Oral Contraceptives
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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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5
22.3%
4
33.2%
3
21.1%
2
14%
1
9.5%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

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October 16, 2008

Pros:

Easy to use, Clears skin, effective

Cons:

Cost, have to take daily

I was off this for a while while trying to conceive and my acne came back, not too bad but back. After the baby while I was nursing and on the mini pill the acne was back with a vengeance. I mean constant whiteheads and blackheads. I was so happy when I weaned the baby so I could get back on this pill. Hopefully it'll work again for me.
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October 1, 2008

Pros:

I have defintly cleared up alot. I was put on the pill along with oral antibiotics ans started using dermalogica, all this has serouisly helped and I have hardly any acne now, but scarring. I'm also using it as contraception so its convienient

Cons:

Had a few headaches when I started on it! Doubles your chances of heart desease and blood clots.

its cheap, convenient if you dont want babies but want to have sex and its improves your skin sifnificantly. Its also known to regulate periods and made mine alot lighter!! Cant complain!
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September 6, 2008

Pros:

None so far

Cons:

weight gain, moodiness, depression, cystic acne

I was on ortho tri cyclene for years and then I swithched to tri sprintec and was fine. Had amazing skin for 8 years and then after a 3 month break went on Tri Sprintec and my skin is breaking out all over my chin and forehead and the pimples are cystic which I never had. I am debating if I should go off the pill or switch back to ortho tri cyclene where I had no side effects and clear skin.
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August 24, 2008

Pros:

Great at preventing pregnancy, skin is clearer, reduced severity of cramps.

Cons:

HORRIBLE mood swings, major depression, crying, breakthrough bleeding, bloating, some weight gain, headaches, nausea, fatigue

I quit taking it for a month and felt great- I thought I was losing my mind emotionally while I was taking this pill- so I will be seeking out alternative birth control options, I cant deal with the depression this medication causes. Note* I was taking the generic version "Tri-Sprintec", I was not taking the brand name or the "Lo" version of this birth control medication. This may be the right med for some women, but not for me.
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August 22, 2008

Pros:

Not pregnant, bigger firm boobs, little weight gain, definently helped clear mild acne.

Cons:

Upset stomachnauseated at times, irritability, mood swings.

The pros says it all...no more acne for me. A little more moody is that so bad considering.
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August 14, 2008

Pros:

no pregnancy

Cons:

acne breakout, moodswings, weight gain, headaches, bloating

My acne got worse it went from mild to severe. All along my jawline, neck and cheecks. My back and chest area cleared up almost immediately upon using the birth control. But I going to stick it out and hopefully my face will improve. Although I have been more depressed and anxious and overeating.
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August 2, 2008

Pros:

Clear skin! Minimal cramping during my period, and my periods length shortened by almost half the time

Cons:

usually a few days of spotting, but thats about it

I have been on and off this pill for about 7 years. Everytime I stop taking it, my back breaks out in acne, my cramps are horrendous and my period lasts for a week. Life is so much easier using it.
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July 31, 2008

Pros:

It stops pregnancy if taken correctly.

Cons:

Makes you break out. I was on this birth control for a good 2 years. My skin was much clearer when i was not on it.

I think, depending on the person, bcp can actually make your acne WORSE instead of better. Maybe theres certain hormones in the bc that peoples bodies react differently to. After battling acne for 2 years i've gotten off bcp completely, (using other forms of protection) and in a week i already see the difference. I used to have occasional breakouts as a teen but when i look back, every time i would take bcp my complexion would got horrible. Get off the pill and use another method!!! at lease give it a try.
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June 10, 2008

Pros:

none

Cons:

loads

this stuff is crap. i've been off it for about two months now and i am SOO happy. when i was on low i was angry ALL THE TIME. for nothing. just angry. i was so close to being dumped just cause i was so mad all the time. he knew it was cause of my pills but i was just that hard to handle. im normally really happy and hyper. honestly, this has been simply THE worse year of my life. and it did squat for my period and nothing for my face. and weird as it is, it made my legs feel like there were bugs in my pants. WEIRD?! drove me nuts. and after barely a year of being off it i started having two periods a month. both about a week. so bottom line: dont even bother.
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June 2, 2008

Pros:

no pregnancy, less cramps

Cons:

nausea, no sex drive, mood swings, irritable

working for what i got it for, but causing more probs
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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.
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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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  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

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.
  • 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.
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