Table of contents:
- Benefits of birth control pills for acne
- Types of birth control pills to treat acne
- Tips to get rid of acne with birth control pills
- Risks of using birth control pills
- Who should not use birth control pills?
Apart from preventing pregnancy, birth control pills are also used to treat acne problems. So, how do these contraceptive pills work in cleaning the skin from stubborn pimples?
Benefits of birth control pills for acne
Acne is a skin condition that can happen to anyone. This fairly common skin problem can be treated in a number of ways, from natural ingredients to medical treatments.
One way to get rid of acne that is quite popular is to use contraceptive pills or birth control pills. In fact, most people believe birth control pills can cause acne.
In fact, birth control pills can actually be used to treat acne and are called hormone therapy that is often recommended by doctors.
This may be because the contraceptive pill contains a combination of the hormones estrogen and progesterone which function to inhibit the body's natural hormones. Meanwhile, the cause of acne is clogging of pores by three factors, including excess oil production.
The production of sebum (oil) is triggered by androgens, which are sex hormones such as testosterone in women. When the androgen hormone is too active, sebum production also increases and can eventually clog pores, causing acne.
The hormone content in birth control pills helps lower androgen levels in women. This aims to control oil production and prevent pimples from reappearing.
Even so, this acne medication can only be consumed according to the doctor's instructions. In addition, not all types of contraceptive pills will have the same effect on the skin, especially for acne problems.
Types of birth control pills to treat acne
So far the United States government has approved three types of birth control pills to treat acne. All three have shown the same effectiveness when dealing with moderate types of acne.
Although these three birth control pills contain the same hormone estrogen, the progesterone content in them is different. Here are the types of acne-fighting birth control pills that are often recommended by doctors.
- Ortho Tri-Cyclen: combines estrogen with synthetic progesterone (progestin).
- Estrostep: mixing different doses of estrogen and a progestin called norethindrone.
- YAZ: combine estrogen with a progestin known as drospirenone.
Keep in mind that one type of birth control pill may not have the same effect on everyone. The reason is, some women will need higher hormone levels for the results to be more effective.
Meanwhile, some require a lower dose. In essence, according to the condition of each person's body.
Birth control pills don't get rid of pimples overnight. It may take several months of treatment before the pimples completely disappear. In fact, acne can appear again when the new acne treatment is started.
Generally, this method of hormonal therapy will be used in conjunction with other acne relievers, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
Tips to get rid of acne with birth control pills
Actually, how to use birth control pills to treat acne problems is almost the same as other acne treatments. You just need to follow the instructions from the doctor and avoid abstinence.
Below are some things that need to be considered when getting rid of acne with birth control pills for maximum results.
- Be patient when treating acne prone skin.
- Take medication according to doctor's instructions.
- Routinely consult with a dermatologist.
- Tell your doctor right away if you experience signs of serious side effects.
Risks of using birth control pills
Birth control pills as an acne treatment option may be ideal for women who need contraception and want to get rid of acne. Experts also mention that using birth control pills can relieve pain that occurs during menstruation.
Even though it is considered effective, there are a number of risks that lurk in its users, including:
- heart attack or stroke,
- blood clots in the lungs or legs,
- high blood pressure,
- headache,
- mood swings, and
- breast pain.
In some cases, changing to another type of birth control pill will relieve side effects, such as heavy bleeding and headaches. We recommend that you consult your doctor if you experience symptoms that bother you after using the contraceptive pill.
Who should not use birth control pills?
Birth control pills to treat acne should not be used haphazardly. In fact, there are groups that are recommended to avoid contraceptive pills as a treatment for acne prone skin, namely:
- being over 30 years old and smoking,
- have not entered puberty,
- pregnant women and nursing mothers,
- obesity,
- have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, and blood clots,
- breast, uterine, or liver cancer sufferers, as well
- have a history of migraines.
If you have further questions, please contact your doctor to get the right solution.