Birth control pills are being prescribed for more than just preventing pregnancy. Some doctors prescribe birth control pills specifically for the treatment of acne.
While oral contraceptives do have a positive effect for women who suffer from acne, it is not a cure-all, and many times women must continue their normal acne treatment for good results. The pill is usually prescribed to women who have not had good results with traditional acne methods.
Birth control pills containing a synthetic form of the hormone progestin drospirenone have been heavily marketed to women by promoting the benefits of helping with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and reducing acne. Because outbreaks are often linked to hormonal changes, adult women tend to suffer more from acne than their male counterparts. In fact, more than double the number of woman as men suffer from adult acne.
However, it's important to note that while contraceptives reduce acne, they also come with some serious side effects. These side effects are so serious, that more than 1,000 lawsuits were bought against the makers of Yaz, one of the most popular brands of birth control pills that reduce acne. And in November of 2009, the FDA recalled nearly 33,000 boxes of Yaz birth control because of the method in which the product was manufactured. The recall had nothing to do with claims against the company.
Acne develops when sebum and dead skin cells block pores. Sebum is an oily substance that lubricates the skin. Once this "plug" forms in the pore, bacteria can build up creating an area of inflammation-better known as a blemish. Birth control pills that help reduce acne reduce the amount of sebum produced by the skin. It's important to note that sebum itself does not cause acne, which is why most dermatologists recommend that anyone taking contraceptives continue to treat their acne topically.
In addition, the pill can take several months before you see the benefit of reduced acne. While the FDA-approved acne-treatment contraceptives do work to reduce acne, it's important to keep in mind potentially large side effects of taking the pill.
Side effects of oral contraceptives include: severe headaches, changes to menstrual flow, nausea or vomiting, depression, and a slight increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, high potassium (hyperkalemia) and blood clots. Women who smoke, are over 35, have diabetes, have a history of blood clots and heart disease should avoid these oral contraceptives.
As someone who suffers from acne, you will have to decide whether such risks are worth it to have clear skin.
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