Acne Medication Pills: Do They Really Work?
Three out of four teenagers suffer from acne to some extent, but even people in their 30’s and 40’s have acne. Experts believe that hormonal changes that stimulate oil production in the skin are responsible for the formation of whiteheads, blackheads and skin lesions we call pimples or “zits”.
Naturally, nobody wants acne. But when you have a severe acne outbreak, acne medication pills are an option, but remember, there are also great home remedies for curing acne available.
Common Acne Medication Pills
Oral acne medication pills help to slow down or prevent the appearance of acne on the skin. Many of these pills need a doctor’s prescription although some herbal acne pills can be purchased over the counter. You can obtain a prescription for acne medicine from a dermatologist.
There are different types of oral acne medicine pills including birth control pills, Accutane, anti-androgen drugs and antibiotics.
Oral Contraceptives
Acne in women can be successfully treated with birth control pills. They usually contain estrogen and progestin. Oral contraceptives are used as a hormone regulator and can often clear acne. Birth control pills are usually prescribed along with corticosteroids or anti-androgens to treat acne.
Your skin will stay clear as long as you continue taking the medication. Estro-Step and Ortho Tri-Cyclen are FDA-approved birth-control medications for acne. The downside is that being on the pill can severely disrupt your internal hormone balance, which can take years to regain once you’re off the pill.
Anti-Androgen Drugs
Other acne medication pills consist of anti-androgen medications. These medications are hormone regulators that prevent the excess production of androgens that can cause excess oil production and inflammation. Just like oral contraceptives, they are often effective only as long as you keep taking the medication.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics such as tetracyclines work by heading straight to the sebaceous glands and preventing the growth and spread of acne-causing bacteria. Tetracyclines also have anti-inflammatory properties and can dramatically reduce the size of acne papules and pustules.
You will see marked improvement in your acne in a matter of weeks. The downside is that taking antibiotics too often can make them less effective when they are really needed to prevent infections and disease.
Accutane
Accutane or Isotretinoin is a vitamin-based acne medication that decreases oil production in the sebaceous glands. Accutane is a prescription medication for acne. It may take as long as two months before you observe an improvement in your skin. Your acne may even get worse under this treatment before it gets better.
Possible Side Effects of Acne Medication Pills
There are a few drawbacks to using acne medication pills. These oral medicines may cause slight to severe side effects.
Oral contraceptives contain estrogen and can lead to vaginal bleeding, fluid retention, skin discoloration or melasma and depression. Birth control pills are also associated with increased risk of heart attack, blood clots, strokes and breast cancer.
Acne medication pills like anti-androgens can cause headache, frequent urination, and breast tenderness.
Some of the side effects of acne medication pills such as tetracyclines include severe headaches, indigestion, rashes, abdominal upset, hives and drug-induced hepatitis. In women, antibiotics can lead to increased incidence of yeast infections.
Accutane or isotretinoin has the following side effects: chapped lips, dry skin and nose, rash, joint pains, temporary hair thinning and headaches. Accutane can also lead to serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Women should not get pregnant while they are on isotretinoin.
Are Acne Medication Pills Effective?
Oral acne medicines work because they attack acne from inside the body. They also target the source of acne, helping you to clear your skin. Acne pills can also prevent future acne outbreaks.
The only problems are the severe side-effects. Would I take any of the above acne medication pills? Definitely not, because going the natural route is the best way to go in this case.
Acne medication pills may give you short-term relief, but it may mess up your body in the long-run.
