Have any of you used birth control pills to get rid of acne?

Sep 17, 2014

Katarina M.

Yes yes I know "don't take pills without consulting your doctor."
I have an appointment on Friday, this would be my 3rd skin-related appointment. I wanted to ask about taking the pill because not only do I have terrible acne, I also have an out of wack period (sorry if that's tmi for some of you, haha).

I've used several different medicines, creams, lotions, etc.that don't work for me so I'm planning on asking the doc about birth control.

Have any of you used it before & what were your results? 😊

Sep 17, 2014

Shannon B.

I have never used it before but that's great you're asking a doctor :)
But from what I know birth control can cause more acne. But that probably depends too and so many ways.

Sep 17, 2014

Jasi O.

I would enquirer about the Estelle contraceptive pill. I was on it for a while cause my friend had heaps left over and I wanted to try it, I don't really think you need to go to the docs for it? (Could be different in your country?)

Sep 17, 2014

Suzy M.

I'm on them for acne! Not seeing a huge difference to be honest.. But my acne isn't hormonal so that could be why. Honestly the pill doesn't help with anything at all for me. I'm only still on it because I'm in a relationship (tmi as well haha)

Sep 17, 2014

Rissa G.

I'm pretty sure you can't get birth control pills without consent from a doctor. Any who, yes, it only helps hormonal acne. It's different for everyone so it may help! I've wanted BC for a while but all of the horrible side effects that are said to come with intimidate me a bit lol.

Sep 17, 2014

Rissa G.

Oh really? Awesome. You don't have to go through the trouble, I'll look for it. Thank you :) for the offer to help and heads up!

Sep 17, 2014

Roli V.

Have you tried Doxycycline tab? I mean were you prescribed those? its helpful in acne. also clindamycin ointment with Tenovate M can be helpful.

Sep 17, 2014

Bry R.

Well if you have an out of whack period, then you have a hormonal imbalance (take it from someone who knows) and your acne might be related to that, if so, it should help. I'm on the nuva ring and my periods have even out AND I rarely breakout anymore since I had hormonal acne.

Sep 17, 2014

Qwaserght T.

I tried it for my acne and it did nothing
But I have really really REALLY bad acne so, maybe it'll be different for you
Also, it made me really angry and depressed feeling all the time
But hopefully it works better for you :)

Sep 17, 2014

Roli V.

Usually irregular periods, facial hair or acne and weight gain are associated with PCOD. In this condition, BC pills are helpful coz they regularise periods and weight. they may be helpful in acne also.

Sep 17, 2014

Zoey A.

Honestly birth control was the best thing that's ever happened to me, skin wise. I recommend asking about Tri-Cyclen Lo! That's the one I'm on right now (I've tried a few different kinds), and it regulates your hormones DURING your period, so it help prevent acne then! It's actually awesome.

Sep 17, 2014

Jasi O.

Also just be aware of side effects, I was throwing up constantly for a good three months lol.

Sep 17, 2014

Clarissa T.

I have been taking birth control pills for about 2 months and my skin has honestly cleared up I used to get some around my nose and chin and I've notice they have gone away I guess everyone's different I use trivora only side affect I hate is it make me hungry so much

Sep 17, 2014

Kennedy O.

I'm on "Diane 35" and all of my acne is gone! Worked for face acne, bacne, and chest acne.

Sep 17, 2014

Isabel M.

Birth control , for me, really helped my cystic pimples I got when "that time of the month" rolled around! I actually didn't gain any weight on it, in fact I lost a few pounds. I doubt it was the medicine but just so you know! I also had really irregular periods and the pill really helped mine be consistent. I stopped for a while because my prescription ran out and my momma and I missed my appt , for a refill. Since then I have had more cystic pimples, and my periods have been cray. I am going back on this month! I'm genuinely hopeful that it'll work the same as it did the first time! I suggest you try it, and see how it works for you , because everyone's skin is different! For reference I usually get cystic pimples on my chin, and forehead!

Sep 17, 2014

Meagan M.

Honestly I have done it and for me it didn't change much. All it did was pack on weight at unhealthy amounts and my periods were somewhat lighter. Acne wise it was only hardly a noticeable difference.

Sep 17, 2014

Naomi M.

For me it didn't work out, my periods got worse; I got massive cramps and headaches and the acne did not go away.. Then I switched to a lighter pill (0.2 mg) and my acne got so much worse.. I can really advise you to wait with using the pill until you actualy need it! Also, I know it sucks, but your acne will probably fade over time. After you've gone through the hormonal changes of the teenage years your acne should become less. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself haha (:

Sep 17, 2014

Lisa S.

I started taking birth control for chronic migraines and heavy periods. The only thing jt was help with my cycle. I also had pretty bad skin at the time but thats not why I got on the birth control to begin with. Anyways, it did help clear up some of my skin but I think it was just because some of it was hormonal acne. Honestly though if you want something to clear up your skin I highly recommend Clarisonic. That was what really turned my skin around for the better.

Sep 19, 2014

Katarina M.

Thanks to everyone for your input!
@Renay, I'd never take pills unless my doc said it was alright, don't worry haha. :)
@Jacqlyn, I've been prescribed several different dosages of Retin-A creams, climdamycin-phosphate lotions, etc.etc. I'm so disappointed, they only work for a few weeks until everything goes back to normal and my acne is all over the place again. :/

I'll definitely take everything into consideration, thanks again ladies. :)