How to Treat Acne With the Pill
Though acne can be caused by a variety of factors, it is commonly attributed to hormonal issues. Women often experience hormonal acne at the onset of puberty and it can continue throughout their lives. Many women notice their acne is related to their menstruation cycles. Birth control pills present viable means to treat and improve acne. Via a doctor's prescription, you can obtain birth control pills that may significantly improve your acne. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Have your hormone levels tested. If your acne is due to hormonal issues, such as an overproduction of androgens, it will likely improve with birth control pills. You should first ascertain that you have hormonal imbalances prior to treating your acne this way.
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Try other acne treatment methods first. Birth control pills shouldn't be your first course of action to treat your acne. Your doctor will likely want to try various topical medications first. In addition, you should maintain a solid skin care regime, ensuring your skin is well cleansed and moisturized daily.
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Talk to your doctor about which birth control pill is right for you. Various low-dose pills have been approved by the FDA to treat acne. These pills generally contain estrogen and progestin. The estrogen helps to suppress your ovaries' production of acne-causing androgens.
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Be aware that there are side effects to the pill. Though they are not common, some women experience side effects, such as weight gain, sore breasts, menstruation spotting, nausea and mood swings. If you experience side effects, talk to your doctor about an alternate type of birth control pill.
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Give your body time to adjust to the pill. You likely won't notice an immediate improvement in your acne. Wait two to three months before assessing the pill's effectiveness at treating your acne. If you don't notice improvement, talk to your doctor about switching to another type of pill.
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Tips & Warnings
Drink plenty of water. Water is essential to healthy, clear skin.
Do not pick at your acne. This will only worsen the situation and lead to scarring.
