Acne:

Pill users may notice an improvement, a worsening, or no change in their acne. In some women, the progestin component of the Pill improves the acne; in others it works like the male sex hormone, androgen, and makes it worse. (Women produce androgen in small amounts.) Dietary, allergic, hygienic, or familial factors can also increase acne. A bad case could be a sign of an ovarian or adrenal tumor, although chances of this are minimal.

You have several options if you break out with acne while on the Pill. Recently, new lower dose pills containing so­called “new progestins,” were introduced to the American market. These pills have been used in Europe and other parts of the world for over 30 years with great success. Although many claims are made about them, so far their only real benefit appears to be their lower androgenic properties. Ask your doctor about these pills containing progestins called norgestimate (Ortho­Cyclen, Ortho­Tricyclen) and desogestrel (Desogen, Ortho­Cept). A third new progestin called gestodene, which could actually be the best of the three because it can be used at the lowest dose, could become available in the U.S. sometime in the future.

The new pills are more expensive than the older high-dose pills, so you'll have to decide if improving your acne is worth the added expense. You might choose to switch to another of the older pills instead. You can also consider taking antibiotics, changing your diet, or using a special cleanser.