Birth control pills cause acne

Question

People say that birth control causes acne while others say it doesn't. Some people actually say that it helps with acne. Are there any studies that show correlations between the two?

Comments

It all boils down to your genetics and how your body reacts to the type of birth control that  it is adjusting to, this could be the pill, patch, mud, or injection, among several other options. Typically it would be linked to hormonal acne "some of the most common are Norgestrel, Norethindrone acetate, and Levonorgestrel. It’s also common for women who start taking birth control to have an initial acne flare as their bodies adjust to the hormones. After two to three months, most women find their bodies adjust to the hormones and their skin settles down." (Nurx). So it is not always permanent. Yet there have also been studies that prove some people have the opposite reaction with birth control when it comes to acne "Combination birth control pills and other birth control methods containing both progestin and estrogen have proven very effective in controlling both non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne. The mix of hormones help reduce androgens in the body. This, in turn, reduces sebum production, so pores are less likely to get clogged and acne is less severe, or eliminated entirely."

Answer 1

This claim is misleading because the way hormonal birth control works is different for everyone. The reason why birth control could make acne worse is because of the hormones it contains. The hormone progestin increases the production of oils on one's skin. However, estrogen, also in birth control, reduces that production. Many women use it to reduce their acne. It is always best to speak to a doctor about what type of hormonal birth control is best.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/acne-caused-by-birth-control#1

https://flo.health/menstrual-cycle/sex/birth-control/can-birth-control-cause-acne#:~:text=Why%20am%20I%20breaking%20out,birth%20control%20clear%20my%20acne?

Answer 2

Birth control pills have long been used to treat acne, but their effects on skin health depend on the type of pill and how an individual’s body responds to the hormonal regulation. Combination birth control pills, which contain both estrogen and progesterone, are frequently prescribed for acne management. These pills work by reducing androgen levels, which can otherwise stimulate the sebaceous glands and cause excessive oil production, a primary factor in acne development. Studies have demonstrated that combination pills can improve acne, but results often require consistent use over several months.

Progestin-only pills, or "mini-pills," can sometimes worsen acne for some individuals. Progestin may stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to increased oil production and aggravating acne. While combination pills are typically effective for acne treatment, the "mini-pill" may not offer the same benefits and could worsen skin issues for certain users.

In conclusion, while birth control pills can be an effective treatment for acne, their impact depends heavily on the specific hormones they contain and how the body interacts with those hormones. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to determining the best option, as hormonal contraception's effects on acne are not universally predictable.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279209/

https://www.scripps.org/news_items/7002-how-do-birth-control-pills-help-with-acne#:~:text=Birth%20control%20pills%20that%20contain,%E2%80%9D)%20can%20make%20acne%20worse.

Answer 3

While birth control pills can cause hormonal fluctuations, leading to temporary breakouts when starting or stopping taking the pill, generally hormonal birth control pills do not cause acne. In fact, evidence supports that birth control pills actually largely reduce acne.

This article explains that the hormones involved with acne production are largely related to androgens, which is the male sex hormone, which is increased in the body of both boys and girls during puberty. However, birth control pills contain estrogen and progestins, and the effects of these hormones counteract those of androgens. Also, research found from the Cochrane Collaboration (research network) showed that all of the birth control pills that they tested led to improvement of acne.

Part of the misleading nature of this claim is that birth control pills can initially cause breakouts due to drastic hormonal changes in the body, but research shows that the acne-reducing effects of birth control take anywhere from several weeks to months for visible improvement.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279209/