Acne has always been a struggle for a lot of individuals. Some have it in their teens while others get them well into their adulthood. Aside from enduring physical scars, some individuals with acne experience psychological scars too such as such as low confidence and poor self-esteem. Oral contraceptive pills are among the medications prescribed to women by dermatologists to reduce acne, especially if topical and other oral treatments were not effective for them. But how young can someone start taking oral contraceptive pills? Acne can be caused by a lot of factors, such as genetics, diet, stress, and hormones. These factors bring an excess in oil production that clogs the pores and eventually becomes acne. Sometimes acne can be caused by bacteria as well. Acne can appear as comedones or small bumps, also called blackheads and whiteheads. It can also appear as papules or commonly called pimples, pustules or pimples with pus, nodules or pimples that are inflamed, or cysts that are large and painful with pus and blood. Usually acne begins at puberty, and this shift in hormones can trigger oil production and eventually cause acne. A lot of women know that aside from preventing pregnancies, oral contraceptive pills can also help clear skin by reducing acne or improving its condition. Oral contraceptives work because it contains both progestin and estrogen (also called combined oral contraceptive pills) that can help manage the levels of the androgen hormone, which is what drives the excess in oil production. A female may only take birth control pills for acne depending on certain conditions, some of which are:
* If they are aged 14 years old and above (if a minor, parental consent is needed) * If they are healthy and with no underlying conditions * If they have begun their menstrual cycle * If they are not pregnant or breastfeeding * If they have tried other topical and oral acne medications, which did not work for them * If it is prescribed by a dermatologist
Taking oral contraceptives does not come without risks as well. These are cardiovascular disease, blood clotting, high blood pressure, certain cancers, among others. This is why screening is important and should be used with a doctor’s guidance. Note that acne can be caused by different factors, so if one also experiences other changes such as weight gain or irregular menstrual cycles alongside their acne, it is best to consult a physician specialized to treat the condition. While birth control pills can help reduce acne, it is still best to look at one’s health as a whole. A change in diet or lifestyle may be crucial to treat acne once and for all.