Birth Control and Acne

Birth control pills, IUDs, implants and shots are widely used today and prescribed often as a means to control acne. Most forms of birth control can have the potential to cause acne and weight gain in those susceptible. Typically birth control is divided up as estrogen or progestin dominant and have varying degrees of androgenic (testosterone like) effects. As a general rule of thumb, those with the potential for higher androgenic symptoms should be avoided for people prone to acne because they promote breakouts. As an acne sufferer it is important to speak with your doctor about selecting a form of birth control that is higher in estrogen and lower in androgen potency.

  • The most commonly prescribed in this category are:
    Brevicon
    Necon
    Tri-Nessa
    Demulan
    Ortho Tricyclen
    Tri-Previferm
    Femcon
    Ortho-Novum
    Tri-Sprintec
    Kelnor
    Ovcon
    Zovia
    Modicon
    Previfem
    MonoNessa
    Sprintec

 

  • It is best to avoid the following that are high in androgen activity and low in estrogen, which are some of the following:
    Alesse
    Kariva
    Nexplanon
    Amethyst
    Lessina
    Nordette
    Apri
    Levora/Levonest
    Norplant
    Azurette
    Linessa
    NuvaRing
    Caziant
    Loestrin
    Ogestrel
    Cryselle
    Lo-Feminol
    Ortho Tricyclen Lo
    Cyclessa
    Lo-Ogestrel
    Ovral
    Depo-Provera
    Lo-Ovral
    Paragard/Copper IUD*
    Desogen
    Lutera
    Portia
    Emoquette
    Marvelon
    Reclipsen
    Estrostep Fe
    Microgestin
    Seasonale/Seasonique
    Implanon
    Mircette
    Sronyx
    Jolessa
    Mirena or Skyla IUD
    Triphasil/Trivora

 

*Although the Paragard/Copper IUD does not contain any hormones, we have observed that is has aggravated acne with our clients through depletion of certain minerals.

Only you and your doctor can determine what form of birth control is right for you. The above is just a basic guideline that should be used to initiate a conversation between you and your physician. If you are considering using birth control, it is important to know that it can be associated with a high risk of blood clots, weight gain, nausea, mood changes, depression and breast tenderness. Serious side effects include strokes, digestive issues and embolism.

Finally, it is entirely possible to treat acne without using birth control. If you have no underlying health issues that require you to be on birth control and are considering using birth control only to control your acne, please feel free to talk with Wendy at Saving Face Skinspa and Acne Clinic, LLC  to get some additional perspective on how we can help you with the use of topical products and treatments.