Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Acne FAQ by Dr. Howard Murad: Birth Control Pills And Acne

"Do birth control pills prevent acne?"

Birth control pills do not necessarily prevent acne, however they do help in treating it and can be especially effective when combined with topical acne-fighting agents. Some of the commonly used brands are Yasmin, OrthoTri-Cyclen and Estrostep. If you are considering taking birth control pills to help alleviate acne, it is always wise to consult your physician about the benefits and any potential side effects. If you are taking antibiotics or other prescription medications, please consult your physician, as birth control pills can become less effective when taken with certain prescription medications.

Remember, even though you are taking birth control pills, it is still important to maintain a topical and internal skin program to maintain skin health. Using sunscreen with an SPF- 15 on a daily basis, year-round is also recommended to lessen the chance of hyperpigmentation; a factor commonly associated with use of birth control pills.


source from http://beauty.ivillage.com

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