What Should Be Kept in Mind When Treating Acne with Oral Contraceptives? Narrative Review

October 2025 in “ Pielegniarstwo XXI wieku / Nursing in the 21st Century ”

Pola Bakalczuk, Małgorzata Satora, Arkadiusz Grunwald, Krzysztof Kułak, Kinga Brzuszkiewicz, Grzegorz Bakalczuk

Combined Oral Contraceptives COCs acne vulgaris antiandrogenic properties sebum production androgens hirsutism polycystic ovary syndrome endocrine disorders birth control pills acne PCOS

TLDR Oral contraceptives can effectively treat acne by reducing oil production.

This narrative review highlights the effectiveness of Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs) in treating acne vulgaris due to their antiandrogenic properties, which help reduce sebum production by counteracting androgens. The review emphasizes that COCs are not only effective for acne but also for managing other conditions associated with elevated androgen levels, such as hirsutism and polycystic ovary syndrome. The study underscores the importance of understanding the hormonal mechanisms behind acne to develop appropriate treatment strategies, noting that acne is a significant issue affecting both young individuals and those with endocrine disorders.

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