Oral contraceptives have been used as a way to fight acne for a few years now, but many people still don't understand how birth control pills can work at clearing acne. The method, however, is very scientific and fact based. A few oral contraceptives are even approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating acne.

Three FDA-approved for acne oral contraceptives that are available by prescription. These are Ortho Try-Cyclen, Estrostep, and YAZ. They work by altering the natural hormonal patterns of females. Birth control pills reduce the amount of testosterone within the body, which in turn, reduces the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous glands. Reduction in oil production lessens the chance of clogged pores that cause break outs.

Oral contraceptives work on clearing acne that is hormone related. Doctors have a few ways of telling if the acne patients are experiencing meet this criteria. If the acne occurs before the menstrual cycle, is found in an adult who didn't suffer from acne previously, or is accompanied by the growth of hair in unusual places, it probably has hormonal causes.

It is not uncommon for acne to worsen before it gets better while using birth control. It can often take three or more months before changes are noticed. Usually, the best results are achieved by using a topical acne remedy (such as 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide) in addiction to the pills. A synthetic steroid, Spironolactone, can also be used with oral contraceptive to treat acne in adult females. It works by inhibiting androgen production, another hormone and culprit acne breakouts.

Oral contraception should not be used as the first defense against acne as there are some risks involved. Mild side effects such as nausea, beast tenderness, and spotting during periods can occur. More serious risks such as blood clots and strokes have also been reported. Women who smoke, who are over 35 or who have a blood-clotting disorder should not go on birth control pills without consulting their doctor.