Oral Contraceptives for Acne

The use of oral contraceptives for acne has been practiced for at least the last twenty years. Of course, this option is only available for females. The last thing a teenage boy needs is to start growing breasts and become all hormonal. This will certainly buy him a one-way ticket to the land of high school torment.

When to Use Oral Contraceptives for Acne

It is very unlikely a doctor or clinic will hand over a prescription for oral contraceptives to help a teenage girl clear up her acne. Acne is a bacterial infection that occurs when sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that builds up and plugs the pores of the skin causing acne. Oral contraceptives can be used to help reduce the sebum that is one of the main causes of acne.

Three Oral Contraceptives for Acne

Oral contraceptives for acne are only prescribed when over the counter and prescription medications do not work. The three oral contraceptives for acne are - Ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate (Ortho Tri-Cyclen), Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone (Estrostep), Ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone (Yaz). In addition to the oral contraceptives, doctors also recommend a good facial cleaner, removing makeup before bed and an acne cream that has benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in it.

Oral Contraceptives for Acne - What to Expect

Oral contraceptives come with side effects that can be unnoticeable to severe. A few of the most common side effects include; mood swings, change in period (lighter), headaches, and nausea. It is important to know that the oral contraceptives may take a few months before they start to clear up the acne and even more important is your acne may get worse before it gets better.