Hormones play a powerful role in acne, and for many people, birth control can either help or seriously interfere with clear skin. One of the most important—and often overlooked—steps in treating acne is evaluating whether your current birth control method is contributing to breakouts.
If you’re using hormonal birth control, truly effective acne treatment means looking beyond skincare alone. Your hormones matter, and birth control can significantly influence oil production, inflammation, and cystic acne patterns.
How Birth Control Affects Acne
Hormonal birth control comes in many forms—pills, IUDs, implants, injections—and they don’t all behave the same way in the body.
Most birth control methods affect acne through their influence on:
Androgens (testosterone-like hormones)
Oil (sebum) production
Inflammation
Hormonal balance
Birth control can be either estrogen-dominant or progestin-dominant, and the level of androgenic activity varies widely. This is critical because androgens directly stimulate oil glands. More oil means more congestion—and for acne-prone skin, more breakouts.
As a general rule:
Birth control methods with higher androgenic activity are more likely to cause or worsen acne.
When Birth Control Can Make Acne Worse
Many clients develop:
Deep cystic acne
Jawline and chin breakouts
Persistent congestion
Acne that suddenly appears in adulthood
after starting certain birth control methods.
This is especially common with:
Progestin-dominant pills
Hormonal IUDs
Implants and injections
Low-estrogen or estrogen-free contraceptives
Even non-hormonal options, such as the copper IUD, can aggravate acne for some individuals—likely due to inflammatory responses. Others do just fine. Acne is highly individual.
When choosing a birth control pill look for one that contains at least 35 mcg or .035 mg of Ethinyl estradiol and progestin with a low androgenic effect.
Is There Such a Thing as “Acne-Friendlier” Birth Control?
Some birth control pills are less likely to worsen acne because they:
Contain higher estrogen levels
Use progestins with lower androgenic activity
That said, no birth control is universally acne-safe. What works beautifully for one person may trigger months of breakouts for another.
If acne is a concern, this is a conversation that must happen with your healthcare provider—not after acne spirals out of control, but before.
What Happens When You Stop Birth Control
Stopping birth control can also trigger acne—sometimes weeks or even months later.
This is known as androgen rebound, where the body temporarily overproduces oil as it recalibrates hormone signaling. During this time:
Breakouts can worsen before they improve
Cystic acne is common
Skin may feel oilier and more inflamed
This phase is temporary, but it requires support, patience, and the right acne-safe routine to prevent long-term setbacks.
Can Acne Be Treated Without Birth Control?
Yes—absolutely.
If you do not need birth control for medical or contraceptive reasons and are considering it only to control acne, it’s important to know that birth control is not a long-term acne solution.
Many people experience clearer skin while on the pill, only to see acne return once they stop. That doesn’t mean acne can’t be treated—it means the root cause was never addressed.
With the right:
Acne-safe skincare
Professional guidance
Lifestyle and dietary support
Consistent protocol adjustments
acne can be successfully treated without relying on hormonal suppression.
What About Spironolactone?
Spironolactone is sometimes prescribed to reduce oil production in hormonal acne. While it can be effective short-term, it often comes with side effects and does not correct the underlying acne condition.
Common concerns include:
Skin barrier disruption
Redness and irritation
Severe rebound breakouts after stopping
Long adjustment periods (3–6 months or more)
When discontinued, many clients experience intense purging as the body readjusts.
Supplement Support During Hormonal Transitions
Hormonal shifts—whether starting or stopping birth control—can be supported with targeted supplementation. Common recommendations may include:
Hormonal support supplements
Probiotics to support gut-skin balance
Supplement needs are highly individual and should always be evaluated alongside your full health picture.
Pregnancy, Postpartum & Acne
If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, certain acne ingredients—such as retinoids and some acids—should be avoided unless approved by your doctor.
Pregnancy and postpartum acne are common and manageable with the right guidance. We have extensive experience supporting clients through these transitions safely and effectively.
A Note on Medical Decisions
While we are acne specialists and master estheticians, we are not physicians. Decisions about birth control and medications should always be made with your healthcare provider.
