormonal birth control contains estrogen and progestin. Different contraceptives use different types of progestin, and each type of progestin can affect your body differently. There are some contraceptives choices that can increase the chances of acne breakouts by containing a progestin that has an androgenic effect on your body.;
Birth Control Pills Function Best When Used Together With Acne Creams
Birth control is rarely used entirely by itself when youre trying to get rid of acne. Dermatologists usually also prescribe lotions and topical creams that are meant to fight everyday pimples, such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoid. There isnt any research out there to figure out whether the pill is as effective on its own compared to its effect alongside acne creams, but we do know that its quite common for doctors to encourage their patients to use both.
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So My Birth Control Wont Cause Acne
Still need reassurance? Again, to directly answer the questions does birth control cause acne and can birth control cause acne, the answer is no, oral contraceptives are not a direct cause of acne. However, whether birth control helps or worsens your acne is highly dependent on the type of contraceptive taken which is why it is important to understand what type of oral contraceptive increases your risk of breakouts.
If youre considering whether to begin taking birth control for your acne, or you already take birth control and think its making you have worse breakouts, check what type of oral contraception youre on.
Which Contraceptive Pill Is Best For Acne
Co-cyprindiol, the generic form of the treatment Dianette, is a combined contraceptive pill which is licensed for use in cases of severe acne, rather than as a contraceptive. It is often prescribed to women who have not seen an improvement in their acne when using antibiotics. Co-cyprindiol helps to block the hormones that cause a build-up of sebum in the hair follicles which prevents acne from forming.
Co-cyprindiol is the generic name of the treatment, it is often known by its branded versions Dianette or Clairette.;
Yasmin, or its generic version, Lucette are also sometimes prescribed to treat acne, they work like Co-cyprindiol to prevent the build up of sebum that so often creates acne.;
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Yes Birth Control Helps Acne Here Are The Best Options
- Birth control is one of the standard treatment options for patients with hormonal acne.;
- Birth control can help with acne because they regulate the hormones that cause excess oil in your skin.
- Although other pills may help, the FDA has only approved three types for treating acne: Yaz, Estrostep, and Orth-Tri-Cyclen.
- It’s possible that birth control can make your acne worse. And sometimes, your skin will get worse before it gets better when you start the pill.;
- This article was reviewed by;Olivia P. Myrick, MD, who is a clinical assistant professor with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at;NYU Langone.
- This story is part of Insider’s guide on Birth Control.
When topical acne treatments fail, birth control is an option that can be very effective for many acne sufferers.
“Physicians have been prescribing birth control as a treatment for hormonal acne for many years,” says Lavanya Krishnan, MD, FAAD, of Arya Derm in San Francisco. “It is one of the standard treatment options for patients who have hormonal acne.”
Alternative Birth Control Pill For Acne: Estrostep
Estrostep is one of the four birth control pill brands approved for acne. Estrostep is made up of a combination of a progestin called norethindrone and an estrogen called estradiol. It works by reducing your body’s androgen levels, and in turn, reducing the production of oil in your skin.
The cost of Estrostep ranges from $44 to $142 for a month’s supply.
Estrostep has similar side effects to other birth control pills. They are mostly mild and include breast tenderness, mood swings, vomiting, and nausea. In very rare cases, some people might experience high blood pressure, strokes, and blood clots on Estrostep. If you notice any signs of these side effects, stop the pill immediately and see your doctor. Women above the age of 35 who smoke are also discouraged from taking Estrostep, as they are more likely to experience severe side effects.
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Does Birth Control Cause Acne
Have you ever noticed a friends skin clearing up after starting birth control? Combined oral contraceptive pills can be used for more than just preventing pregnancy.
Oral birth control is widely used to treat and control acne. Healthcare providers have prescribed the pill to women with problematic hormonal acne for decades, and the FDA even recommends three specific birth control pills for women suffering from acne.
On the other hand, theres also a persistent belief that birth control pills can cause acne — a belief thats backed up by some anecdotal cases.
The relationship between birth control pills and acne can be confusing. After all, hormones are highly complicated. Luckily, with a bit of explanation, its easy to understand the role oral birth control plays in controlling, treating and managing acne.
Below, weve explained how birth control can work as an acne treatment, as well as whether or not birth control can cause acne.;
Weve also looked at the types of birth control most commonly used for acne, as well as the difference between oral birth control and other acne treatments.
