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 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.

3.3
2743
Read All About Oral Contraceptives
Compare To Other Treatments
5
19.7%
4
30.4%
3
21.8%
2
16%
1
12.1%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
July 27, 2012

Pros:

Lighter periods
Protection against pregnancy (obviously)
Cleared up forehead

Cons:

Cystic acne on chin
Small breakouts elsewhere
HORRIBLE mood swings
Period twice in one month

I was on Lutera for almost 5 years before I went off of it due to it giving me horrible cystic acne on my chin. After 6 months of being off of it my skin finally cleared up but I wanted to go back on a birth control that would not give me such bad hormonal acne. My doctor initially recommended OrthotriCyclin Lo but my pharmacy ended up giving me the generic version Tri Sprintec. I got through my first pack and stopped taking it. I took the first pill on the Sunday after my period and a week later I had a painful cyst on my chin that healed with a scar. That's not even the worst part. What really threw me off was the fact that I got my period twice in one month with the second period being the heaviest, most painful period I've ever had in my life. To go along with the full week of pain, I also turned into what my best friend later described as, "a raging hormonal psychopath." I'm going back to my doctor do discuss the side effects I experienced and hopefully can get on a pill that won't have such a negative effect on me.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 24, 2012
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

- worked as a contraceptive

Cons:

- acne breakouts
- mood swings
- cravings
- heavy and irregular menstruations
- low sex drive etc.

Funny thing, I used to take this OC for almost ten years then had our baby and now my body can just not handle this one at all anymore. For improving skin, I can not recommend it anymore. My skin used to be ok before. Now my chin and jawline are full of cystic, painful pimples. I am tired and moody. I didn't gain weight though...which is good. The other side effects are even worse than the breakouts...not the BCP for me.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 19, 2012
Product used: LoEstrin (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

-gets rid of acne

Cons:

-like most oral contraceptives, it makes you feel depressed, sad, tired

it gets rid of acne, but has side effects because its a combination birth control pill. it worked for me when i was battling one of the worst break outs i ever had. it got rid of it all in about a month. but i did stop taking it because it made me feel really crappy. So, i'll give this brand a "5" and recommend it because it does work to get rid of acne. but i disliked it b/c because of how it made me feel, but, it might be different for other girls.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 2, 2011

Pros:

Ortho tri cyclen Lo.
Only thing that actually cured my acne.
Lighter periods

Cons:

Weight Gain

Give it a try! In my case, I have to choose between being oveweight or being acne-free. This is the only thing in 15 years that actually got rid of my acne. I am pissed because I wish I would have known this before taking accutane (Grrrr).
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 7, 2011
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

Clears acne

Cons:

Severe Migraines

I have tried everything out there including roaccutane (accutane) and this was the only thing that really worked for me. I actually began to think I no longer got acne and didn't have to even be strict about washing my face. However the severity of the migraines mean that I can no longer take it. As soon as I stopped taking it my acne came back and I am now back to trying more products : (
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 25, 2011

Pros:

Not getting pregnant, short period

Cons:

Heavy Breasts, low sex drive, mood swings, bloated stomach, feels sick all the time

HATE IT
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 18, 2011
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

Clear Acne
Regulate mood
Maintain weight
No Bloated Feeling

Cons:

Hair Loss/Dry Brittle Hair

I used Yaz for about 1.5years and had no problems, except within a year my hair started to thin. That is my only con with this birth control. Other then this side effect I loved Yaz. Ive been on various other pills and I certainly like this one the best. Ortho Tricyclen and OTL made me feel bloated and made me feel "blah". I did trial going off the pill, I went off Yaz for 4 months because of the hairloss and bloated up like you wouldnt believe. Then I trialed a few different other pills, OT and OTL, Alesse, ortho cept, yasmin. None of which I really liked. Yaz was the best for my mood and maintaining my weight, and have decided to go back on it and hopefully with no hair loss this time around. Wish me luck. Other wise I will be making a trip to my derm to get his recommendation. I currently on Spironolactalone which in combination with the pill is keeping my acne very minimal.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 23, 2011
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

Cleared skin up, no weight gain.

Cons:

Hairloss! Made eyes really dry, restless at night felt like my heart was racing, felt de hydrated and teary.

Had been on a cheap bc pill standard 20 milligrams for 4 years. Doc offered me this to help with acne that won't clear up not terrible but very oily clogged skin and moods. Was awesome for the first few months skin cleared up massively and then it got overly dry my hair was really dry as well. Hair started falling out alot more than normal I waited it out for about 6 months and then decided to go back on my other pill. The hair loss hasn't really stopped. There are many things that could have caused the hairloss but I really think that it was such a coincidence and with the other sde effects it really seems likely it was this. Sad because I had so much hair now less than half as thick and I'm only in my early twenties..
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 11, 2011
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

Cleared up acne
Boobs grew?

Cons:

Anxiety and depression in first 2-3 months
Cellulite (that I didn't have before)

I went on Yaz so that I could take Accutane. Needless to say, I decided not to go on Accutane, but stayed on Yaz for a little over a year. Other than the cellulite and the bout of anxiety towards the beginning, it was great. It started clearing up my acne in the first 2 months. And kept clearing it up. It did start to plateau towards the end. I stopped taking it because I kept forgetting to take it, just in the last couple weeks, and my prescription and health insurance ran out. Otherwise, I'd still be on it.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 15, 2011
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)

Pros:

Less acne
2 day light periods
less cramping

Cons:

Not a 100% fix for me

This product is a great BC and it has improved my face greatly. I used to get cysts on a regular basis, and now I only get one once in a great while. I am happy they make a generic, but would pay full price for it if I had to. Will never switch BC!
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 79 80 81 82 83 … 191
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