Sebum is produced by sebaceous glands. These glands are found on most parts of the body. Except few, most sebaceous glands open into a hair follicle. When sebum production increases the gland gets blocked and the sebum begins filling the gland like a balloon. Bacteria P. acnes infect this gland and inflamed acne is formed. If sebum production can be reduced the formation of acne will not take place. Androgen hormones are responsible for excess sebum and birth control pills control the androgens and treat acne. Let us find out more.



Androgens are a group of hormones. Androgens are also called male hormones. These hormones are responsible for activity of the sebaceous gland. When androgens are in excess the glands produce more sebum and as a result more acne. That is why puberty is the time when acne flares up. In women acne may also flares up during menstruation and pregnancy. Use of birth control pills and other hormones is done to reduce the activity of androgen s to treat and control acne.

Oral contraceptives may be of two types. One contains only progestin. The other type contains progestin and estrogens. The estrogens may be in the form of ethinyl etradiol. This ethinyl etradiol controls the level of androgens and reduces acne.

Different types of progestins are used in the oral contraceptive pills. The type that reduces the level of androgens is best used to treat and control acne.

Oral contraceptives thus reduce the production of androgens. This reduces the effect of androgens on sebaceous glands and controls sebum production. The possibility of sebaceous glands getting blocked by sebum reduces considerably with this.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.