Friday, January 28, 2011

Can Birth Control Help Acne Problems

By Kevin Nelson


Birth control pills have long been claimed as having a positive effect on skin and acne. While these contraceptive products can clear up acne so well, they have become a staple item among many dermatologists. Keep in mind, though, that certain individuals may have the opposite reaction to birth control, with some people developing acne while taking oral contraceptives.

Usually, the dermatologist and the patient must work hand in hand to determine if the skin will benefit from birth control pills. Since these oral contraceptives can easily be withdrawn once adverse effects are observed, the patient will have little to worry about the long-term impact. By the way, the adverse effects of birth control pills on the skin include extreme sun sensitivity and dark patches on the skin (melasma).

How Birth Control Pills Work

Oral contraceptives are often the last resort in anti-acne medications because of the abovementioned possible side effects. This is with the assumption, of course, that the individual is not already taking birth control pills.

Why are birth control pills so effective? Since acne is caused by hormonal issues, caused by combined hormonal imbalance and environmental factors, the skin will break out with pimples. Birth control pills stimulate oil glands and release sebum with the androgen hormone. This can prevent and ultimately eliminate acne problems.

Depending on the person, a dermatologist might recommend one birth control pill, or a combination of pills to help control acne problems. Most frequently prescribed for acne are Diane-35, Estrostrep and Ortho Tri-Cyclen.

Who Are the Best Candidates?

Patients who make the best candidates for oral contraceptives for treatment of acne include:

- Sexually active women looking for other forms of birth control methods aside from Depo-provera and condoms

- Women experiencing other imbalances in hormones, such as irregular periods.

- Individuals receiving an Accutane prescription.

Often, patients experience relief of acne problems within a few weeks. It is essential that you be patient while waiting on the positive effects of birth control for acne.

Many dermatologists will prescribe birth control that has a combination of estrogen/progestin. This is due to taking too much estrogen actually leads to acne problems, while too much progestin results in male hormonal results. Levels of testosterone normal in men can cause problems for women, including acne and excess hair growth.

Remember that not everyone will experience positive results form using oral contraceptives to combat acne. It is important to work with your doctor and use birth control on an individual basis. Just because it works for one patients it may not be right for you. Dermatologists are the best people to consult to find out whether it will work for you.




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