If you're a woman and also need contraception, your GP may advise taking an oral contraceptive pill to treat your acne. Contraceptive pills suppress the male hormone testosterone, which is responsible for increasing sebum production. This means they can help make your skin less oily. Generally, you’ll be given these alongside other treatments for acne.
If you have severe acne and antibiotics have not helped, your doctor may suggest that you take a medicine called co-cyprindiol. This works as a type of contraception. It reduces the levels of male hormones in your body. Taking oral contraceptives can increase your risk of getting blood clots. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of this treatment with you.