Using Birth Control Pills For Acne Control


The use of birth control pills to control acne flare ups may or may
not be an effective.


Usually, the first signs of acne develop during adolescence,
when hormone levels begin to rise. When hormone levels surge, the
sebaceous glands located at the base of each hair follicle, produce
excess oil. This oil combined with dead skin cells and dirt becomes
trapped within the skin's pores and acne develops.
Since acne can be triggered by fluctuating hormone levels within
the body, it stands to reason that acne can appear at the various
'stages' in life when hormone levels are changing such as puberty,
pregnancy and menopause.

It also makes sense that controlling
hormone levels may help to reduce acne outbreaks.
The use of birth control pills for the treatment of acne is an
attempt to regulate hormones. It is important to understand that
every human body contains both male and female hormones. Overactive
sebaceous glands are the result of rising levels of the male
hormones - testosterone and androgens.

Birth control pills contain
artificial female hormones - estrogen and/or progestin. The theory
is that birth control pills shut down the ovaries which are
producing inappropriate male hormones allowing a more balanced
male/female hormone mixture.
There are problems with using birth control pills to control
acne. Some
women may actually notice their
acne worsen with the use of birth control pills until the
estrogen levels become dominant.



Women who do take the birth
control pill and who notice that their acne is getting worse
should discuss the situation with their doctor. Different brands
of oral contraception have different levels of hormones.
Switching to another brand may bring acne back under control.
There are several brands that may help clear up acne but only
Ortho Tri-cyclen has been approved by the FDA for treating
acne.


Keep in mind that using birth control pills for acne control is
only a temporary solution. Many women find that once they stop
using birth control pills, their acne returns - often worse than
before.
Birth control pills can have undesirable side effects including
nausea, weight gain, water retention and mood swings. There are
also other more serious
health risks than acne to
consider.

Prolonged use may increase your chances of heart
attack or stroke.
It is for these reasons that using birth control pills for acne
control should be considered only after all other treatment options
have failed and always with the guidance of your physician.
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Cindy English publishes informative articles and product reviews
of today's most popular
acne treatments.
Visit the Acne Skin Care Guide.


It's the first step to a clearer complexion and greater
self-esteem!

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