Does Birth Control Help Acne?

Yes, certain types of birth control can help clear acne. Combination birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progestin can reduce breakouts by lowering the hormones that cause oily skin. The FDA has approved specific pills for treating moderate to severe acne.

How Birth Control Helps Acne

Androgens are hormones that tell your skin to make oil. When you have too much oil, your pores get clogged and acne forms. Birth control pills with estrogen and progestin lower androgen levels in your body, which means less oil and fewer pimples.

Only combination pills help acne. Pills with just progestin (called mini-pills), shots, and implants can actually make acne worse.

FDA-Approved Pills for Acne

The FDA has approved four birth control pills to treat acne: Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep Fe (now available as generic), Yaz, and Beyaz. These are approved for females age 14-15 and older who have started their period.

Research shows that most combination pills work similarly well for acne, even if they're not specifically approved for it. Your doctor can help you choose the best option.

How Long Until You See Results

Birth control doesn't clear acne overnight. Most people see improvement within 2 to 3 months. Some may notice changes in just a few weeks. Your acne might get slightly worse at first before it gets better.

What to Know Before Starting

Birth control pills only address one cause of acne—excess oil. Your doctor may also prescribe topical treatments or other medications for best results. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks, as some pills may increase the risk of blood clots.

Birth control for acne works well for many people, but it's not right for everyone. A dermatologist or doctor can help you decide if it's a good choice for your skin and overall health.