Birth control pills and acne: why hormonal contraception is prescribed for acne

Causes of acne in women - hormones

The cause of acne is the colonization of the skin by anaerobic bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, which initiates the formation of micro-acne and a local inflammatory reaction. Environmental factors, such as a diet rich in carbohydrates, also influence the development of changes. Cigarette smoking also contributes to skin changes.

The formation of acne is associated with hair follicles and sebaceous glands, which cannot cope with the removal of excess sebum. When the glands are blocked, the internal contents swell and become infected, which is how pimples and acne appear. Therefore, people with oily skin are prone to acne.

Hormones, especially androgens, commonly called male hormones, have a significant influence on this process, further stimulating the growth of the sebaceous glands and their effectiveness. Androgens also help accelerate the growth of the stratum corneum, which can manifest itself, for example, in the presence of dandruff.

In women, androgens are secreted by the adrenal cortex and ovaries. In case of dysfunction of at least one of these organs, excessive secretion of androgens may occur and, consequently, exacerbation of acne on the skin. This occurs, for example, in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) has the same effect as androgens on hair follicles in stressful situations. Therefore, people who constantly live at "high speed" in a nervous environment are definitely more likely to have acne on their face.

The greatest influence on the development of acne is 5-α-reductase, which converts testosterone to 5-α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Its increased activity is observed in the outermost layer of the skin - the epidermis and in its appendages - the hair follicles.

Price

You can get rid of acne using cream by going to the pharmacy. Prices have a wide range and depend mainly on the constituent ingredients.

For people suffering from acne, doctors recommend, first of all, to understand the reasons for their appearance, since the rash is associated with internal diseases.

This is best done in a medical setting. You can cure acne on your face using various creams. Do not forget about maintaining hygiene and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

How do the hormones in birth control pills help treat acne?

An imbalanced hormonal balance increases the appearance of new acne and inflamed pimples, which leads women to a dermatologist, who, not finding pathologies on his part, redirects the patient to an endocrinologist or gynecologist.

In 7% of women of childbearing age, the appearance of acne is associated precisely with increased levels of androgens in the serum and so-called hyperandrogenism. Usually the pathology is accompanied by other symptoms, such as androgenetic alopecia or hirsutism (excessive hair growth), increased skin pigmentation (cutaneous keratosis).

High androgen levels are also observed in polycystic ovary syndrome, where irregular menstrual cycles coexist with hirsutism and acne. Thus, birth control pills, by suppressing the activity of androgens, have a much broader effect and treat many different diseases.

Oral contraceptives contain female sex hormones estrogens, which, unlike androgens, have the effect of reducing the secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands. They act contrary to male hormones, suppressing their activity.

Recipes at home

Homemade acne masks give quick results. To prepare them, you may need any products on the farm.

A good facial cleanser is a clay mask. The product should be mixed with egg and vegetable oil and applied to the face. You need to keep the mask on for at least 15 minutes. Repeat 5-6 times.

Diluted yeast with a drop of water and lemon juice will perfectly restore the ideal color and smoothness of the skin to the face. It is enough to carry out two procedures per week.

Masks based on honey show high-quality results. To do this, mix honey with egg whites and olive oil. Apply a thin layer to the face and leave for 20 minutes.

Are birth control effective for acne?

The basis of acne treatment is local therapy. Women, having noticed acne, use various types of gels and creams, the active substance of which is an antibiotic. In addition, in order to remove excess oil, the skin is dried with various alcohol tinctures, which leads to the formation of wrinkles. However, the hormonal etiology of acne allows treatment without such aggressive agents. To do this, you need to contact a gynecologist who will regulate hormonal imbalances.

This therapy is indicated for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, SAHC syndrome - dermatological androgenization with concomitant seborrhea, acne, excessive hair growth and at the same time alopecia, and for acne lesions that occur after puberty. The action of drugs based on female hormones is also a contraceptive.

Combined treatment of acne requires comprehensive care, so after 3 months of taking birth control pills, you need to consult a dermatologist. The doctor will identify non-hormonal problems and residual effects, such as acne scars, and help remove them.

To get the maximum effect, before starting therapy, laboratory tests should be performed to determine the concentration of hormones and confirm abnormalities associated with the presence of acne. It is recommended to check free and total levels of testosterone in the blood, the ratio of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and LH, FSH.

Hormonal tablets are effective in treating skin lesions. But stopping therapy can lead to relapses. In addition, improvement does not occur immediately - you have to wait several weeks or even months before the results of acne treatment are visible.

