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
November 16, 2011
Product used: Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (Oral Contraceptive)
Cons:
possible weight gain
I have tried numerous treatments and this by far is the only thing that kept my acne under control. I suffer from hormonal acne so if thats your issue birth control is your best trick
October 3, 2011
Pros:
Clear skin
Birth control
Cons:
Weight gain
Bloating
Recurring yeast infections
One of the better BCPs I've tried in terms of side-effects. The major ones for me were 5-8 lbs. weight gain, feeling bloated, and awful recurring yeast infections. BUT, my skin was crystal clear after a few months of being on Ortho Tri-Cyclen and I experienced no mood swings or other serious side effects. It is also inexpensive if you have health insurance. If it weren't for the yeast infections, I'd probably still be on this pill. Of course, one's reaction to hormonal birth control is highly individual, so I can neither recommend nor not recommend. You just have to try it and see for yourself.
September 7, 2011
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Completely cleared up skin!!!
Lessened body hair growth
Slightly bigger boobs
Cons:
Bad initial breakout
Some weight gain
Some anxiety in first couple months
I've used Yasmin on and off for 4 years. Ive come to realize that its the only thing that will keep my skin clear. And it really does. I get maybe 2 zits a month. Yasmin does take about 3 months for your body to get used to it. You are putting synthetic hormones in your body. My initial breakout during the second month was the worst acne I've ever had, but honestly it's totally worth it in the long run. Like I said, Yasmin is the only thing that works for me! Which is why I went back to it after staying off of it for a year.
July 9, 2011
Pros:
Helps keep acne under control
Helps prevent unwanted pregnancies
Cons:
Intense mood swings
Breast soreness
Overall, this is a good birth control for acne. My doctor told me it is one of the birth controls that has been proven to help acne, which I see is true. I was on this specific birth control for three years. I stopped taking it because any birth control is not the best thing for a womans body. Six months later my face was out of control with acne. I tired so many different things to clear my face, but nothing was working. Finally, I got back on this birth control and my face has greatly improved. Unfortunately my face has not gone back to the complete acne-free clearness it was, but now that I am used to having acne it is nice to have something keep it under control.
April 19, 2011
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
- bigger boobs
- no weight gain (that I've noticed)
- no nausea
Cons:
- did not clear up all acne, more break-outs initially
- only on the 1st pack so may need few more months to see reduction in acne
- good pill overall with no real side effects
December 8, 2010
Pros:
- Prevented pregnancy for 6-7 years.
- Reduced acne
- Period lightened
- Period lasted 3-5 days instead of 7 which I had before the BC.
- Less cramps
Cons:
- Weight gain (I also gained weight after I got off the pill two months ago; so after dieting I am back to my normal weight)
- Decreased sex drive
I would reccommend this brand of BC...If you are have acne, regular sex, and strong cramps - it works. My only worry is if it will prevent me from getting pregnant for much longer then BC with lower hormonal levels.
September 30, 2010
Pros:
not pregnant but main reason for taking this is to cure my acne.
Cons:
bloated, gained some weight.
I am starting my 3rd month. Those of you who had a positive reaction and skin cleared up...how long did it take? Should I start seeing results toward the end of my 3rd pack? I think I've seen results, but every time I think it gets better I get another pimple. I would like to hear from those who had positive reviews. Thank You so much. I have been fighting acne for years! and i am praying this helps!~
August 17, 2010
Pros:
~Predictable period
~No break through bleeding
~No sickness when starting pill
~Clears some acne
Cons:
~Cant skip periods
~Mild mood swings
I started on Alese for my first birth control pill, but taking it I got a lot of break through bleeding (almost as bad as a period!) So my doctor perscribed me this and 3 hours after taking the first pill my bleeding from the first pill stopped entirely! I have always had moderate acne, but I used to get these very sore pimples under the skin that took days to surface so I could get rid of them, but I havent had one since I started on this pill. Some people have said they got sick during the first few months of taking it, but it didnt even feel like I was on anything while starting out. Also, a few have said they had a decresed libido but I didnt find that with me, still horny as ever! Only bad part is a couple mild mood swings, but I tend to be like that anyway and I am probably only noticing these more because other people have said stuff about moodswings while on this. Sorry for the long rant, over all a great pill! :)
April 28, 2010
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
None
Cons:
Heart palpitations, migraine headaches, bloating, anxiety, I always felt like sleeping through out the day feeling with no energy to do things.
It didnt do anything good for me but made me feel terrible, they should have a recall on this product. I wont recommend it to anyone.
March 29, 2010
Pros:
Breasts have definitely grown and it's only been a week. No nausea and no headaches, which is a plus.
Cons:
acne has gotten slightly worse. i am breaking out mostly around my chin/ jaw area and my cheeks as well. i've become a bit more moody, but nothing too serious or beyond my control.
It's only been a week, so i guess i need to stick it out for a few months longer. I haven't experienced any bad side effects other than acne and becoming a bit moody at times. hopefully it'll be worth it in the end!!! PS. For those who have experienced clearer skin after 3-6 months, did your acne disappear suddenly or did it happen gradually as the months went by?
Pros:
Clears skin