Many cases of acne in women are caused by hormonal fluctuation. If a woman goes on birth control, acne often clears up since the hormonal surges are being flattened slightly. The connection between birth control and acne relief has led to variations of the pill being approved for prescription specifically for acne.
For young women with acne, birth control is a logical choice of treatment. Even for older women or women for whom birth control is no longer a concern, this method of relieving acne can be the simplest course for controlling acne and promoting clean, clear skin. Bumps on the face can be as worrisome as a bump in the tummy!
Once you opt for the method of birth control, acne may rapidly become a thing of the past. After you find the right dosage and brand of birth control that relieves your symptoms you just remember to take your pill each day! BCPs are the only form approved for acne prescription; shots or the patch have not yet been approved.
For women who belong to certain religious groups or other organizations that object to the pill, alternate types of treatment are available. Hormone stability without contraceptive effects can be obtained by herbal means, such as Chaste Tree Berry. The fact that birth control and acne are connected makes any type of hormone stabilizer a sensible option.
The hormones in the BCPs include varying amounts of estrogen and progestin to combat excess androgens (testosterone levels). The body's normal reaction to androgens is to produce extra sebum, which causes acne; birth control can prevent this. Once the hormones are balanced, the acne usually disappears.
Even for women who are on birth control, acne may still be a problem. Sometimes the acne has another source, and isn't hormonal in nature. All avenues have to be explored to pinpoint the actual cause, or any treatment becomes just a shot in the dark.
Of course, if you begin birth control and acne disappears, you are probably on the right track. Acne that appears at the beginning of menstruation as a part of PMS is usually hormone related. This is reinforced of another outbreak hits you right at ovulation.
Determining the real cause of the outbreaks is key to finding the best acne treatment. When hormones are causing acne, birth control is often the easiest way to control it. Living with acne is something no one should have to do, especially when the cure could be so simple as a daily pill!
The best birth control and acne prevention pill is the one that you can take the smallest dosage of and still get good results. Once you start birth control, acne may take a cycle or two to fully clear up. Stay the course, and if your acne is in fact caused by hormones your face will soon be bump free - not to mention your tummy!