Can The Contraceptive Pill Cure Acne? | HuffPost Life

'My skin has never looked better.'

By

Parents editor at HuffPost UK

|

A woman has shared before and after photos of her acne, claiming that the contraceptive pill helped clear her skin.

Imgur user 'seventytimes' uploaded the photographs with the caption: "If you guys are wondering what else birth control can do..."

The photos show her skin when she had acne juxtaposed with images of her skin now.

Doctors say the contraceptive pill can help sure acne for some people, but the results are "hit and miss".

On Imgur the woman wrote: "My dermatologist was convinced I'd have to go on Accutane [a drug used to treat severe acne].

"Fortunately for me (and all women of child-bearing age), it's required by law for you to use two forms of birth control (due to the severe birth defects that accompany the drug) and I started the pill a month in advance.

"Five months later, my skin has never looked better. No Accutane necessary."

So can the contraceptive pill help other women suffering with acne?

Dr Helen Webberley, the dedicated GP for Oxford Online Pharmacy, told The Huffington Post UK that it can be hit and miss.

"We have known for many years that the contraceptive pill can really help some people who suffer with acne, although others do find that the medication can have an adverse effect on their condition," she explained.

"All brands can help, but a specific anti-androgen containing pill actually holds a license for treating acne.

"However, it also carries a slightly higher risk of abnormal blood clots, so some doctors are wary of prescribing it."

She continued: "Aside from the pill, there are many other very effective treatments for acne.

"Men, women and children should never be scared of persevering with their doctor or pharmacist until they find a treatment that works for them.

"With the right treatment, the days of bad acne and severe scarring should be over."

Natural And Simple Acne Treatments

Lemon(01 of17)

This citrus fruit is a powerhouse when it comes to treating and preventing acne. The citric acid in lemon exfoliates skins and dries up acne, while its antibacterial properties help prevent it from coming back. It can also reduce the appearance of acne scars by lightning skin. Just soak a cotton swab in fresh lemon juice and apply it directly to infected areas after washing your face. Or create a lemon toner by combining 1/2 cup water, 1 tbsp lemon juice and 2-3 drops tea tree oil. Apply the toner across acne-prone areas. (credit:Kristoffer Winther Balling/Flickr)

Apple Cider Vinegar(02 of17)

Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural acne treatment among celebrities, including Scarlett Johansson, for maintaining their clear and glowing complexions. It kills acne-causing bacteria with its antibacterial properties, balances the pH of the skin and breaks down oil and dirt to unclog pores. Just like lemon juice, you can apply apple cider vinegar directly to clean skin on your face, neck and back, or dilute it with water if you notice the vinegar is drying your skin. (credit:Shutterstock)

Tea Tree Oil(03 of17)

Unlike harsh over-the-counter acne treatments, tea tree oil will not leave your skin dry and stripped of its natural oils. You can use a cotton swab to apply the oil directly to your blemishes. If you find the undiluted tea tree oil to be too powerful (or the scent too overbearing), you can dilute it with water or add a few drops to your store-bought or homemade face wash, toner, moisturizer or scrubs. You can also find many natural skincare lines containing soothing tea tree oil and its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. (credit:Lucie Rihova)

Salt Water(04 of17)

There is no need to book an ocean-side vacation to get the skin-clearing benefits of salt water. Apply salt directly to damp skin to exfoliate, or create a salt water toner by mixing salt and warm water in a bowl, and dabbing it over your face with a cotton ball. Add the salt water to a spray bottle to spritz your face throughout the day to reduce oil production. (credit:Getty Images/Fuse)

Honey (05 of17)

This sticky sweet stuff is delicious and soothing in tea, but its antibacterial properties will also help soothe and heal pimples faster by fighting acne-causing bacteria. Apply a high-quality honey, such as manuka honey, directly to pimples and allow the honey to sit on your face for at least 15 minutes before rinsing it off. Or add it to your favourite homemade face mask or scrub. (credit:Shutterstock)

Yogurt(06 of17)

