Many teens revert to birth control in order to achieve clearer skin. Some also use antibiotics for treatment. But, which works better, if any?

It was found through research that both antibiotics and birth control worked equally effectively.

Dr. Kelly H. Tyler said, “Antibiotics have anti-inflammatory properties, and OCPs do not have those same properties, so the reduction of acne is going to be more gradual and less dramatic in the beginning.” The Office of Women’s Health claims that birth control “slows down overactive oil glands in the skin.”

Both antibiotics and birth control were found to effectively reduce acne. But with success, also comes failure. Both substances also have possible side effects. They can cause allergic reactions and blood clots. There are methods to take in order to prevent negative side effects such as caring for your skin with mild facial products.

In this scenario, is it worth the risk?

That depends on the individual. If someone has severely bad acne and has a strong desire to fix it then it may be worth it to risk possible complications that come wth taking birth control or antibiotics. On the other hand, if your acne is mild, it may be better treat it with a good face wash prescribed by a doctor rather than taking pills of birth control or antibiotics into your body.