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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.

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July 24, 2009

Pros:

Just had my first period. I usually have very bad heavy cramping. I just started my period and the cramps started off bad where I had to take medicine, but I only had to take it once and no cramping for now.

Cons:

Made acne worse, bumps everywhere on my face, chin and neck

I've never been on any form of birth control (im 31), therefore, my doctor first tried me on the ortho tricyclen lo. I have taken it for a full month now; however, it has made my acne worse within a month. I get these hard bumps that are under the skin on my face. Two may come up the same time and when they go down, I get more that appear in different areas. They just come back to back and then leave these awufl black marks on my face and neck. What a way to try something for the first time and it is already turning out horrible!
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July 17, 2009

Pros:

Cleared Up Acne quickly!!!!!

Cons:

none so far

This has worked extremely well for my skin, i dont wear any makeup now and i used to never leave home without it. I feel great and would really recommend this product!
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July 17, 2009

Pros:

no babies. did not gain weight. period was only a few days. no cramping. no mood swings

Cons:

acne was out of control. everywhere on my face that i never had before.

When i was 18-21 i used Ortho Tri cyclen LO and my acne was under control- amazing skin. 21-23 i used a british brand called "Celest" and it was amazing too NO ACNE! i moved back home to the US and started using again Ortho tricyclen Lo and my skin was never the same. constant breakouts especially on the chin. The last few months i'd get painful breakouts ALL OVER MY FACE. Even on my eyebrows, really painful ones. its time for a change. Its true that your body/hormones change so i'm in the process of finding a new pill. Started Yaz today and hopefully my acne subsides.
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July 16, 2009

Pros:

Made acne go away, shorter periods, skin became less oily, helped my moodiness.

Cons:

Gained 10 lbs, having to take it regularly.

It took about 2 months for me to start seeing any improvement in my breakouts, but once it started working it worked really well. Ortho Tri Cyclen is the ONLY thing that worked to clear up my acne and the minor side effects are worth having a clear face again. I haven't had a break out in about 5 months.
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July 16, 2009

Pros:

I've had no side affects from using OTC. I've been using is for a few years and it has worked the whole time like magic!

Cons:

I have nothing bad to say about this product.

If you are looking to start taking Birth control, OTC is the way to go.
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July 13, 2009

Pros:

No Acne, no mood changes, bigger boobs, lighter periods

Cons:

....

I was lookin 4 a birth control pill 2 stop acne an keep me from gettin pregnant an this worked... i like it it did make me sleepy but i didnt have a problem with it because i liked 2 sleep.
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July 13, 2009

Pros:

Lost weight, Absolutely no side affect(unlike the YAZ), light period 3-4 days, No acne! and No babies

Cons:

Bigger boobs :( yes that is depressing for me I never wanted big boobs!

Works better than the YAZ that one made me depressed. I have no problems with th.is one at all
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July 11, 2009

Pros:

bigger boobs

Cons:

acne everywhere!

i've never had acne before, and ive only been taking this pill for 6 days. is it normal to breakout in the beginning?
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July 9, 2009

Pros:

Currently getting rid of my cysts, I have I hope.

Cons:

Severe acne, made my face breakout everywhere. Tiny breakouts, then huge pimples. Leaving scars, leaving my face totally damaged.

If you've dealt with acne your hole life and want to get rid of it, then don't take this pill at all. It made my acne a million times worse. I'm still upset. :(
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July 3, 2009

Pros:

Easy to take. Clears my skin entirely. Cheap.

Cons:

Slight weight gain. Cannot get pregnant with it.

I have used Diane for years and years, and will continue to do so for the couple of more years until I get to old. I wish there wasn't an age limit.
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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

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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:

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Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

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  • 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.
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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.
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