Combination birth control pills can help treat existing acne and reduce the severity of future breakouts. Although four pills are approved for this use, you may find success with any combination pill.

Acne is often caused by an increase in androgens, a group of sex hormones that includes testosterone. Androgens cause sebaceous glands to produce more sebum (oil), which can lead to clogged pores.

Combination pills contain synthetic forms of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones can decrease the circulation of androgens in the body, which reduces the production of sebum.

Pills that only contain progestin, the synthetic form of progesterone, can have the opposite effect.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four combination pills to treat acne:

  • Beyaz
  • Estrostep FE
  • Ortho Tri-Cyclen
  • Yaz

Each pill contains a low dose of the same type of synthetic estrogen, ethinyl estradiol. However, the type or dose of progestin differs between pills, which may impact the medication’s effect on androgen levels.

Combination pills that are not approved by the FDA for this purpose may still help improve acne. To date, researchers have not found one type of combination pill to be more effective in treating acne than others.

Beyaz is available as a brand name and generic medication. It’s a monophasic (single-phase) drug, meaning all active pills contain the same level of hormones.

Each pack contains 24 active pills with:

  • 3 milligrams (mg) drospirenone
  • 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol
  • 0.451 mg levomefolate calcium, a biologically active form of vitamin B9 (folate)

Each pack contains 4 placebo pills with 0.451 mg levomefolate calcium only. If taken, you may experience period-like bleeding during this time. You may be able to avoid this if you skip the placebo pills and start a new pack.

Common side effects include:

  • headache
  • migraine
  • irregular vaginal bleeding
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • chest tenderness

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The brand-name Estrostep FE is no longer manufactured, but generic forms are available. It’s a triphasic (three-phase) drug, meaning there are three different types of active pills with varying hormone levels.

Each pack contains 21 active pills, including:

  • 5 doses of 1 mg norethindrone acetate and 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol
  • 7 doses of 1 mg norethindrone acetate and 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol
  • 9 doses of 1 mg norethindrone acetate and 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol

Each pack contains 7 placebo pills with 75 mg ferrous fumarate (synthetic iron) only. If taken, you may experience period-like bleeding during this time. You may be able to avoid this if you skip the placebo pills and start a new pack.

Common side effects include:

  • headache
  • vaginal candidiasis
  • nausea
  • menstrual cramps
  • chest tenderness
  • abdominal pain
  • mood changes
  • bacterial vaginitis
  • irregular vaginal bleeding
  • weight gain

Although the brand-name Ortho Tri-Cyclen is no longer manufactured, generic forms are available. It’s a triphasic drug.

Each pack contains 21 active pills, including:

  • 7 doses of 0.180 mg norgestimate and 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol
  • 7 doses of 0.215 mg norgestimate and 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol
  • 7 doses of 0.250 mg norgestimate and 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol

Each pack contains 7 placebo pills to allow for a week of period-like bleeding. You may be able to avoid this if you skip the placebo pills and start a new pack.

Common side effects include:

  • headache
  • migraine
  • chest tenderness
  • chest swelling
  • nipple discharge
  • vaginal infection
  • abdominal pain
  • mood changes
  • vaginal discharge
  • weight fluctuation

Yaz is available as a brand name and generic medication. It’s a monophasic drug.

Each pack contains 24 active pills with:

  • 3 mg drospirenone
  • 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol

Each pack contains 4 placebo pills to allow for period-like bleeding. You may be able to avoid this if you skip the placebo pills and start a new pack.

Common side effects include:

  • headache
  • migraine
  • irregular vaginal bleeding
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • chest tenderness
  • mood changes

Combination pills may be a good option for controlling your acne if you:

  • are over age 14 (recommended age may vary depending on the brand of birth control)
  • reached puberty and started menstruating
  • have frequent or severe acne flare-ups

Your dermatologist or healthcare professional will look for any risk factors that may rule you out as a candidate. The pill usually isn’t recommended if you have a history of:

  • heart disease
  • hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • blood clots or blood clotting disorders
  • breast or cervical cancer
  • liver disease
  • diabetes
  • migraine

Your healthcare professional may also recommend a different treatment method if you smoke traditional cigarettes, vape fluids containing nicotine, or use other tobacco products.

Can birth control pills get rid of acne for good?

The combination pill can help stop some types of acne by decreasing sebum production. While taking the pill, acne may be eliminated, but it could return after you stop taking it.

How long does it take for birth control to clear acne?

Many people begin to see improvement 2 to 3 months after starting the combination pill. You may experience an initial flare-up as your body adjusts to the influx of hormones, but this is usually temporary.

Can you get birth control pills for acne without a prescription?

Combination pills must be prescribed by a medical professional, like a dermatologist, doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.

Opill is a progestin-only pill available over the counter and online. Although you don’t need a prescription to purchase it, it isn’t used to treat acne. In fact, it may actually worsen acne in some cases.

If your acne doesn’t clear up with over-the-counter topical treatments, consider making an appointment with a dermatologist or other healthcare professional to discuss your options.

They may recommend oral antibiotics or prescription-strength topical treatments before suggesting long-term medications like the pill or spironolactone. Isotretinoin (Accutane) may be prescribed in severe cases.

If you’re unable to find a suitable birth control pill that meets your needs, your doctor can help you find another treatment option.