Why Does the Pill Cause Dry Skin?
Birth control pills have certain side effects that may or may not be positive. Drying of skin is one of the common reactions. Before taking the pill women should understand why the skin becomes so dry.
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Oil Production
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The sebaceous glands in the skin produce a substance called sebum. This is the body's natural oil that keeps skin moist and healthy.
Birth Control Dryness
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Birth control pills can prevent the production of sebum, causing dry skin by eliminating oil, according to Dr. Christiane Northrup.
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Acne
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The effect of the pill on sebum production makes birth control pills a common treatment for acne.
Other Options
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Older women, or those with already dry skin, may want to try different forms of birth control, like a diaphragm.
Things to Avoid
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Those who insist on taking the pill even with dry skin should avoid drinking caffeinated beverages. Instead, drink water since caffeine dehydrates the body.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of THomas Hebert