The most effective treatments for acne are androgen reversal drugs, such as spironolactone, or those that block the effects of androgens. The second group includes estrogens, cyproterone acetate and glucocorticosteroids.

How to get rid of acne on the back?

With acne, the skin requires gentle care:

• For cleansing, use gels that do not contain perfumes or mineral oils. It is better to choose products based on enzymes, acids, and triclosan.
• When the disease is in remission, you can use soft peeling with herbal ingredients for deep cleansing, then wipe the skin with tonic. Remember that scrub and peeling should not be used during periods of exacerbation of acne.
• If you play sports, you should take a shower immediately after training. Harmful substances come out along with sweat; they cannot continue to accumulate on the surface of the skin.
• Try to change your bed linen once every 1-2 weeks, as bacteria accumulate on sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers.

Remember that you need to take care of your skin regularly. Change body towels more often and wipe your back gently.

Do birth control pills have side effects?

Despite the many positive aspects of hormonal therapy in the treatment of acne, you should be aware of the side effects of the drugs used. The most commonly cited problems include:

• nausea, vomiting;
• slight fluctuations in body weight;
• headache, chest pain;
• slight decrease in libido;
• increased blood pressure;
• increased blood cholesterol levels;
• increased risk of thromboembolic diseases and acute episodes of cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, stroke).

Most patients do not experience any side effects at all or they go away on their own in the first months of taking birth control pills. If this does not happen, you need to replace the drug.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

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Abortion and contraception clinic in St. Petersburg - department of the medical gynecological association "Diana"

Make an appointment, tests or ultrasound via the contact form or by calling +8 (812) 62-962-77. We work seven days a week from 09:00 to 21:00.

We are located in the Krasnogvardeisky district, next to the Novocherkasskaya, Ploshchad Alexander Nevsky and Ladozhskaya metro stations.

The cost of a medical abortion in our clinic is 3,300 rubles. The price includes all pills, an examination by a gynecologist and an ultrasound to determine the timing of pregnancy.

Inexpensive cosmetic medicines

1. Clearasil - anti-acne products for teenagers. A whole series of products for the care of oily and problematic skin works on the principle of cleansing, treatment and care. It is popular all over the world, especially among young people. Each product from this series costs about 200 rubles.
2. Clearskin Professional from Avon. The product is designed for any age, helps fight excessive secretion of oily glands and acne. Contains salicylic acid and micro fat absorbers. It blunts the development of new acne, has no side effects, and does not cause allergies. It costs a little less than 200 rubles.
3. Matt-Balance, Oriflame. It acts with particular precision on problem skin: it moisturizes dry skin and dries out oily skin. Normalizes hydro-lipid balance. Removes inflammation, tightens pores, blocks the appearance of new acne, and eliminates old acne scars. The composition includes salicylic acid, Centella extract, birch, microspheres. Cost – 370 rubles.
4. Mary Kay anti-acne system. Gets rid of existing acne and prevents new ones from appearing. The active ingredients cleanse the pores of fat and impurities and remove redness. Suitable even for sensitive skin. Active ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, Canadian fireweed extract, etc. The price of one tube of cream is about 500 rubles.
5. Clean-and-Clear. A series of facial skin care products can be used daily. It fights the appearance of inflammatory processes and does not kill harmful bacteria that enter the skin pores. With constant use, the skin becomes less oily and clear, the complexion becomes more even and matte, redness disappears, and the number of acne decreases. The price of one cream is 300 rubles.

Features of the use of Zinerit and its advantages

Zinerit is indicated for use in mild forms of anke. Suitable for both teenagers and adults. It reduces the formation of whiteheads and reduces the number of blackheads on the face. Thanks to the content of zinc acetate, the product is easily absorbed. Zinerit should be applied pointwise, that is, applied directly to the area of ​​inflammation or the location of acne, which will prevent drying of the skin, which is a clear advantage. If there is a large area of ​​acne inflammation, it can be applied to the entire face.

It’s better to use Zenerit lotion rather than cream. It is also more affordable, approved for use in children, as well as in conjunction with decorative cosmetics. Before application, the face should be cleansed, but do not use alcohol-based lotions or soaps for cleansing. Micellar water or regular mineral water will do. It is recommended to use the drug in the morning and evening.

How to treat acne in a teenage girl?

For mild acne in girls, they are prescribed standard therapy using topical medications. With moderate acne, you may need to be examined by a gynecologist, endocrinologist, perform an ultrasound of the pelvic organs, and determine hormone levels. An endocrinologist examines carbohydrate metabolism and thyroid hormone levels. 29