Contraceptive Pills for Hormonal Acne

Normally, the effect on the skin is observed around 3 to 6 months of continuous use of birth control pills, and the best ones to help control acne are those that contain in their composition an estrogen derivative, associated with progestogens such as:

• Drospirenone : as the brands Ilimit, Radiance 20, Yaxibelle, Miafem 20, Femelle 20, Yasmín or Kala;

• Cyproterone : as Diane 35, Mileva, Dixi 35;

• Dienogest : as the Qlaira and Visannette brands;

• Chlormadinone : as Belara .

Ciproterone is the progestin that has the strongest effects, so it should only be used in severe cases of acne, for as short a time as possible, because it is not so safe. Drospirenone, Dienogest and Chlormadinone are more used for the treatment of mild to moderate acne.


When to use the Contraceptive Pill for Acne

The acne treatment should preferably be done with the use of topical products such as cleansing lotions retinoic acid, adapalene or benzoyl peroxide. In addition to this, topical and oral antibiotics can also be used in tablets such as isotretinoin or spironolactone, prescribed by the dermatologist.

However, oral contraceptives may be an option for the control of pimples in some women, especially when:

• Acne did not improve with other products;
• Desire to use some contraceptive method, in addition to controlling pimples;
• Pimples that worsen or swell during the premenstrual period;
• When the cause of acne is a disease that increases androgen levels in the body, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. 

As the contraceptive modifies the levels of hormones in the woman's body, the gynecologist should be consulted before beginning use.

In addition to this, it can cause some side effects such as dizziness, pain and tenderness in the breasts, headache and bleeding outside of menstruation, and if these symptoms are very intense, you should stop using the medication & consult the doctor.

How do They Work

The contraceptives most indicated as auxiliary to the treatment of acne, act by reducing sebum production by the sebaceous glands, reduce follicular hyperkeratinization, decrease the proliferation of the bacteria that causes acne, called Propionibacterium acnes and even reduce inflammation, thereby improving the appearance of the skin and decreasing the appearance of new pimples.

Can Leaving the Contraceptive Cause Acne?

It is very common that when the woman stops using contraceptives she feels more oily skin and pimples appear, so it is recommended to use face cleansers, in order to control the oiliness such as lotions or soaps that are sold in pharmacies An example are the acne products of the Clinique brand.

If the symptoms are very intense, you should go to the dermatologist for a skin evaluation and prescribe a more individualized treatment.

When Contraceptives Should not be Used

Contraceptive use is contraindicated in cases of:

• Pregnancy and during breastfeeding;
• Children;
• Mens;
• Smoking;
• Hypertension;
• Presence of vaginal bleeding without explanation;
• Uncontrolled diabetes;
• Personal history of thrombosis, heart attack or stroke;
• Personal or family history of diseases that increase blood clotting;
• Breast cancer;
• Cirrhosis or liver cancer;
• Very strong migraines.

In addition to this, it should also not be used in people with hypersensitivity to any of the components of the contraceptive formula.