Birth Control and Acne

For those of us with acne-prone skin, birth control can be just as important as our overall health and the topical products we apply to our skin. Birth control options are varied, and can be overwhelming. In general, birth control options that are low in androgens and higher in estrogen are safer for acne-prone skin. The higher androgen, lower estrogen options are more problematic for acne-prone skin, and it can be hard to achieve clear skin with these in our system.

Make sure you discuss your options with your doctor, and feel free to bring this list to them. Click here to download for free!

Common birth control high in estrogen, and low in androgens:

Birth controls to avoid due to high androgen and low estrogen content include:

Click here to download this list for free!

Points to Note:

Discuss your options with your doctor. Only you and your doctor can decide what the best choice is for you. This is just a guideline and conversation starter.

I never encourage relying on birth control in order to treat acne. You can get clear without birth control. If you use birth control for other reasons, the estrogen and androgen content is something important to keep in mind if you are acne-prone.

It is possible to achieve clear skin without taking birth control into consideration. I usually suggest looking into your birth control options after you’ve been using a targeted skin-care routine for 3-4 months with no change in your acne.

*Although the Paragard/Copper IUD does not contain any hormones, Face Reality Acne Clinic has observed that it has aggravated acne with their clients.