Acne usually starts to appear in our youth when we start to ascend on puberty. The ovaries produce higher levels of the male hormones, testosterone and androgens, causing the sebaceous glands (gland under the skin) to produce more sebum or oil. This combined with dead skin cells clog pores and is a great starter of acne.

Since the rise in hormones can create acne, it seams only logical that controlling these hormones could help prevent acne; this is where “The Pill” or birth control comes into play. Since Birth control pills contain the artificial form of the female hormones, estrogen and/or progestin, the theory is that the pill shuts down the ovaries, stopping the production of inappropriate male hormones. This allows more balanced between the amount of male and female hormones that are mixed through the body stopping the sebaceous glands to over produce sebum, and of course limiting the effectiveness to conceive.

Using the pill however comes with a lot of problems. Some women may actually notice their acne worsen with the use of birth control pills until the estrogen levels become dominant, if this is the case a doctor should be consulted. Along with that there are also many other problems not related to acne that can occur with taking birth control such as nausea, weight gain, water retention and mood swings. Serious side effects my include, increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. Also if you’re a smoker these risks increase dramatically so the pill may not be the best option.

With such a lengthy list of side effects, birth control should only be taken when all other options have failed. Discuss taking the pill with your doctor fully before making the decision and remember that there are many brands of birth control, all with different hormone mixtures, so you many need to try a few before you find the right one for you.

Everyone is use to the phrase “your glowing” when pregnant and associate that with the beautiful skin many women have while pregnant. Unfortunately this isn’t the case for all women; pregnancy can bring on or worsen acne due to the higher levels of the hormones called androgens. These hormones cause the sebaceous glands in your skin to get bigger and produce more sebum (oily substance). With the extra oils and shed skin cells pores become block, bacteria forms, and acne develops.

Like other acnes there is no cure but the basics can help keep it under control such as washing your face (with your hands) twice a day with a mild cleanser or soap, pat dry, followed by a oil free cleanser. Use makeup suited for acne such as a “noncomedogenic” or “nonacnegenic” as they don’t clog pores

One of the most important things about acne during pregnancy is to not use/take any acne treatment, even over the counter, before consulting your doctor or midwife. If you are currently taking anything and become pregnant, make sure to mention that to them as well, they will advise you of what may or may not be harmful for you baby. Drugs such as isotretinoin (Accutane), topical tretinoin-like Retin-A, and Prescription antibiotic creams containing tetracycline should be completely avoided during pregnancy, as they can cause many problems, even miscarriage.

Women who are experiencing acne for the first time can breath a sigh of relief because majority of women’s pregnancy acne completely clears and for those who had it prior to conceiving, can go back to, or may try the treatments the were prohibited during there pregnancy.