Background

Many women report significant changes in the frequency and severity of their acne outbreaks after beginning a program of hormonal contraceptives.  For many women the use hormonal birth control leads to a decrease in their acne symptoms, particularly in acne corresponding to their menstrual cycle.  However, some women do report an adverse impact on their acne.  The effects of birth control on acne are likely due to the elevated or stabilized levels the female hormones, estrogen and progestin.  These female hormones can counteract the effect of androgen hormones, causing a decrease in the growth and activity of the sebaceous glands.  As a result, sebumproduction is often decreased and normalized, leading to a reduction in acne symptoms.  There are a wide range of different birth control medications.  There are few comprehensive studies that indicate which medications are better or worse for the control of acne symptoms.

Hormonal Birth Control Combinations and Brand Names

Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol

Aviane
Nordette
Amethyst
Enpresse
Jolessa
Lessina
Levora
Loseasonique
Lybrel
Portia
Quasense
Seasonale
Seasonique
Sronyx
Trivora

Medroxyprogesterone

Depo-Provera

Etonogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol

NuvaRing

Norgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol

Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Mononessa
Ortho-Cyclen
Trinessa

Norethindrone and Ethinyl Estradiol

Loestrin
Balziva
Brevicon
Estrostep
Femcon
Junel
Modicon
Necon
Nortrel
Ortho-Novum
Ovcon
Tilia
Tri-Legest
Tri-Norinyl
Tri-Sprintec
Zenchent
Zeosa

Norethindrone Only

Nor-Qd
Ortho Micronor

Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol

Azurette
Caziant
Cyclessa
Kariva
Gianvi
Mircette
Reclipsen
Velivet

Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol

Beyaz
Ocella
Sayfral
Yasmin
YAZ
Zarah

Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol

Cryselle
Lo/Ovral
Low-Ogestrel
Ogestrel

Ethynodiol Diacetate and Ethinyl Estradiol

Kelnor
Zovia

Estradiol Valerate and Dienogest

Natazia

Norelgestromin and Ethinyl Estradiol

Ortho Evra

Related Articles from The Science of Acne

What is Acne Vulgaris?
What Causes Acne?
Prescription Medications and Acne Vulgaris
Naturopathic Medicine and Acne Vulgaris
Light and Laser Therapies and Acne Vulgaris
Over the Counter Medications (OTC) and Acne Vulgaris

References and Sources

Books

PDR Staff Writers. 2011. 2011 Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR)
Habif. 2009. Clinical Dermatology
Goodheart. 2006. Acne For Dummies

Online Resources

Hormonal Contraceptives @ Wikipedia
Acne Vulgaris @ Wikipedia
Acne Vulgaris @ eMedicine
Acne Treatment Reviews @ WebMD
Acne Treatment Reviews @ Acne.org

Scientific Research Articles

Junkins-Hopkins, et al. 2010. Hormone therapy for acne.
George, et al. 2008. Hormonal therapy for acne.
Koltun, et al. 2011. Treatment of moderate acne vulgaris using a combined oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol 20 μg plus drospirenone 3mg administered in a 24/4 regimen: a pooled analysis.
Lucky, et al. 1997. Effectiveness of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol in treating moderate acne vulgaris.
Zaenglein, et al. 2006. Expert committee recommendations for acne management.
Zouboulis, et al. 2010. Hormonal anti-androgens in acne treatment.
Katsambas, et al. 2010. Hormonal therapy for acne: why not as first line therapy? facts and controversies.
Thiboutot, et al. 2001. Endocrinological evaluation and hormonal therapy for women with difficult acne.
Thiboutot, et al. 2003. Update and future of hormonal therapy in acne.
Zouboulis, et al. 2003. Update and future of systemic acne treatment.
Leyden, et al. 2009. Clinical considerations in the treatment of acne vulgaris and other inflammatory skin disorders: a status report.
Williams, et al. 2011. Acne vulgaris.
Davis, et al. 2010. A review of acne in ethnic skin: Pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and management strategies.
Sathish, et al. 2011. Acne and Its Treatment Options – A Review.
Ingram, et al. 2009. Management of acne vulgaris: an evidence-based update.
Barratt, et al. 2008. Outcome measures in acne vulgaris: systematic review.
Strauss, et al. 2007.  Guidelines of care for acne vulgaris management.