Using Birth Control Pills For Acne

For almost all teenagers, acne is their number one problem. This is because of the disadvantages and hassles that acne brings. And for younger adults who suffer from the same predicament, the stress and anxiety is doubled as they are near the time when acne scars have the higher tendency to stay permanent. This is a known fact as 25% among the 80% affected teenagers are more likely to have scar for life from the condition.
In accordance to the growing acne problem, an alternative yet proven effective treatment is being used nowadays. If your condition cannot be treated or at least lightened by acne cream and ointments, birth control pills or oral contraceptives can now be used to treat such a problem. Clinically tested, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three birth control pills with estrogen and progestin combination. These are Ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate (Ortho Tri-Cyclen), Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone (Estrostep) and Ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone (Yaz).
The said birth control pills work by means of controlling the sebum – the very reason why you have oily skin and unsightly facial blemishes. It is the overproduction of sebum that causes dead skin cells to build up, thus allowing access for more oil and skin, eventually causing skin ruptures.
But bear in mind that using birth control pills is not a DIY-style of medication. Consult your doctor with regards to the prescription, frequency and the proper use of birth control pills as treatment. You belong to the high-risk patient classification if you say yes to any of these: age 35 years and above, smoking, have a history of cardiovascular disease, blood clots in legs and lungs and history of breast, liver or uterine cancer.
And using a of combination birth control pills alone does not guarantee you clear skin with just a snap of your finger. Just like other medications, you can see results after several months of using it. You skin can also worsen first, before really seeing the clear skin that you want. Side effects are also likely, like headaches, slight increase in heart palpitations, high blood pressure, high potassium and blood clots. Change in menstrual flow, nausea and vomiting, breast tenderness and decreased libido are also noted. Pregnant women are advised not to take it as it can cause fetal problems and deformities.
With these pieces of acne information and acne facts in mind, do your part by not just visiting your doctors, but also by following their orders.