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Will intake of contraceptive pills cause acne in face?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 25 years old. I never had acne, however, I started getting acne around my cheeks last January 2019. I thought it might be my contraceptive pill so I stopped taking that but that did not change. I was playing around with skincare products which I also thought made it worse so I stopped and streamlined the products that I use. I also thought I had laser hair removal on my face and I think that caused the acne to start. It has been over a year and my skin has not gotten better.

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Shanza Ikram

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shanza Ikram is a highly experienced Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders. She is skilled in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, offering advanced treatments for conditions like acne, eczema, pigmentation, and aging concerns. With her patient-focused approach, Dr. Ikram provides personalized care to promote healthy and radiant skin.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through the case. First, you need to understand acne is common and you may experience frequent exacerbation due to stress or hormones. Yes, in your case oral contraceptives are inviting factors as they cause hormonal imbalance. And later it got aggravated by laser and use of the cosmetic products. Second important thing you need to understand that acne is multifactorial even diet like fast food also aggravates it. Drink plenty of water. Apply Clindamycin gel two times a day for three weeks. Use antiacne face wash. Avoid topical cosmetics for some time.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your response.

I got laser hair removal first which started the acne. Can laser hair removal cause acne? My diet is great and I eat a well-balanced diet with lots of water every day and workout every day. I am currently using Cerave gentle cleanser. What is Clindamycin gel? What can I put after the gel, moisturizer?

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Shanza Ikram

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shanza Ikram is a highly experienced Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders. She is skilled in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, offering advanced treatments for conditions like acne, eczema, pigmentation, and aging concerns. With her patient-focused approach, Dr. Ikram provides personalized care to promote healthy and radiant skin.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes definitely. As I already explained you that acne is multifactorial which means there is not a single factor that can start acne. Many factors like food, stress either mental or physical, cosmetics and drugs play role. Apply Clindamycin gel two times a day on pimples. Avoid cosmetics as much as you can. Use serums if necessary like sunblock in serum form. Avoid moisture or other cosmetics as it blocks pores and aggravates acne. Use anti-acne face wash.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini J.
Published At July 9, 2020
Reviewed At February 10, 2025

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shanza Ikram is a highly experienced Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders. She is skilled in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, offering advanced treatments for conditions like acne, eczema, pigmentation, and aging concerns. With her patient-focused approach, Dr. Ikram provides personalized care to promote healthy and radiant skin.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vinodhini J. is a Dental Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and oral health issues, including restorative, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on maintaining oral health, alleviating discomfort, and enhancing smiles. Her expertise ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s dental needs and overall wellbeing.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shanza Ikram is a highly experienced Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders. She is skilled in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, offering advanced treatments for conditions like acne, eczema, pigmentation, and aging concerns. With her patient-focused approach, Dr. Ikram provides personalized care to promote healthy and radiant skin.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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