My doctor prescribed birth control pills to treat my acne. Why did he do this?
- Jessica*

Birth control pills can help stabilize some of the fluctuating hormones that can cause extra oil on the skin and lead to acne. By keeping those hormones under control, doctors hope to improve acne.

But birth control pills aren't right for all girls with acne. Depending on a girl's acne, doctors also might try different treatments, such as prescription creams, antibiotics, or, if the acne is severe, stronger medicines.

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: April 2012

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.