When should you ask your dermatologist about birth control and acne?

We have all heard that some contraceptives are used as hormones. acne treatment, but when does it make sense to raise this issue with a dermatologist? Here, Dr. Tzipora Sheinhaus и Dr. Brendan Camp, certified dermatologists and Skincare.com experts share their opinions.* 

“Birth control pills can help manage hormonal acne in patients and may help with other types of acne, including acne and oily skin,” says Dr. Scheinhaus. It is also not uncommon for people to take birth control for reasons unrelated to skin care and experience worsening acne. So why do pills serve as an effective acne treatment for some and cause of acne For others?

Why birth control is used to treat acne

Acne can occur when your hormones fluctuate before and during your period. “Proper birth control can help keep estrogen levels stable, which can help reduce androgen-induced excess sebum production,” says Dr. Scheinhaus. She explains that androgens, like testosterone, can lead to clogged pores and inflammation and, as a result, acne. 

Some contraceptives have been shown to be effective enough to be recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for acne. However, oral contraceptives are not safe for everyone and, although beyond the scope of this article, carry a risk of side effects and adverse events. Your doctor can help you determine if oral contraceptives are right for you.

Why Some Contraceptives Can Cause Pimples

Remember that there are many types of birth control pills and treatments. Birth control pills, shots, implants, or IUDs that are high in progesterone or contain only progesterone, a hormone known to stimulate sebum production, can aggravate acne, Dr. Scheinhaus said.

“There are three FDA-approved oral contraceptives for acne,” says Dr. Camp. "Each pill is a combination pill with estrogen and progesterone." These are three Yaz, Estrostep and Ortho-Tri-Cycle. "If acne doesn't respond to one of these treatments, it could mean that another type of treatment is needed, or other factors are contributing to the acne and not getting better," he says.

Again, always check with your doctor or dermatologist about the best option for your body and needs.

How long does it take birth control pills to start treating acne

Dr. Scheinhaus says that with the right oral contraceptives, you should wait two to three menstrual cycles before seeing an improvement. Until then, you may have breakouts as your skin adjusts to the hormones.

Dr. Camp notes that oral contraceptives are often used in combination with other acne treatments for best results. “These medications work best when they are part of a regimen tailored to each patient and their acne concerns, with the help of a board-certified dermatologist,” he says.

Alternatives to Birth Control

If you don't want to take birth control or are willing to stop using it, there are other medications approved for acne. “Spironolactone is an oral drug that can provide a similar result for many women,” says Dr. Scheinhaus. Like oral contraceptives, spironolactone is a hormonal treatment that is not suitable for everyone. Consult with your dermatologist to analyze the potential benefits and risks and see if spironolactone may be right for you.

As a topical over-the-counter remedy, she suggests incorporating an acne remedy into your routine.