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How Hormonal Contraceptives Affect Acne

J Drugs Dermatol; 2016 Jun; Lortscher, et al

Publish date:: June 20, 2016

Different hormonal contraceptives impact acne in various ways, according to a study involving more than 2,100 women. The effect is also seen with combined oral contraceptives.

Participants reported how their contraceptive affected acne. Among the findings:

• Depot injections, subdermal implants, and hormonal intrauterine devices worsened acne.

• Vaginal ring and combined oral contraceptives improved acne.

• Drospirenone was the most helpful combination, followed by norgestimate and desogestrel; and levonorgestrel and norethindrone.

• Triphasic progestin dosage in combined contraceptives had a positive impact.

• Variation in estrogen dose did not have a significant effect.

Citation: Lortscher D, Admani S, Satur N, Eichenfield L. Hormonal contraceptives and acne: A retrospective analysis of 2147 patients. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(6):670-674.

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