Acne and The Pill

Acne can be caused due to a number of reasons, but one of the main reasons you could experience acne is due to hormonal changes. When girls reach adolescence, the production of certain hormones begins to increase and often the onset of acne occurs during this time. These women carry this hormonally induced acne through to adulthood and some may struggle with low levels of self confidence and self esteem as a result.

Hormonal acne in adult women is said to get worse around the time of their menstrual period, as this is the period during the natural menstrual cycle that there is a massive imbalance of hormones in the body. Research has shown however, that hormone manipulation, which is exactly what the contraceptive birth control pill does, can help to regulate and decrease the effects of acne.

What can the pill do to stop acne?

The combined pill contains two female hormones, synthetic oestrogen and progestin, and manipulates the level of hormones in the body. In doing so, the pill regulates women’s hormones and balances them out. This means that there are less severe swings and surges of hormones, which cause acne to flare up. Pills that are the most effective in helping to stop acne have low levels of androgens in them.

Can the mini-pill stop acne?

The mini-pill is not suggested to be used to treat acne. In fact, some women have been known to have their skin worsen when on the mini-pill, as one of the more common side effects are skin irritations, spots and rashes.

For more information on preventing acne with the pill, visit our page on Dianette.