Contraception and 8 Skin Problems: The Facts and Myths

Contraceptive pills have a complex interaction with our skin, and there are many theories about how they can influence various skin problems. Let’s take a look at some common skin conditions that may be related to the use of contraception and investigate the difference between facts and myths.

Monophasic contraceptive pills

Monophasic pills contain a constant dose of estrogen and progesterone throughout the entire cycle (usually 21 days, followed by 7 days of rest or placebo pills). Because the hormone levels remain constant, there is less chance of hormone fluctuations, which can sometimes cause skin changes. For people with dry skin, these pills may help to keep the skin somewhat hydrated due to the influence of estrogen.

Biphasic and Triphasic Pills

Biphasic and triphasic pills mimic the body’s natural hormone cycle. They change the levels of hormones in two or three phases throughout the cycle. These changes can sometimes lead to fluctuations in skin conditions. In some women, this can cause dry skin, especially if their skin is sensitive to hormonal changes.

What hormones are in the pills

Estrogen: This hormone can help keep the skin hydrated and smooth. It stimulates the production of collagen and helps maintain the skin barrier, which can lead to less dryness.

Progestogen: Some progestogens can have androgenic effects, which means they can stimulate oil production. This can be good for dry skin, but if the oil production becomes too much, it can lead to acne.

Testosterone: Contraceptive pills do not contain any testosterone, but progestogens with androgenic activity can have effects similar to those of testosterone. In general, the pills help to suppress the body’s testosterone production, which can help keep the skin clear.

What effects does it have on the skin

These frequently asked questions during consultations focus on the relationship between skin problems and the use of contraceptive pills. We will investigate which of the eight skin conditions are based on facts and which on myths.

Acne

Fact: Contraception, especially oral combination pills that contain both estrogen and progestogen, can indeed help to reduce acne in women by stabilizing the hormones that cause overactive sebaceous glands. These pills reduce the amount of androgens in the body, which can lead to a reduction in the production of sebum, and thus a decrease in acne.

However, it is important to mention that not all contraceptives have the same effects. The Mirena coil, for example, contains only the hormone progesterone (levonorgestrel) and no estrogen. This type of progesterone can in some cases actually cause an increase in acne, as it can stimulate the activity of sebaceous glands, especially in women who are sensitive to hormonal fluctuations. Therefore, the Mirena coil, unlike combination pills, can worsen acne as a side effect in some users.

Want to know more about Acne

Dry skin

Myth: Not all contraceptive pills cause dry skin, and the effects of contraception on skin condition can vary greatly depending on the user’s individual hormonal response. Contraceptive pills contain hormones that influence sebum production, which plays a key role in skin hydration.

Most combination pills contain estrogen and progestin, which are known to be able to reduce sebum production. Estrogen can contribute to maintaining a hydrated skin by reducing the size and activity of the sebaceous glands, but also by promoting the retention of water in the skin. However, in some women this reduction in sebum production can result in noticeably drier skin, especially if they naturally have less oily skin.

Progesterone, depending on the type used in the pill, can have varying effects. Some forms of progesterone may have androgenic activity that can actually stimulate increased sebum production, while other forms may be neutral or even anti-androgenic, which can reduce sebum production.

The individual response to these hormones can vary greatly. Some women may experience an improvement in skin conditions such as acne, while others may experience dryness due to reduced sebum production.

Hyperpigmentation

Fact: It is a recognized fact that melasma or hyperpigmentation can be caused or exacerbated by the use of contraceptive pills. This is largely due to the influence of estrogen, one of the hormones often present in these pills. Estrogen can stimulate the production of melanin in the skin, which leads to an increase in pigmentation. This increase often manifests itself in the form of melasma, also known as the ‘pregnancy mask’, as it often occurs during pregnancy when estrogen levels are also elevated.

Melasma is characterized by dark, often symmetrical spots that mainly appear on the face, such as on the cheeks, upper lip, forehead, and chin. Although melasma can be influenced by several factors, such as genetic predisposition, sun exposure, and hormonal changes, hormonal stimulation from contraceptive pills plays a significant role in many women.

Skin Rash

Myth: It is a misconception that all skin rashes are directly related to the use of contraception; multiple factors can contribute to changes in skin condition. While it is true that some women may notice changes in their skin after starting birth control pills, such as increased sensitivity, acne or even dryness, it is essential to recognize that other external and internal factors can also play a role.

