Acne and Birth Control in One
Anyone who has suffered from acne already knows that there’s a variety of products on the market that all claim to cure pimples and zits fast and effectively. Unfortunately, there’s just not one miracle product out there that cures all forms of acne. More often than not, a person suffering from acne tries a variety of products before finding one that really works for them. It many cases it’s a long and frustrating road to travel down. However, for women there is an alternate treatment not available to their male counterparts. Women have the option of taking birth control pills for acne.
Cause of Acne
There really are a number of factors when it comes to determining the cause of acne. Cleanliness of skin is one important factor, but not the main cause of acne. When experiencing acne attacks, a clean, well-moisturized face is essential to help prevent further attacks. Having a completely clean face does not guarantee one will be acne free at all times. Diet, another widely ignored cause of acne, is important when it comes to a clear complexion. Often the foods and drinks consumed by an individual have a direct affect on what is secreted through the skin. If your diet is high in fat, sugars, and preservatives, there’s a greater chance of experiencing acne attacks.
Another major factor in the cause of acne is an imbalance of hormones in the body. Hormonal imbalances cause acne primarily because the body produces too much or too little sebum; a substance produced by the body and found in the sebaceous glands to lubricate and protect the skin from the environment. When the body over or under produces sebum, the pores and hair follicles can become dry and irritated, leading to acne breakouts.
For women, acne problems also occur when there is either an over production of androgens or their body is overly sensitive to their natural levels of androgens. Additionally, some women produce low levels of estrogen, a chemical that counteracts androgens, which can also cause an imbalance of hormones and affect acne.
Birth Control Pills For Acne
Birth control pills contain two chemicals- estrogen and progestin, known agents in maintaining a normal hormonal balance that can help in the fight against acne. The synthetic version of the hormone progesterone is called progestin. In pill format it is both helpful and harmful when it comes to fighting acne. It’s beneficial aspects are that it bonds with progesterone to maintain normal sebum production. However, it is also known to cause the body to retain water, which can lead to bloating, along with blocked pores and hair follicles.
Birth control pills help prevent excess androgen formation by reducing the amount found in the bloodstream, thereby blocking it from receptors and sebaceous glands. These side effects are a major reason why birth control pills are so effective in helping to prevent acne in women.
Just like acne products, there are a number of birth control pills that are produced and manufactured for women. In order to get on birth control pills, a woman must consult a physician and determine what the best pill is for her personal needs. Pills come in a variety of brand names and ingredients and range in a number of strengths. A physician will be helpful in determining the appropriate type of birth control pill to use.
If you are a woman who is suffering from acne, you may benefit from looking into taking birth control pills for acne breakouts. As with all medications there are both positive and negative side effects, so work closely with a dermatologist or physician when taking birth controls pills for acne. Only a limited number of birth control pills have been approved by the FDA for off label usage as a method for treating acne.
