Can Birth Control Pills Really Control Your Acne?
The truth about birth control pills and acne
If you've seen any of the birth control commercials on television lately, you may be asking yourself if the pills really can get rid of your acne. Can a once-a-day pill actually banish those unsightly blemishes, or is this just another pie-in-the-sky story being sold to anti-acne hopefuls? The truth may surprise you...
The Hormone Factor
Some cases of acne are caused by hormonal imbalances, and in these cases a birth control pill may indeed help alleviate the condition. What the commercials aren't telling you, however, is that only certain cases of acne can be helped by these pills.
Why do the commercials indicate the pills can cure all acne woes if it's not true? Actually, it's a big no no. The FDA got down on one such birth control company who was making such claims.
Yes, the drug can help clear up moderate hormone-related acne, but it's not able to clear up all cases of it as the commercial suggested. Is it fair? No, but it's life. It's just another example of buyer beware.
Is It Right For You?
So how do you know whether or not a birth control pill can actually help you with your particular acne condition? Talk to your doctor. If your acne is hormone related, birth control pills may indeed help.
That does not mean, however, that you should take birth control pills just because you want clearer skin. If you need birth control and want the added benefit of clearer skin, go for it. But birth control should not be used for acne alone.
There are pros and cons to these medications, and gentler, more natural acne remedies may do the job just as well. In fact, natural approaches to acne care may work better than birth control in the long run, and you'll suffer fewer side effects along the way.