External factors such as exposure to irritants, allergens, and environmental factors such as climate and pollution can also cause skin rashes. In addition, stress, diet, and changes in lifestyle can also affect skin condition. It is also possible that a person has an underlying skin condition that has not been previously diagnosed and coincidentally coincides with the start of a contraception method.

Internally, hormonal fluctuations, regardless of contraception, can cause skin changes. Hormones such as cortisol, known as the ‘stress hormone’, can exacerbate inflammatory responses in the skin and lead to conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Moreover, hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause can also affect the skin.

Skin Elasticity and Aging

Fact and Myth: Although there are often concerns about the impact of contraceptive pills on skin elasticity and premature aging, there is no concrete scientific evidence that these pills directly cause such skin changes. Contraceptive pills bring about hormonal changes, and it is known that hormones can affect skin condition. For example, they can influence the composition and the amount of sebum and other skin oils, which may indirectly affect skin hydration.

Despite this, studies show that external factors such as UV radiation have a much more significant impact on skin aging. UV radiation can damage the collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to wrinkles and a loss of firmness and elasticity. In addition, exposure to the sun can lead to age spots and other signs of skin aging.

Moreover, lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress also play a crucial role in the skin’s aging process. A nutrient-rich diet high in antioxidants can help protect the skin from oxidative stress, while smoking and excessive alcohol use are known for their harmful effects on skin health.

Learn more about Wrinkles and fine lines

Rosacea

Myth: To date, there have been no extensive scientific studies that directly show that the use of contraceptive pills exacerbates rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes pimples on the face, which sometimes makes it difficult to distinguish from other skin conditions such as acne.

Although it is true that no direct connection has been found between birth control pills and rosacea, it cannot be ruled out that hormonal fluctuations, such as those that can be caused by contraception, may worsen symptoms in some women. Hormones can affect the dilation of blood vessels and inflammation processes in the skin, both of which play a role in rosacea. Therefore, women who are sensitive to hormonal changes may notice that their rosacea symptoms fluctuate with hormonal cycles or after starting hormone therapy such as the birth control pill.

Moreover, the use of contraceptive pills can sometimes lead to side effects such as redness and acne-like symptoms, which can be misinterpreted by patients and even by healthcare providers as rosacea. This misunderstanding can lead to confusion and potentially inappropriate treatments.

Want to know more about Rosacea

Light Sensitivity

Fact: It is known that certain contraceptive pills can increase photosensitivity, meaning they increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and thus increase the risk of sunburn. This increased sensitivity is caused by the interaction of the hormones in the contraceptive pills with the skin, making it more sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This makes the skin more susceptible to UV damage, including sunburn, premature skin aging, and in severe cases, the development of skin cancer.

The combination of estrogen and progestin, used in many oral contraceptives, can affect the production of melanin in some women, which can disrupt the skin’s natural protection against UV radiation. Additionally, these hormones can affect the thickness and quality of the skin, which could weaken the protective barrier against sun damage.

Changes in Skin Texture

Myth: While there is some debate about the impact of contraceptive pills on skin texture, such as causing coarser pores or uneven skin texture, there is a lack of consistent scientific evidence that demonstrates a direct link. Hormones in contraceptive pills can indeed have some influence on the skin, as they are involved in numerous bodily processes that could affect skin condition, including the regulation of sebum production and skin cell renewal.

It is known that hormonal fluctuations, such as those that can be caused by birth control pills, can cause subtle changes in skin texture. These changes can vary from a slight increase in oil production to subtle changes in skin hydration. However, these changes are usually not significant enough to cause a dramatic change in skin texture such as coarser pores or an uneven texture.

Furthermore, other factors such as genetics, diet, lifestyle and environmental factors such as exposure to the sun and pollution may play a much larger role in the texture and overall health of the skin than the use of contraceptive pills. Therefore, although hormonal contraception can cause minor changes in the skin, these are usually temporary and can often be managed with the proper skincare and lifestyle adjustments.

In other words

It is crucial to recognize that everyone’s skin uniquely responds to hormonal changes. What works for one person may be less effective for another. Always consult a dermatologist or gynecologist to make an informed decision about the use of contraception and the possible effects on your skin. Understanding the facts helps you make the best decisions for your skin health.