When Is Yaz A Good Fit
Yaz is usually prescribed for women and teenagers who, show no adverse reactions to birth control pills. Women who have a history of heart disease or at a high risk of developing blood clots should not take Yaz.
You may experience some side effects when using Yaz include nausea, headaches, mood swings, and breast tenderness.
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Treating Acne With Birth Control Pills
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the standard acne treatments prescribed by dermatologists are antibiotics, topical correctives, medications such as isotretinoin, and birth control pills for females. While birth control pills can help clear up acne temporarily, they are not a long-term solution. When you stop taking the pill, the acne typically returns.
Along with birth control pills, its not uncommon for dermatologists to prescribe a medication called spironolactone. Although spironolactone can treat hormonal acne by decreasing oil production in your skin, its not recommended due to its many side effects. When you go off of the medication, severe breakouts can occur. It takes about 3-6 months for your skin to normalize again.
Which Birth Control Is Best For Hormonal Acne
There are several hormonal birth control methods on the market. Oral contraceptive pills remain one of the most popular forms. There are two types of birth control pills: combination pills and minipills . Different forms of hormonal birth control include:;
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To treat acne, a dermatologist will prescribe a combined oral contraceptive pill, which contains both estrogen and progestin. The Food and Drug Administration has approved four birth control pills for acne treatment: Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep, Beyaz, and Yaz.;
RELATED: Estrostep details | Beyaz details | Yaz details
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Can A Dermatologist Prescribe Birth Control For Acne
There are currently 3 birth control pills that are FDA-approved for acne treatment: Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Yaz, and Estrostep. As implied in this article, many other birth controls have been prescribed as off-label use for acne.
While dermatologists can prescribe birth control for acne, they generally tend to refer their patients to a primary care doctor or gynecologist since the main indication for birth control pills is contraception, and it is critical for sexually active women to receive check-ups and pap smears before starting on birth control.
How Does Birth Control Treat Acne
As every teenager knows, there’s a clear relationship between hormones and acne. Some women experience premenstrual flare-ups of acne as their hormone levels shift during their cycle. And for some, acne simply persists through the years, even after menopause.
Acne is triggered by an excess production of sebum. Sebum is an oil made by glands in your skin. Along with skin cells, sebum can clog pores and promote the growth of bacteria that contribute to acne. Androgens, a group of hormones that includes testosterone, stimulate your skin to produce sebum.
A woman’s ovaries and adrenal glands normally produce a low level of androgens. Higher levels of androgens can lead to excess sebum. Taking birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progesterone lowers the amount of androgens in your body. This results in less sebum and less severe acne.
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Birth Control Pill Basics
Oral contraceptives, commonly known as birth control pills, are medications that prevent pregnancy. Birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. These hormones prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg and change the lining of the uterus. Women who take birth control pills can have monthly menstrual cycles or cycles every 12 weeks, depending on the type of pill.
Common side effects of hormonal birth control can include:
- nausea
- Zovia
- Ortho-Cyclen
When using birth control pills to treat acne, you should expect it to take a few months before your skin clears.
A recent study by the Cochrane Fertility Regulation Group reviewed 31 research reports on birth control and acne. It examined the effectiveness of birth control in treating acne and concluded that the hormonal birth control pills studied effectively treat acne for the most part.
What Is The Best Birth Control Pill For Acne
The best birth control pill for acne is a combination pillone that contains both estrogen and progestin. The FDA has approved four such birth control pills for the treatment of acne: Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep Fe, Beyaz, and Yaz.;
The type of progestin the pill contains can also affect a birth control pills efficacy, per a study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. According to their findings, drospirenone was the most helpful in preventing acne, while levonorgestrel and norethindrone were the least helpful.;
In fact, one combination birth control pill that contains norethindrone acetate, Lo Loestrin , can actually cause breakouts , so it should probably not be taken if you are looking to clear up skin problems. Bottom line: Not all birth control pills treat acne or treat it with the same level of effectiveness.;
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Can Birth Control Pills Help Acne
The pill works by giving you such a high dose of hormones that your brain stops talking to your ovaries. This mechanism reduces production of testosterone, which is why some docs think;birth control pills fix your acne.