You've probably heard about the many health benefits of eating yogurt, but did you know that it can also be used topically to treat acne-prone skin? Yogurt contains lactic acid (used in some chemical peels) and antibacterial properties that work to prevent breakouts with the added bonus of moisturizing your skin. Apply plain whole yogurt directly to acne-prone areas for at least 20 minutes before rinsing off. Add this creamy mask to your regular beauty regime to help keep breakouts at bay. (credit:Shutterstock / andersphoto)

Aloe Vera(07 of17)

The same gel you use to soothe your sunburns, can also help soothe and reduce the inflammation of acne. The herb also contains antibacterial properties that will help prevent acne sores from becoming infected and allow them to heal faster. It can also extract the dirt and oil from your pores that cause acne in the first place. Apply the gel directly to your face and neck, leave overnight and rise off in the morning. Or add it to your facial mask or scrub. (credit:bdspn)

Clay(08 of17)

Clay-based masks are all the rage lately -- and for good reason. The masks draw out oil and dirt from your pores that cause acne. Find out how to prepare a simple mask using clay and apple cider vinegar here. (credit:Shutterstock)

Green Tea (09 of17)

You’ve probably heard about the many health benefits of drinking green tea, but it can also be applied on skin to soothe and treat acne by reducing oil production. Just dip a cotton ball or washcloth into cooled green tea and hold on infected areas for a few minutes. (credit:Shutterstock)

Willow Bark Extract(10 of17)

Willow bark, known as “nature’s aspirin,” is a natural source of salicylic acid, which is found in many acne treatments and is proven to treat acne better than benzoyl peroxide. It removes dead skin cells that clog your pores, while also soothing and rejuvenating your skin. (credit:Andy Hares/Flickr)

Activated Charcoal(11 of17)

There's a reason activated charcoal has been popping up in more and more skincare products -- the same black substance used to induce vomiting to rid your system of toxins is believed to work like a magnet on your skin, drawing out impurities from your pores. Find out how to make your own charcoal face mask here. (credit:Shutterstock)

Papaya(12 of17)

The vitamins, lycopene and antifungal, antibacterial properties in this tasty fruit can be work to remove excess oil and dead skin cells from your skin’s surface, leaving your face clean, smooth and less prone to acne. All you have to do is cut up and mash a bit of the fruit, spread it onto clean skin and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. (credit:rclassenlayouts)

Banana Peel(13 of17)

The next time you eat a banana, don’t be so quick to toss the peel. Banana peels contain the antioxidant lutein, which can help reduce the inflammation of acne. Simply rub the peel on clean skin and let is sit for as long as possible before rinsing. Repeat regularly for optimal results. (credit:Shutterstock)

Sandalwood Oil (14 of17)

Sandalwood is another powerful acne treatment with its antimicrobial properties that battle bacteria and oil that clog pores and cause pimples. Apply the oil directly to infected areas, or dilute it first with water or base oil, such as evening primrose oil. Find out how to make a sandalwood acne paste here. (credit:Shutterstock / AppleZoomZoom)

Sodium Bicarbonate(15 of17)

Better known a baking soda, this versatile product removes excess oil, dirt and bacteria on your skin, while also exfoliating. Just combine water and baking soda to create a paste, and massage over your skin. Let the paste sit on your face for at least 15 minutes. (credit:Geo-grafika)

Garlic(16 of17)

Garlic isn't just for boosting the flavour of your food -- it also has many medicinal purposes, including fighting acne-causing bacteria with its powerful antioxidants. Before heading to bed, mince a few cloves and set in water for about 10 minutes. Use a cotton pad to apply across infected areas. (credit:Ls9907)

Oatmeal(17 of17)

Remember having a warm and soothing oatmeal bath when you had the chickenpox? Well, oatmeal can also be used to reduced the inflammation of acne. Next time you cook yourself up a pot of oatmeal, apply some to your face as well to help soothe and reduce the redness of acne (just be sure to let it cool first). (credit:Shutterstock / matka_Wariatka)

Before You Go

Related

uk lifestyle news uk lifestyle acne contraceptive pill imgur

Suggest a correction

|