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
September 11, 2007
Cons:
Random breakouts, feel fatter, extremely moody.
When I first started, my skin was amazing and clear and now I am 3 months in and I am PMS'ing. My skin is being INSANE. I hardly want to go outside. But besides this week, I have looked amazing and my periods are unbelievably light.
September 7, 2007
Pros:
It took away my acne,but it takes about 4 months to see the difference,it gave me lighter and shorter periods.
Cons:
Can cause nausea around the time you take the first pill, then it goes away, I did not gain weight, on the first 4 months it made my acne worse, but after 4 months, I had the best skin ever, free of all acne.
I know everyone's body is different, I would tell anybody to give this pill 6 months, if you don't see your skin getting better, try something else.
August 28, 2007
Product used: YAZ (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
cleared up my skin
Cons:
made me a psychotic mess!
The depression and side effects of feeling like I was losing it wasn't worth the clear skin.....and I was willing just to do about anything to clear up cystic acne! Not worth it for me. Regular Yasmin bc much better choice for me.
August 28, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
I've lost my appetite since taking Yasmin and as a result have lost weight.
Cons:
I guess what I said about the loss of appetite could be seen as a Con. I've definitely been more tired during the day and have trouble sleeping at night, minor depression that comes and goes, and a need to urinate FREQUENTLY!
I'll have to take this for a few months before making any personal recommendations, but overall, I'm not really happy with its immediate result. I'm usually a happy and outgoing person but since taking Yasmin have been feeling down and lethargic. Is anyone else taking this as a result of severe cramps (possibly endometriosis)?
August 23, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
lighter periods, not as many mood swings, easy to swallow,skin slowly improves.
Cons:
at first i broke out VERY badly. However by the end of the 2nd month, it starts to get better. Makes you feel sleppy at times.
I have to wait to see after 5 months if it works well for my skin. So far i like it. You know your body best, so in the end it's up to you.
August 17, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Pros:
I'm sure it kept me from getting pregnant.
Cons:
Complete lack of sex drive- didn't help my skin- tender breasts.
Everyone is different- I wouldn't recommend this product but it probably works for some women. Having no sex drive was a huge problem, what is the point of birth control if you never want to have sex?
August 17, 2007
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Please check with your doctor if you are taking Yasmin. I just got word that my cousin's friend died of a stroke as a result of taking Yasmin. She was only 31 and a mother of two. She had no history of blood clots. I am going off of it!!
July 31, 2007
Pros:
Regulated Periods, kept face clear, no side effects.
Cons:
Remembering to take it everyday at the same time.
Tri-Cyclen Lo kept my face clear in the past and I didn't have any side effects from it at all. I haven't been on BC for a a few months and at 25 my acne has been bad over the last two years and getting worse over the last few months for some reason so I have elected to go back on it. My doctor prescribed me Diane 35 which I researched and found horrible possible side effects and horrifying reports from people who have used it. I didn't take the Diane 35 and I am going to back to get Tri-cyclen Lo. I can't say I recommend Tri-cyclen because BC works differently on everybody.
July 28, 2007
Pros:
Lighter and very predictable periods
Cons:
weight gain, bigger breasts
I am beyond frustration with OTC lo because I have gained probably about 5 pounds and I have been on the pill for about four months. I work out for an hour a day and haven't skipped a day since December. I eat right and have been a size 4 since I can remember. Do you know how frustrating it is to have your clothes fit tighter after taking such good care of yourself!? However, being able to have sex and how worry about getting pregnant is great.
July 27, 2007
Pros:
Period has been lighter, less cramping, and much more regular.
Of course as a contraceptive it works fine.
Cons:
Ok I am on my second month of OTC...I am experiencing some of the worst breakouts of my life! Cystic and all over my face! I don't think my acne has been this bad since I was going through puberty.
Since I have been taking OTC my face looks horrible, filled with acne, and stressing me out. Please can anyone tell me if they have had the same problem? I would like to think that it will get worse before it gets better. So far I am not seeing any improvements with my skin and am debating wether or not to take it. I have tried tons of acne products (expensive and cheap) nothing is working. Should I just allow more time?
Pros:
Clearer skin, lighter periods, not pregnant...