As all women know, the monthly cycle of menstruation brings the possibility of acne flares in the week before the period begins. In fact, all bigger changes in the level of hormones can produce flares. So, depending on your particular level of hormone production, starting or stopping the use of an oral contraceptive, going through pregnancy or adapting to the menopause can all produce a reaction on the skin. Some women are fortunate and never show any major acne. In others, it can be very low level or develop into rather more visible cysts on the face, in particular on the chin.

To be clear, using oral contraceptives as hormone therapy does not necessarily treat acne. But, when used in combination with the other standard treatments, their use can prevent further breakouts. So will all doctors recommend oral contraceptives for this purpose? Let’s ignore the issue of religious objections to the use of contraceptives. That will always be a matter of individual conscience and, if you as a woman have a serious skin problem that is failing to respond to the other treatment, you will have to decide where your priorities lie. Acne develops when an excess of oil called sebum builds up in the pores where your facial and body hair is rooted. The bad news is that waxing or other forms of hair removal does not affect the glands producing the oil. As the hormone changes trigger more oil production, dead skin cells are held inside the skin and block up the pore. Bacteria then grow and your body reacts, causing the unfortunate inflammation.

The birth control pills slowly reduce the amount of oil. Note the slowly. You will probably have to take the pills for several months before you notice any real improvement. Indeed, the first one or two periods in your cycle may well produce more severe acne as your body adjusts to the changes in the levels of estrogen and progestin. So it’s always better to use one of the medicated creams or lotions based on benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid during this transition period. However, if you have not previous taken one of the oral contraceptives, there may be side effects. The pills can change the amount of menstrual flow, cause some tenderness in your breasts and give you headaches. A few women find their libido is reduced. If you are more than 35 years old and your medical history suggests the possibility of clotting problems or heart disease, talk to your doctor before trying any of the contraceptive pills.

Of course, with Accutane, the guaranteed solution to all acne problems, you should use a contraceptive in any event. The iPledge system requires you to use at least two different forms of birth control before, during and after a course of treatment. The reason is that the active form of vitamin A from which Accutane is produced damages almost all unborn babies in the womb. Treating your acne while you are pregnant cannot involve the use of Accutane. Even if you buy this drug online without discussing the risks with a doctor, you should respect the medical evidence and avoid even the remotest chance of pregnancy. So, as a young woman, the choice is yours. Using an oral contraceptive with any of the standard forms of acne treatments will clear your skin.