What can I do if I'm on the pill and breaking out with acne?

I keep breaking out with acne.

Oct 14, 2015 Updated: Mar 23, 2016

Most pills actually help with acne, so you could talk to provider to see about switching to another kind of pill.

Still not working?

If you try another type of pill and it doesn’t help, you could also switch to another hormonal method, such as the ring, the shot, the implant, or an IUD. Or, you could switch to a non-hormonal method like male condoms or female condoms.

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Select one of the related topics to find more.

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Related methods

Dive in and learn all the details about these related birth control methods.

birth control
Birth control pill
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use, but you have to remember to take it every day.
birth control
Internal condom (FC2)
Very effective if you use them correctly, but not super effective the way most people use them. Hormone free, protect against STIs, and great for those with latex allergies.
birth control
Implant (Nexplanon)
Super effective, lasts for years, low-maintenance, and private.
birth control
Birth control shot
Very effective if you use it correctly. Lasts for months, is private, and is a good hormonal option for those who can't take estrogen.
birth control
IUD
Super effective, lasts for years, low-maintenance, and private (though some partners can feel the strings). You can choose hormonal or non-hormonal.
birth control
Birth control ring
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use and works like the pill, but you don't have to worry about it every day.
birth control
Condom
Very effective if you use them correctly, but not super effective the way most people use them. Hormone free, protect against STIs, and don't require a prescription, but they do require work.