Yasmin, Yaz and acne
Yasmin and Yaz both contain the same synthetic versions of estrogen and progesterone - ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone respectively. They are all 4th generation pills, and so may be beneficial for skin problems including acne.
The Yasmin pill may help acne according to one study on the active progestogens found in combined contraceptive pills. You can talk to your doctor about Yasmin and acne if it’s a benefit you would want from a contraceptive pill.
The Yaz pill may also be beneficial for skin and acne problems. Many women have reported online about acne side effects caused by certain contraceptive pills they’ve taken. However, some women find that they have a better relationship with Yaz and their acne symptoms. Often, women have to try different contraceptives before they find the one that works best for them.
Cyclen and acne
Cyclen is a norgestimate-based combined pill, making it a 3rd generation pill. So it may not be as good for skin problems as certain 4th generation pills, but it may also help. Cyclen may help with the symptoms of acne and other androgen related skin disorder. People respond to contraceptive pills in different ways, and it’s important to keep in mind what doesn’t work for someone else might work for you.
Cyclen also contains the same active ingredients as Tricera Lo and Tri-Jordyna.
Evra Patch and acne
The Evra patch is another 3rd generation contraceptive, but it isn't a pill that you swallow. Evra is a contraceptive patch you apply to the skin, containing hormones that are absorbed into the bloodstream over the course of seven days.
You apply it to your skin (like a plaster) and it slowly releases hormones into your bloodstream over the course of a week. As well as being easy to use, it has proven benefits for acne.
In a study of adolescents using Evra, 93% of women said they would recommend it to a friend or relative, while 33% who started the process with acne or skin problems reported their symptoms had reduced.
Apri, Marvelon and acne
Apri and Marvelon are also third generation pills. They contain desogestrel, a synthetic progestogen. Desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol for acne might be a good combination because they reduce the risk of acne symptoms, but also reduce the chances of developing a series of other estrogenic side effects also.
NuvaRing and acne
NuvaRing is the brand of contraceptive ring used in Canada and the US. It’s a small ring that is placed inside the vagina which releases hormones over 21 days.
The type of progestin found in NuvaRing, called etonogestrel, may help some women with skin problems like acne. According to Clue, an app that tracks your menstruation cycle, "An analysis of three studies, people using the birth control ring for three to 13 months report less acne than people using the pill."
However, in the NuvaRing patient information - acne is listed as a potential side effect. Again, what works for some women might not work for others.