Skin woes seem never-ending for teens. The morning encounter to those red pimples or spots on your face is no less than a trauma for most girls. Instead of turning your face away or closing yourself in home, it’s wise to understand your skin issues.
As per Medicinenet, acne is “Localized skin inflammation as a result of overactivity of the oil glands at the base of specialized hair follicles”.
From hormonal changes, poor diet, stress, makeup to many other lifestyle changes, the reason can be anything for the skin to breakout. But what may surprise some of the readers is how birth control pills help to treat the acne where even other popular methods fail.
Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills are known to prevent unwanted pregnancy. These oral contraceptives containing the hormones – estrogen and progestin – inhibit the ovulation process, and stall the risk of pregnancy.
But nothing comes so easy.
Some of the common side effects of birth control pills include
- Weight gain
- Breast pain
- Inconsistency in periods
- Mood swings
- Nausea
- Headaches
Do get in touch with a hormone specialist if you decide to take birth control pills or you are experiencing grave side effects after taking a contraceptive.
How Birth Control Pills Are Linked With Acne?
Generally, acne occurs when oil glands secrete through the skin openings causing a bump on the surface.
Acne can be seen in the form of whiteheads, blackheads, pimples or other skin sores. They are usually seen on the face, arms, shoulders, or even back.
A male hormone androgen is responsible for acne breakouts in most teens. These hormones are actively produced during puberty which is why we see acne in the maximum teenage population.
Every birth control pill has its own set of hormones – estrogen and progestin. Only the pills with a less androgenic proportion can be effective against acne.
They are considered effective when other conventional and over-the-counter options fail to cure acne or similar skin conditions.
The FDA-approved Birth Control Pills Include
Acne and hormones have a strong link. But not every hormonal birth control pill will have a positive effect on acne. Some of the FDA approved medicines include
- Ortho Tri-Cyclen – this comes in a combination of estrogen and progestin (norgestimate)
- Estrostep – its formula includes estrogen and progestin ( norethindrone)
- YAZ – this combines in a combination of estrogen and a synthetic form of progestin (drospirenone).
However, you have to be careful as some of the medications may have serious health side effects. Better to seek guidance from your female gynecologist in Phoenix AZ to get a better understanding of your body.
As per the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), birth control pills with low androgens are medically recommended to treat acne. However, do not expect overnight results. They will take a few weeks to months for the skin to clear.
Decide What’s Best For Your Skin
Every individual is unique and so is the hormonal balance and skin type. What may work for you fail to give any positive results to others.
While birth control pills have shown decent results in controlling acne, consulting a doctor to determine the side effects is highly recommended. If you aren’t that comfortable with the prospect of popping pills, we have something more.
There are many other alternative therapies that may come handy. This includes
- Over-the-control options such as skin lotions, cleansers.
- Topical creams, and other ointments
- Some oral medications such as antibiotics work for some women
- Chemical peels
- Phototherapy
The Final Words
Prevention is better than cure
Skincare is essential for women of every age. Instead of slapping your acne-prone face with chemicals and other harmful products, go easy on the skin and prevent skin inflammation, in any form.Find information about home therapies if they can do some wonders.
But do remember, acne can be stubborn in most of the cases. For women undergoing any other treatment, keep your doctor informed if you take birth control pills. Do not make reckless or hasty decisions when it comes to your skin and overall health.