Acne.org Products
Hormonal Therapy
Efficacy
63%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Note: Improvement significantly increases after 24 weeks.
Hormonal Therapy
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Any brand of oral contraceptive appears to clear the skin about the same amount, regardless of whether it is officially approved for acne treatment. Some people report complete clearing of acne symptoms and others see partial relief. However, artificially controlling your hormones is a serious decision, so it’s best to proceed with caution.
Hormonal Therapy
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
February 16, 2008
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)
Cons:
Depression, mood swings, crying, sudden bursts anger, no sex drive.
2-3 months after I got off of it, I started breaking out with small white bumps ALL over my face. Some turned into pimples others have just stayed for 6+ months of being off.
Don't use it. I never had serious skin problems before this medication. Not only did it make me crazy for the 2 months I was on it, I now have serious acne on my face, jawline, shoulders, and right along my spinal cord down my back. Worst medicine I have ever taken. Biggest regret of my life.
November 30, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
My periods were really irregular prior to Yasmin. But ever since I took it, my periods became regular which was great. Skin began to clear up after my second pack. No major mood swings either.
Cons:
I experienced leg cramps during my first pack, but it went away soon after. A BIG con was the fact that my underarms began to have an unpleasant odor when I began taking this. It went away after I got off the pill.
Yasmin is really good for pregnancy prevention. It really helps with your acne as well. It may take a little longer for some to see actual results with your skin, but just give it time. I started seeing results on my second month. However, because of the underarm odor, I stopped taking it. The side effects vary from person to person, and unfortunately that was mine.
November 14, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
no pregnancy, shorter periods
Cons:
severe acne break-outs & weight gain
i am 17 and this product works for preventing pregnancy but is extremely bad because i didnt have any acne until use of this product and now i have moderate/severe acne. it also makes you gain A LOT of weight. i am now off the pill looking for a new one.
November 11, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
No pregnancy
Cons:
Increased Acne and Mood swings
I was prescribed Yasmin because I was breaking out on my face. A month after starting, my breakouts are much worse. In addition, my mood swings are awful. I get angry and irritated very easily. My kids and husband have noticed a difference in me. I just can't control my sadness and frustration. I hope the makers of Yasmin review this board. I'm going to switch pills at my next visit in one month.
September 13, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Not sure yet. First week into it.
Cons:
I noticed a huge hard zit on the tip of my nose that really hurts but can't do anything about. I look like Rudolph.
I'll wait to see the pros and cons. Doing this more for skin so I'll repost after my month and see if there are any improvements. If that pimple on my nose is still there by then, you know I'll be getting off this BC. :)
September 11, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
No pregnancy, very little water retention
Cons:
Extreme tiredness, leg cramps, tearfulness
I've only been on this birth control pill for a month so I'm hoping it will help clear up my PCOS-related acne. I used to take Dianette for that, but having gained 14 lbs in just 3 months I decided to come off it before having a break and trying something new. I'm waiting to see whether my acne and other symptoms will clear up as I've been led to believe. Birth control is free in the UK so I don't have to pay for this.
September 6, 2007
Pros:
birth control
Cons:
crazy breakouts
after starting the pill which i started mainly to help my skin, it broke me out like no tomorrow. I had on average 20 large whiteheads on my jawline (a place where i never used to get acne) and on my neck (also a place i never got acne).
i stopped taking the pill after 2.5months, i know its supposed to be 3 months, but it just wasnt worth it. I became depressed and never left my apartment and its taken me a long time to recover. the scars that i am left with are horrendous.
August 24, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
none so far
Cons:
after 3 weeks, my skin is horrible and was fine before(that's why I'm here)
I don't know...
August 20, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Obviously I have no kids.. HA, but regulated my period, and my boobs got bigger! Not a heavy period at all.. mood seemed to get better, i've never been on hormones in my life so this is a new thing for me!
Cons:
I feel like my skin got worse... but clears up completely when my period comes. I got zits on my chest like I never have before, sometimes i get a little sick after taking it. but hopefully it will clear up.
Birth control is rediculous --- but I think all bodies need a couple months to get used to new hormone levels. But it does the job.
August 18, 2007
Pros:
NO PREGNANCY
Cons:
LOSS OF APPETITE(MIGHT BE A GOOD THING), MADE ME A LITTLE NAUSEOUS AFTER MY FIRST PILL. I FEEL MORE ANXIOUS.
I HAVE BEEN USING OTC FOR ABOUT A MONTH AND I TAKE IT AT NIGHT IT SEEMS TO HELP OUT THE NAUSEA. IT SEEMS TO MAKE ME SMOKE MORE THAN NORMAL. (I KNOW UR NOT SUPPOSED TO SMOKE). I STILL HAVE PIMPLES HERE AND THERE. BOTTOM LINE ITS PRETTY GOOD.
Pros:
None.