For a lot of us, the bane of our teenage years, aka acne, comes back to haunt us in adulthood more often than we’d like to admit. Around 80 percent of people from puberty to age 30 struggle with some sort of acne.
Zit-covered (and so over it), we found ourselves on a journey to discover the best possible solution, and somewhere along the way, we wondered about birth control.
So can it actually help with acne? Below, a dermatologist weighs in on birth control and its impact on breakouts.
It’s all about hormone balance
According to Dr. Yoram Harth, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of MDacne, “hormonal imbalance is one of the leading causes of acne.” Harth explains that three primary hormones are involved in this process. “Testosterone is a male hormone (androgen) that is produced in both men and women. In high levels, testosterone increases the size of the skin oil glands and the sebum production (oil) in the skin. Both men and women can suffer from either too high or too low levels of oestrogen and testosterone, which can trigger a range of health issues like the ones discussed in this article. Thankfully there are plenty of advice websites around that can help offer impartial guidance, check out trtuk.co.uk for a prime example,” he says. “When the oil glands in the skin grow, they are frequently clogged by dead skin cells, leading to overgrowth of acne bacteria, more inflammation, and more acne.” Progesterone and estrogen are produced only in women, but progesterone’s effects can mimic those of testosterone to increase breakouts.
Birth control content matters
Harth explains that it’s often the mix of hormones in your birth control that determines its effect on your skin. “As a rule of thumb, birth control pills that contain a low level of progesterone will have a lower androgenic (testosterone-like) effect and would be more valuable for people with acne.”
Healthy hormone combos
Harth’s birth control recommendation for the average acne sufferer? “Taking birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progesterone lowers the number of androgens in your body,” he says. “The best birth control pills for women with acne typically contain at least 35 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol and progestin with a low androgenic effect.” Regardless of its form or impact on other menstrual symptoms, not all birth control is created equal. “Birth control pills that contain only progesterone can make acne worse,” Harth explains.
Research has something to say
Though birth control has many potential benefits, it also carries a risk of side effects. Either way, according to Harth, “the FDA has approved three types of birth control pills for acne that combine estrogen with low dose progesterone. Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep, and Yaz. Yasmin and Alesse have not been approved by the FDA for use in acne but have also been shown to improve acne.”
Whether or not your doctor determines that birth control is the right choice for your acne, knowing your options is the best first step. As always, be sure to consult your dermatologist or doctor with any health concerns.
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xx, The FabFitFun Team
