Birth control pills can be used to treat acne in girls and women. However, not all birth control pills are effective in treating acne, and some may even make it worse. The following are some details about birth control pills and acne:

Positive effects:

• Birth control pills can help reduce the secretion of oil from glands, which can lessen breakouts.
• They can improve both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne.
• They can reduce the severity of future breakouts.
• They can help treat existing acne.
• They can improve complexion in some cases.

Negative effects:

• Birth control pills that contain only progesterone can actually make acne worse.
• Possible side effects might still play an important role when deciding which pill to use.
• The frequency and severity of side effects are influenced by the dose of hormones in the birth control pills.

Ingredients or materials:

• Birth control pills that are effective in treating acne contain the female sex hormones estrogen and progestin.
• The FDA has approved several combination birth control pills for treating acne, including Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Yaz, Estrostep FE, and Beyaz.
• Each type of birth control pill used for acne contains a low dose of the same form of estrogen, but each one uses a different form of progesterone.
• Pills prescribed for acne should contain progestin with low androgenic possibility. This means the progestin has less androgenic side effects, such as oily skin and acne.
• The ingredients in birth control pills can vary, so it is important to make sure your medication contains the right mix of hormones.

It is important to note that birth control pills work on only one acne-related factor -- excess sebum. Doctors often prescribe other forms of acne treatment -- topical medications or antibiotics -- to be used alongside them for best results in clearing the skin.