Oral Contraceptives
Results
Side Effects

Oral contraceptives, otherwise known as birth control pills, are also approved to treat acne. They work by regulating male hormones in the female...

Oral contraceptives, otherwise known as birth control pills, are also approved to treat acne. They work by regulating male hormones in the female body. Less male hormones normally lead to less acne. 

Oral contraceptives contain an estrogen component (ethinyl estradiol) that is combined with progestin hormones, such as drospirenone (Yasmin® or Yaz®), norgestimate (Ortho Tri-Cyclen®) or norethindrone (Estrostep®). 

Oral contraceptives are taken once a day with a meal. Make sure to take the pill at the same time every day.

 [more]
3.4
1199
Read All About Oral Contraceptives
Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.3%
4
33.2%
3
21.1%
2
14%
1
9.5%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
February 22, 2012

Pros:

Prevents pregnancy

Cons:

Nausea
Acne break out
Painful cramping

I have been on it for about 2.5 weeks now and I am getting terrible abdominal cramps and have been feeling sick to my stomach. My acne seems to have gotten worse as well. I am hoping that after my body gets used to it all those cons go away.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 14, 2012

Pros:

Kept acne to a minimum
Prevents Pregnancy
Even out mood swings and cravings
Period always on time.

Cons:

Must be taken at the same time everyday

As a birth control it's great and I've had no issues whatsoever. As an acne treatment it keeps it under control but doesn't cure it or clear skin completely.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 25, 2011

Pros:

best for hormonal acne
regulates period
reduces menstrual cramps

Cons:

needs to be taken daily

if you suffer from acne along your jaw line i would definitely rec. going on birth control... i have been using BC for about 4 years now and even though i still break out it helps sooo much. I tried to go off the pill just to give my body a rest and within about 6 weeks i broke out soo bad i mean were talking about severe here.. everyday i would wake up with at least 3 to 4 pimples... i was going back to how bad it was in HS... after about 2 months off the pill i started taking it again and within a month or two my face cleared up significantly... i now have to deal with all the scaring but at least most of the bumps are now gone... You can get them at Plan Parent Hood and they are free... i really believe this is the most significant step in my regime and i will not make the mistake again and stop taking this..
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 9, 2011

Pros:

Skin was flawless on the last 2 weeks from the higher dose of hormone.

Cons:

New breakouts almost daily on the first 2 weeks (the lower doses)

I tried this birth control a few months ago for my hormonal acne.. As I mentioned, the last two weeks were amazing but the first two weeks were not. I took it for 4 months, hoping it would level out.. but alas, it never did. Everyone is different, though.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 13, 2011

Pros:

not pregnant
improved cramps

Cons:

terrible breakouts

I never had bad acne but as soon as I started ortho I broke out TERRIBLY. My doctor told me to wait a few months but it never got better. I finally switched birth control bills and now my face is back to normal...
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 2, 2011

Pros:

lighter period
less menstrual cramp pain

Cons:

serious health risks (I almost died)
spotting
expensive without health insurance

It had no visible effect on my acne, aside from the week of inactive pills, when I would get breakouts. Birth control pills carry serious but rare risks including: heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism (blood clot in lung), and deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) If you decide to use birth control primarily to control acne, please ask your family about any possible coagulative disorders in your family history. I took birth control for a little over a year and ended up in Intensive Care. And I was lucky to be there.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 10, 2010

Pros:

It made my boobs half cup larger. Regulated my period. Got it exactly the same time every month.

Cons:

It made my acne worse immediately. especially areound the lipline. my forehead was the worse affected

I would reccomend it if you dont have acne probelems. my boyfriend said i was easily irritated when starting this pill. overall, i like it. Free at planned parenthood
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 9, 2009

Pros:

Cleared acne, and free through planned parenthood or just $5/month through Cal State University system.

Cons:

very low libido

low dose hormonal contraception is known to lower testosterone levels, and that's how they get rid of acne. Nothing ever got rid of my acne. After a few months of being on the pill my acne lessened and healed. Unfortunately, testosterone is also responsible for libido. Although it rid me of acne, it also rid me of my sex life. So I went off the pill, and sure enough a few months later I was broken out again. Since I figure my acne is purely hormonal, I'm trying special diets in an effort to prevent the acne from within.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 9, 2009

Pros:

My acne COMPLETELY cleared up. I could even eat foods that in my past have made me break out.

Cons:

Most days I wanted to throw up, and on the other days I actually did throw up.

The clear skin wasn't worth the sick feeling.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 26, 2009

Pros:

It works great at preventing pregnancy. It began to clear my skin some after 1-2 months. My breasts got bigger. It's on the Walmart list and is very affordable.

Cons:

My breasts were sore. My face didn't clear as much as I hoped. I gained 10lbs around the 3rd month and had a lot of sugar cravings.

If you don't mind sore boobs and weight gain and don't have bad acne, then it's not bad. I just don't want to gain weight, and I want clearer skin. I work hard to stay thin and I exercise daily. I went from 113 to 123, and saw no end in sight so I got off it and started feeling better immediately. I am going to try Yaz. I hear a lot of good things and my dermatologist recommended it after I visited while on this particular brand.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 20 21 22 23 24 … 81
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website