Understanding Birth Control and Acne: A Simple Guide
While birth control methods like pills, IUDs, and implants are common, they can be a double-edged sword for your skin. For those prone to breakouts, the wrong hormonal balance can actually trigger acne or lead to weight gain.
The key to clear skin lies in the balance between estrogen and progestin. Specifically, you want to watch out for the androgenic (testosterone-like) effect of your birth control. High androgen levels stimulate oil production, which leads to clogged pores and breakouts.
The Golden Rule for Acne-Prone Skin
If you struggle with acne, consult your doctor about choosing a formula that is higher in estrogen and lower in androgen potency.
Recommended Options (Low Androgen Activity)
The following brands are generally considered “acne-friendly” because they prioritize estrogen and minimize androgenic side effects:
- Standard Brands: Brevicon, Demulan, Femcon, Kelnor, Modicon, MonoNessa, Necon, Ovcon, Previferm, Sprintec, Zovia.
- Tri-Phasic Brands: Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Tri-Nessa, Tri-Previferm, Tri-Sprintec.
Options to Avoid (High Androgen Activity)
These methods have higher androgenic activity or lower estrogen levels, which can worsen skin clarity for susceptible individuals:
| Type | Examples to Watch Out For |
| Pills | Alesse, Apri, Azurette, Caziant, Cryselle, Cyclessa, Desogen, Estrostep Fe, Kariva, Lessina, Levora, Loestrin, Lutera, Microgestin, Nordette, Portia, Seasonique, Sronyx. |
| IUDs & Implants | Mirena, Skyla, Nexplanon, Implanon, Paragard (Copper IUD). |
| Injectables/Rings | Depo-Provera, NuvaRing. |
How to Verify if Your Pill is “Acne-Safe”
You don’t have to guess—you can check the chemical makeup of your prescription on sites like RxList.com or via a quick Google search.
Look for these two specific criteria:
- Ethinyl Estradiol (Estrogen): It should be at least 35 mcg (0.035 mg).
- Progestin: It should have a low androgenic index.
Quick Comparison Examples:
- Lutera (NOT OK): Contains 0.02 mg of ethinyl estradiol. This equals 20 mcg, which is too low to effectively suppress androgen-driven acne.
- Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (NOT OK): Contains 0.025 mg. This equals 25 mcg, which is still below the recommended threshold for clear skin.
- Ortho Tri-Cyclen (OK): Contains 0.035 mg. This equals 35 mcg, making it a much better choice for managing breakouts.