By lowering testosterone, oil production is also reduced. The theory is that the oil is why you get acne and by lowering the hormone that influences its production then you can eliminate acne. Of course, youre also eliminating your mood, motivation, and libido too because women need testosterone.
Myth : Acne Will Go Away Quickly
Although acne may clear up, it can get worse before it improves. Carroll said there is a skin cycle and when you see an acne spot, it has been developing for a number of weeks.
You cant expect by dabbing a little potion or lotion on a spot that it will then conversely go away overnight, she said. It takes time for the body to respond to the medication, or even if youre not medicating, it takes time for your body to deal with the breakout.
The best way to clear your skin is to talk to your doctor about what treatment is right for you, Carroll said.
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I Just Started Taking The Pill And Now Im Breaking Out Doesnt The Pill Help With Acne
By | Aug. 25, 2011, 4:24 p.m.
Category:
i just started taking the contraceptive pill. my face is full of sore, red pimples. ive been stressed lately, but ive never had such a breakout. plus, shouldnt the pill be helping?
Yes. Protection against acne is a known benefit of combination pills pills that contain both estrogen and progestin. But combination pills do not have an immediate impact on acne. It might take up to six months of use for the pill to bring relief. However, if youre taking a progestin-only pill, it will not offer this benefit.
If, after six months, your acne has not been relieved by taking the combination pill, you should talk with your health care provider about this. She or he can determine whether or not your acne it a sign of a condition that should be looked into.
Tags: birth control, the pill, acne
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Hormonal Birth Control And Acne
Acne is often the result of hormonal imbalance in the body your doctor might call it an androgen-mediated problem. In other words, androgens play a key role in your body regardless of your sex or gender. Androgens, such as testosterone, boost skin cell growth and stimulate the skin to produce more oil. This can then lead to blocked pores and thus acne.
Most hormones have a counterregulatory hormone a hormone that opposes its effects. The counterregulatory hormone of testosterone is estrogen, which is commonly supplied in birth control pills. This is why many doctors recommend hormonal birth control for treating acne. The estrogen supplied in the birth control can counter the effects of testosterone.
So now we know why birth control methods are often prescribed for acne, lets go back to our original question does birth control cure or cause acne? The reality is that birth control can both cure AND cause acne. Studies show that birth control pills can reduce acne by 55% on average. However, acne may come back even worse after the pill is stopped. Birth control can also make your acne worse if it lacks sufficient antiandrogenic properties.
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Absolute Contraindications To Oral Contraceptives
- Migraine with aura
- Smoking: women aged over 35 years who smoke >15 cigarettes/day
- Ischaemic heart disease, past or current
- Stroke
- Active liver disease: viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, or tumour
- Major surgery with prolonged immobilisation
- Deep venousthrombosis, past or current
- Hypertension: poorly controlled
- Breast cancer, current
Myth : Going On Birth Control Will Permanently Clear Skin
Taking the pill is sometimes just a temporary solution, Caroll said. When you use birth control, the hormones causing the acne are levelling out. But it is possible for the acne to come back for some people once they get off the pill because the underlying problem was not solved.
Its a treatment. Its not a cure.
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If Your Acne Has Flared Up After Quitting The Contraceptive Pill Heres Everything You Need To Know
Choosing to quit the contraceptive pill is a big decision. Many of us have a love-hate relationship with our pill. Some of us quit because we want to feel better mentally, some of us want to see how your body feels without artificial hormones and some of us want to get pregnant.;
But, theres one thing that many people dont expect as a consequence of quitting the pill and thats acne! If youve recently quit the pill and your skin looks and feels worse than ever youre far from alone.
Join us as we take a look at post-pill acne, why we get it and what you can do about it.;
But first..
Did you know that acne after stopping the pill is one of the most common reasons why women choose to go back on the birth control pill?! Post-pill acne is a real issue for many women and developing problem skin after years of suppressing your hormones can be really hard. Acne is still so much associated with teenagers and puberty meaning that those who develop acne after quitting the pill often find that their friends and families just dont know how to help or how to talk about it. With that in mind were here to help.;
The biggest myths about post-pill acne
One of the biggest myths about post-pill acne is that it is caused by quitting the pill. This isnt the case! The first thing you need to know about the pill is that although it is often prescribed whilst were teenagers to help us manage our acne, it suppresses our hormones and so doesnt actually address the root cause of the problem.;
