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...

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.

 [more]
3.5
1015
5
22.7%
4
34.3%
3
21.2%
2
13.1%
1
8.8%

Used Oral Contraceptives? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
January 10, 2024
Product used: Yasmin (Oral Contraceptive)
Great for my cystic acne
I started Yasmin at age 39 mainly to deal with peri menopause symptoms but from day two I noticed instant changes to my cystic acne I had been dealing with for years. I had found ways to get it slightly under control like p50 or tretinoin but taking this pill I noticed instant anti inflammatory effects on my active cysts , they just seemed to lose there stamina and were gone within days.unfortunately tho, I am nearly one pack in but I am noticing some small bumps(not sure I’d call them spots) . I can’t say if these are due to Yasmin tho, if I had to guess they could be the last of the nicotine ( as I gave up smoking too) leaving my skin, it could be from covid as I caught that too but my best guess is iv noticed since taking Yasmin that it has effected my gut, some research said that contraception could kill off some gut micro biome so I’m trying to eat much better but I’m aware that bad gut health can show on the face , so maybe it’s that. I will update if there’s any serious progression.
This Was Helpful

Report
December 9, 2019
Worked for my acne!

I switched to Estro Step after taking Tri-Sprintec for many years because my previous birth control no longer worked for treating my acne. This HAS improved my acne significantly, my only complaint is that my period is no longer regular and is extremely heavy. On my previous BC my period was like clockwork and considering that I have taken Estro Step for 9-12 months I would have anticipated that it would be regular by now! 

This Was Helpful

Report
June 15, 2018
Trying to be patient and hopeful!
I have been taking the generic version of this birth control, Tri-Previfem, for a month and a half. I have not had any side effects (no weight gain, same boob size). During the first month, my acne cleared up for the most part. It has definitely been worse this past two weeks since I started the second pack. The pimples are popping up frequently, but are healing faster than normal. I have also been eating a lot of sugar in the past week, and I've noticed a relationship between my sugar intake and acne severity. I have struggled with moderate hormonal acne on my face and back since age 13 (around 5 years). I'll update again after I have taken this pill for a longer time.
This Was Helpful

Report
January 11, 2014
Fair

Pros:

No weight gain
Cheap(er)

Cons:

Difficult to lose weight on
Initial breakout
Migraines, moodiness

I took this medication for two months. The initial breakout left me feeling miserable; I had painful cystic acne all over my chin. I also got terrible headaches, and was a moody all the time. I think my acne is finally starting to clear up a bit but I don't know if it's because the medication is actually helping or if my initial breakout is just ending. This is not the pill for me at all.
This Was Helpful

Report
December 24, 2013
:(

Pros:

Works for a whole

Cons:

Nausea
Mood swings
Acne worsens

I've been on ortho tri cyclen for 5 months now, and for the first 4 months it really cleared up my skin, better than it's been in years! But this month my skin has broken out worse than ever before. Plus I have naturally dry skin so when it breaks out and I try to treat it, it dries out too and looks disgusting. On top of that I've been nauseous and had crazy mood swings. I've been trying to stay positive, but I can't decide if I want to quit the pill or switch to another one.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 11, 2013
Good and Bad

Pros:

No weight gain
Light periods
Light cramps

Cons:

Didn't help acne
Longer periods than past birth control

I initially went on sprintec because I wanted to be on a birth control that would help clear my skin. I used to be on Loestrin 24 Fe, but that just wasn't cutting it. I have now been on sprintec for a little over 6 months and my experience is both good and bad. The good part, I haven't gained a single pound and it hasn't effected my emotions at all. Periods are light and I don't get terrible cramps like I used to. The bad, my skin hasn't improved at all and I actually just started accutane a week ago because I couldn't deal with it any longer. Overall its a great birth control IF you have clear skin already. If you want to go on it for acne, I recommend going on another birth control!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 26, 2013

Pros:

- VERY effective birth control
- no significant weight gain
- never have cramps or irregularity

Cons:

- seemingly no correlation to my acne
- artificial hormones in my system

Most of the time I have one or 2 pimples on my face which I can tolerate. However this past year I have had a chronic breakout all over my face, chest, and back, trying every routine & topical product available. I have been taking Tri-Cyclen for 12 years so I don't think it's to blame unless it combined with my young-adult hormone shift to produce chaos. Am switching to Diane 35 to give it a try (lower pregnancy protection but apparently stronger against acne).
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 23, 2013

Pros:

No weight gain
Seems to slowly cure acne

Cons:

Horrible initial breakout
Mood swings

I have been on this pill for 3.5 months, about to finish my fourth pack. I still have occasional breakouts, though it seems to slowly be getting better. I did not have acne before I started this pill; it GAVE me hormonal adult acne. I am simply sticking with it because of all the reviews that tell you to hang in there. I'm hoping next month is finally the end of this acne bull$&@!! I went on the pill because I was previously on the patch and insurance stopped covering it. If you don't have acne, STAY AWAY. I had perfect skin my whole life, now at 25 I all of the sudden have acne. My self esteem has taken quite a blow and I don't know how much more I can take. This month better yield clear skin, and fast.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 19, 2012

Pros:

- less acne overall, get a few now and some tiny ones that nobody sees anyway
- chest, arms and back are now clear
- body changes. this can be a pro or con, but my waist went from 27 inches to 26, my hips from 36.5 to 41 inches, and my breasts from 34A to 34B.
- no babies, 2 birds with one stone

Cons:

- the acne i do get is cystic and painful, i'll have 1-2 small or large cysts on my face at a time
- recently started getting small bumps on my forehead, never had this problem before, i ahve bangs that cover it, but still
- tiredness and exhaustion

I am an 19 year old girl and had acne since I was 12. I had tried antibiotics, over the counter, and prescription creams, so my doctor recommended OTC. I used it for 4 months. Just finished my fourth pack, and do not plan to continue. I did experience a small initial breakout, but that calmed down within a month. My face isn't cluttered with zits so that's good, and i'd get cysts anyway. However, it did not remove as much as i'd like, and i still struggle. My doctor gave me a prescription for Diane-35, which has a higher amount of female hormone and blocks male hormones too. If you're going to switch up birth controls, look for one that has a higher amount of hormones, a lower amount will most likely cause a terrible initial breakout and other bad side effects. It works for a lot of people though, so give it a shot.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 27, 2012

Pros:

No Cramps
Larger Breasts
Decreased Apptite Initially

Cons:

Bad Breakouts during week 3
Breast Tenderness

I am finishing up my second month of the pill and so far I have not seen any changes in my break outs. It always get pretty bad around my pms week and this month was no exception. I would say contrary to what a lot of girls are say my appitite actually decreased the first month. I will notice how it affected it more when I get back to school because I tend to eat more when I am home. The most noticable side effect in my case would be how sore my breasts have become. I have very little breasts (A cup) and I can definitely tell they are swollen. I could give or take having the larger breasts because I am only 5 foot tall and don't need them to be huge. I've been on several birth controls before this and have had swollen breast but I think they have gotten larger on this one out of all the others. I am sticking with this pill for a little while longer because everyone has said it takes at least 3 months for the acne to clear up. I have hopes that next month my pms breakout won't be as severe.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 2 3 … 16
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