Are You Using the Right Birth Control?
It is becoming more and more common for people to seek the assistance of birth control pills to control acne. This can be frustrating because often, the wrong type of birth control is prescribed. Those who are prone to acne should avoid methods which are low in estrogen or progestin dominant as each method has varying degrees of androgen (testosterone) type side effects. We suggest a birth control that is higher in estrogen and lower in androgen potency, as these will not promote breakouts. The most commonly prescribed pills in this GOOD category are:
Necon
Brevicon
Ortho - Novum
Demulan
Zovia
Kelnor
Ortho -Tricyclen
Femcon
Gildess
Modicon
Ovcon
MonoNessa
TriNessa
Previfem
Tri-Previfem
Daysy Fertility Counter
Currently, there are NO Acne Safe IUD’s, Implants, Injections or Inserts available despite what your Gynecologist may tell you:
It is best to avoid the following pills that are high in androgen activity and low in estrogen. This does include the Paragaurd IUD which doesn't contain hormones however it does have a copper tip that generates acne as well:
AVOID:
Pills: IUD: Implants: Injections: Inserts:
Alesse Liletta IUD Implanon Depo-Provera Nuvo Ring
Amethyst Mirena IUD Nexplanon Essure Coils
Apri Paragaurd IUD Norplant
Azurette Skyla IUD
Caziant Kyleena IUD
Cryselle
Cyclessa
Desogen
Emoquette
Estrostep Fe
Jolessa
Kariva
Lessina
Levonest/Levora
Linessa
Lo-Feminal
Lo-Ovral/Ovral
Lo-Ogestrel/Ogestrel
Loestrin
Lutera
Marvelon
Microgestin
Mini Pill
Mircette
Nordette
Ogestrel
Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo
Ovral
Portia
Plan B
Reclipsen
Seasonale/Seasonique
Sronyx
Triphasil/Trivora
Sprintec/Tri-Sprintec
Vestura
Kimberly Lovato LE, Acne Specialist