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 11, 2009
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Cons:
None so far
I've heard some pretty nasty reviews for Yasmin, but keep in mind that everyBODY is different. I started Yasmin about a year ago, and other than slight nausea the first week, its been amazing. My skin cleared up so much. I used to get horrible acne around my period, including cystic pimples, and now I get maybe one or two tiny pimples each month. My breasts grew a size, and I didn't gain weight! And of course, no babies!
March 3, 2011
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
-super light periods
-bigger boobs
-acne clears with time .
-Loss of appetite
Cons:
-Headaches. but I just take a Tylenol and it goes away .
I had heavy periods and really bad acne and I couldn't afford Accutane so my doctor put me on Yazmin( or Zarah) . & now I have a very light periods, yay . & my acne has cleared up a ton . My boyfriend noticed how big my boobs had gotten even the first month of taking the pills (:
This is a miracle pill !
February 22, 2011
Pros:
-Clears up acne well
-Period is slightly lighter
-Haven't gotten pregnant yet
Cons:
-Nausea (for the first 2 months, mainly in the morning)
-Cramping before period after about 2 months
-Constant mood swings
It's a good pill to take, not many physical side effects; protects you from getting pregnant. Only downside is the nausea but that goes away after a while. Another thing is the cramping, it can be bad sometimes...
June 17, 2010
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Nothing
Cons:
Caused severe acne
Extreme tiredness
Very emotional
Mood swings
I had mild acne and six weeks after starting Yasmin I have 47 spots all over my face (Yes I just counted them and can't quite believe it myself)! They aren't all small whiteheads either, I have 13 large red swollen painful lumps. I have been very emotional, crying every 5 minutes and I never cry. Mood swings have made me very irritable and angry at everyone in my life. Extreme tiredness, I have been coming home from work and going straight to bed and today I have had to call in sick. Not good for relationships, self-esteem and skin!!! I have stopped taking them in the middle of the second pack in the hope to sort out my emotions, skin and tiredness.
March 8, 2010
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
Cleared skin for the most part, more consistent. Predictable, shorter periods. Bigger Breasts.
Cons:
At first I got headaches but they went away, i still get a few and im pretty sure its related to the pill. Acne is not completely gone but is definitely better. Sore breasts.
Worked for me! I love it
November 19, 2009
Pros:
did not get pregnant. no acne at all!
Cons:
i used to weigh 105 pounds then i go on this pill and i gained at LEAST 15 lbs.. absolutely no interest in sex, tired as hell, vaginal dryness, and towards 4 months on this dumb pill, i started to get really violently sick
sucks.. id rather see my dermatologist more often for my acne then deal with 15 lbs of weight gain.
September 22, 2011
Pros:
Cleared up acne
Lighter periods
Predictable periods
Not pregnant!
Cons:
First month is pretty rough
The first month I had pimple breakouts, nausea, and severe headaches, but the second month was much better, and now in my fourth month using it, I don't have any bad side effects. My periods used to be very heavy and completely unpredictable, but now I (obviously) know when they start and I can even use Lite tampons on most days. My face completely cleared up also.
July 14, 2011
Pros:
Cleared Acne
Cons:
Diarrhea
Mild Nausea
Vomiting
I went back on Ortho Lo because when I used it in college, it dramatically kept my skin clear. Of course, the first two weeks of taking the pill, my face exploded with huge, tender pimples. However, I am on week six and my skins looks flawless! I suffer from adult acne and heavy scarring but since I have not had a breakout in about a month, my skin is smooth and the old scars are fading. The issue now is that first - second week of every new pack leaves me feeling sick, experience rare vomiting and have diarrhea/stomach discomfort. So now, I have switched from taking the pill in the mornings to right before bed. That way, I skip all of the negative stuff. I will continue to take this pill based on the skin remedy alone.
March 17, 2011
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
cleared acne
weight loss
Cons:
bigger boobs
I get this bc for free through the pact program in CA. I've tried several different bc in the past and they really messed with my mood/weight/skin etc. I decided to try this one to delay my period because i was going on vacation, but i stayed on it because my skin cleared up 95%. Today was the first day in a very long long time i left the house not wearing any make up. I struggled with moderate acne for about 6 years. After the first month of taking it my acne on the back and shoulders completely cleared up. Now i'm on my 4th month and my face is clearer than ever. I'm really happy with this one. Hoping the effects last a long time. I also lost about 6 pounds since i started this birth control. (it helps you lose water weight). The only thing that annoyed me is my breasts got larger (they were big enough before). grrr.
Bottom line, it won't work for everyone, but if you have moderate acne I would give it a try for at least 3 months and see if it makes a difference.
July 28, 2010
Pros:
No cramps
Very light period
No bloating
No mood swings
Clears acne
Cons:
None
Ortho tri-cyclen Lo is a great birth control contraceptive I recommend this to anyone who wants to start birth control. It clears up acne and is all around a good product.
Pros:
Way less acne, breast grew one cup size, prevents pregnancy, no weight gain