That said, you deserve to understand how these choices affect your skin.
We encourage you to bring this information into your medical conversations so you can make informed decisions that support both your health and your skin.
Birth Control & Acne – Frequently Asked Questions
Can birth control cause acne?
Yes. Certain forms of birth control can trigger or worsen acne, especially in individuals who are already acne-prone. Birth control affects hormone levels, particularly androgens, which directly influence oil production in the skin. Increased oil can lead to clogged pores, inflammation, and cystic breakouts.
Why does acne sometimes get worse after starting birth control?
Some birth control methods are more androgenic, meaning they behave similarly to testosterone in the body. This can stimulate oil glands and lead to new or worsening breakouts—often around the jawline, chin, and cheeks.
Are all birth control pills bad for acne?
No. Some birth control pills are less likely to aggravate acne because they contain higher estrogen levels and lower androgenic activity. However, no birth control method is universally acne-safe. Acne responses are highly individual, which is why personalized guidance matters.
Can hormonal IUDs, implants, or shots cause acne?
Yes. Many clients experience acne flare-ups after starting hormonal IUDs, implants, or injections. These methods are typically progestin-dominant and may increase androgen activity, which can worsen acne for some people.
What about the copper IUD—can it cause acne?
The copper IUD does not contain hormones, but it can still aggravate acne in some individuals, likely due to inflammatory responses in the body. Others tolerate it well. Acne reactions vary from person to person.
Why did my acne return after stopping birth control?
This is often due to androgen rebound. When birth control is discontinued, the body must re-regulate hormone production. During this transition, oil production can temporarily increase, leading to breakouts that may appear weeks or even months after stopping the pill.
How long does post-birth-control acne last?
Hormonal transitions take time. Some clients see improvement within a few months, while others need longer support. With a consistent, acne-safe routine and professional guidance, skin can rebalance and clear successfully.
Can acne be treated without birth control?
Yes—very successfully. Birth control is not required to clear acne. With the right acne-safe skincare, lifestyle support, and professional guidance, acne can be treated without relying on hormonal suppression.
Is birth control a long-term solution for acne?
Not usually. While acne may improve while on birth control, breakouts often return when it’s discontinued if the underlying acne condition hasn’t been addressed. Long-term clear skin comes from treating acne at its root.
What about spironolactone for hormonal acne?
Spironolactone can reduce oil production in some cases, but it does not correct the underlying acne condition. Many clients experience side effects or rebound breakouts when stopping the medication, and skin may take months to stabilize afterward.
Can supplements help during hormonal changes?
Targeted supplements may support the body during hormonal shifts, especially when starting or stopping birth control. Needs vary, and supplementation should always be personalized and evaluated carefully.
What if I’m pregnant or trying to conceive?
Certain acne ingredients should be avoided during pregnancy. Acne during pregnancy or postpartum is common and can be managed safely with the right guidance. Always consult your healthcare provider before using acne-clearing products.
Should I talk to my doctor about acne when choosing birth control?
Yes—always. Acne should be part of the conversation when selecting a birth control method. Your healthcare provider can help evaluate risks and options based on your overall health.
Who should I talk to if I suspect birth control is affecting my skin?
A certified acne specialist can help you evaluate patterns, identify triggers, and create a clear skin plan that works alongside medical decisions made with your doctor.
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Author
Celine LeClerc
Celine LeClerc is a licensed esthetician, Certified Acne Specialist, and the lead esthetician at Art of Skin Care, where she also serves as the Director of Education and Research & Development. With 14 years of experience in the skincare industry, Celine is renowned for her deep expertise and exceptional ability to match clients with the most effective, results-driven skincare solutions.
Guided by a passion for innovation, Celine scours the globe in search of cutting-edge, science-backed products that deliver visible transformations while supporting skin health at every stage of life. Her expertise spans everything from clearing stubborn acne to creating advanced, holistic routines for healthy aging.
At Art of Skin Care, Celine leads with a commitment to education, training both clients and estheticians on the latest advancements in skincare. Her mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge, tools, and routines they need to achieve radiant, resilient skin without compromise.
