Can the pill help with acne?

Yes. The combined pill can reduce acne by lowering androgens and sebum production. Pills containing anti-androgenic progestogens like drospirenone tend to have the biggest effect.

Which pill is most likely to help with acne?

Combined pills containing drospirenone (such as Yasmin) or desogestrel (such as Marvelon) are most associated with skin improvement.

How long does the pill take to help acne?

Most people notice some improvement within 2 to 3 months. Full results can take 4 to 6 months.

Will my acne come back if I stop the pill?

It may. The pill manages acne by controlling hormones while you take it. If the underlying cause is hormonal, acne can return when you stop.

Is the pill prescribed just for acne?

Yes, the combined pill is sometimes prescribed with the primary aim of managing acne.

Can I get a pill for acne free on the NHS?

Yes. The contraceptive pill is free on the NHS regardless of your reason for taking it.

The Pill and Acne: Which Pills Help and Why

Reviewed by Usama Ali, MPharm (GPhC: 2224726). April 2026.

Yes, the combined pill can help with acne. It works by reducing androgen levels, which lowers the amount of oil your skin produces. Combined pills containing drospirenone or desogestrel tend to have the biggest effect.

How does the pill help acne?

The combined pill increases SHBG, which binds testosterone and makes less available to reach your skin. Some progestogens also directly block androgens on oil glands. A Cochrane review of 31 trials confirmed that combined pills reduce acne.

Which pills can help?

Progestogen	Example pills	Androgenic activity	Acne effect
Drospirenone	Yasmin, Lucette	Anti-androgenic	Most likely to help
Desogestrel (in COC)	Marvelon, Gedarel	Low androgenic	Often helpful
Gestodene	Femodene, Femodette	Low androgenic	Often helpful
Levonorgestrel	Microgynon, Rigevidon	More androgenic	Can still help, less so

Can the mini pill cause acne?

Some people notice acne starting or worsening on the mini pill. Slynd (drospirenone) is the only mini pill with anti-androgenic properties and may be less likely to cause skin issues.

How long until it works?

Most people notice improvement within 2 to 3 months. Full results can take 4 to 6 months. Skin may get slightly worse in the first few weeks before it gets better.

What happens when you stop?

If the underlying cause is hormonal, acne can return when you stop the pill.

Pill vs other acne treatments

The pill works on hormonal acne from the inside. Topical treatments work on the surface. They can be used together. If acne is moderate to severe or not responding to topical treatments alone, NICE recommends considering hormonal treatment.

Book your free consultation

Can the pill help with acne?: Yes. The combined pill reduces androgens and sebum production. Anti-androgenic progestogens like drospirenone have the biggest effect.
Which pill is most likely to help?: Combined pills with drospirenone (Yasmin) or desogestrel (Marvelon) are most associated with skin improvement.
How long does the pill take to help acne?: Most people see improvement within 2 to 3 months. Full results can take 4 to 6 months.
Can the mini pill cause acne?: Some people notice acne starting or worsening. Slynd is the only mini pill with anti-androgenic properties.
Will my acne come back if I stop?: It may, if the cause is hormonal. Topical treatments can help maintain results.
Is the pill prescribed just for acne?: Yes, the combined pill is sometimes prescribed with acne as the primary aim.
Can I get a pill for acne free on the NHS?: Yes. The contraceptive pill is free on the NHS regardless of your reason for taking it.