The HSA has approved Diane-35 and Yaz birth control pills for treating acne in Singapore. Birth control pills that not only provide effective contraception but also clearer, blemish-free skin have always been a desired one. In this guide, Dame delves into the science behind acne and birth control. We also highlight the differences between Diane-35 and Yaz.
In Singapore, you may come across birth control pills like Diane-35 and Yaz as a treatment option for acne. Our tropical climate often leads to challenges related to skin health, such as increased sun exposure and humidity. Combining this with breakouts that occur during menstrual cycles, managing acne can be a tricky one for women in Singapore.
At Dame, we believe that true beauty is good health. We help you break down the science behind acne and our menstrual cycles. We also go deep into understanding how birth control pills like Diane-35 and Yaz can resolve our skin woes.
The Connection Between Acne and Menstrual Cycles
Acne can sometimes seem to have a mind of its own. That pimple pops out at the most obvious places at the most inconvenient times (cue: that important date, photoshoot day or client presentation).
You may have noticed a correlation between acne breakouts and menstrual cycles. We will explore this connection, understanding why acne often makes an unwelcome appearance during specific phases of the period cycle.
Hormonal Fluctuations
The primary culprit behind acne’s affinity for certain menstrual cycle stages is hormonal fluctuations. Our bodies undergo a rhythmic dance of hormones throughout the month, these hormonal shifts significantly influence the state of our skin.
The Role of Estrogen
In the first half of the menstrual cycle, known as the follicular phase, estrogen levels gradually rise. The follicular phase begins with the start of menstruation and lasts until ovulation.
Estrogen is known for its skin-friendly properties. It promotes skin hydration, helps in collagen production, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Most women usually experience clearer skin during this phase as estrogen levels dominate.
The Impact of Progesterone
As the menstrual cycle progresses into the luteal phase (the second half), progesterone levels start to rise. The luteal phase begins from ovulation to just before the start of menstruation. Estrogen levels decrease in this phase.
While progesterone is essential for preparing the body for potential pregnancy, it can also lead to increased oil production in the skin. This excess oil, combined with dead skin cells and bacteria, creates a perfect environment for acne to flourish.
The Notorious PMS Breakout
The week leading up to menstruation, often referred to as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), is when many women notice a surge in acne activity. During this period, heightened progesterone levels and, in some cases, increased sensitivity to androgens (male hormones), can further exacerbate acne symptoms.
During PMS, acne may manifest as painful, deep cysts or more widespread breakouts. The appearance of these blemishes can be frustrating and disheartening, adding to the discomfort already associated with menstrual symptoms.
Managing Acne Throughout the Menstrual Cycle
Understanding the connection between acne and menstrual cycles is the first step in effectively managing this skin condition. Here are some strategies to help keep acne under control, especially during the hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle:
Consistent Skincare
Maintain a consistent skincare routine, including cleansing, moisturising and using non-comedogenic products.
Topical Treatments
Consider topical acne treatments that contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to target breakouts.
Diet and Lifestyle
A balanced diet, regular exercise and stress management can also play a role in reducing acne flare-ups.
Here at Dame, your health is our top priority. Non-hormonal methods like developing a consistent skincare routine, applying topical treatments, working on a balanced diet and lifestyle play an important role in reducing acne flare-ups. These methods are recommended first in the management of acne.
Women struggling with severe hormonal acne linked to their menstrual cycle usually consider hormonal birth control methods, such as birth control pills, as a treatment option.
Also, if your goal is to have both acne control and birth control at the same time – oral contraceptives can be a good consideration.
How Do Birth Control Pills Help with Acne?
Birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progestin help regulate hormones and can lead to more consistent, acne-free skin.
As mentioned, estrogen is known for its skin-friendly properties. It promotes skin hydration, helps in collagen production, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Progestin, the synthetic version of the hormone progesterone, on the other hand can worsen acne. Progesterone increases oil production in the skin, creating a conducive environment for acne to flourish.
It is reassuring to know that in the balance between estrogen and progestin, combination oral contraceptives are estrogen dominant. The overall effect of combined birth control pills in the body are usually beneficial for the skin. This makes them useful as an option in the treatment of acne.
Are All Birth Control Pills Equal in Managing Acne?
No. Only combined oral contraceptives containing both estrogen and progestin are effective treatment options for acne in women.
You may have come across progestin-only contraceptives, sometimes known as the “mini pill”. These pills are usually a contraception option for women who cannot or should not take estrogen.
Progestin-only pills or “mini pills” are not effective and may worsen acne.
Is there a brand of combined contraceptive pill that is better for acne?
In Singapore, Diane-35 and Yaz are the two brands that stand out in the management of acne.
Diane-35 and Yaz brands of combined birth control pills that have specific approval by the HSA for the treatment of acne in women.
However, in studies comparing different combined pills for the treatment of acne, there is currently no evidence to suggest that one brand of combined contraceptive pill is more effective than another.
Combined contraceptive pills overall have an estrogen-dominant effect, and experts understand them to be equally effective for acne treatment.
Diane-35 vs Yaz Pill: A Comprehensive Side-By-Side Comparison
Although there is currently no evidence to suggest that one brand of combined oral contraception is more effective than another, two brands – Diane-35 and Yaz often stand out. Both are birth control pills that claim to provide clearer skin along with their contraceptive benefits.
At Dame, we empower you to make informed decisions about your sexual health. Here we explain the similarities and differences between Diane-35 and Yaz.
Acne or Birth Control?
The most important difference between Diane-35 and Yaz is in their labelled or approved use. Both the HSA approvals cover the management of acne. However, the HSA does not grant approval for Diane-35 solely for contraception, while it does allow the use of Yaz solely for contraceptive purposes.
Designers created and tested Diane-35 only to treat moderate to severe acne and mild forms of hirsutism (excessive hair growth) in women. They did not test it for contraceptive purposes. Patients should stop using Diane-35 once they resolve the acne under a doctor’s guidance.
In January 2013, the French health authority (ANSM) issued a three-month advertising ban for Diane-35 and its generic equivalents. This was because Diane-35 became widely used “off-label” for contraception partly due to a popular “2-for-1” marketing on the convenience of tackling acne and birth control.
As a result of the advertising ban, health authorities around the world relooked into the safety and risk-benefit profile of Diane-35.
In Singapore, HSA released a safety advisory consistent with other regulatory authorities that Diane-35 should not be prescribed for the purpose of contraception alone. When treating acne, you should only use Diane-35 after topical therapy or antibiotic treatments have proven ineffective.
At Dame, if your primary health concern is related to acne, our doctors assess your suitability for Diane-35 or Yaz or other birth control pills. However, if your primary health concern is related to birth control, our doctors assess your suitability for Yaz or other contraceptives. They provide guidance based on your specific needs and preferences.
Type of Progestin
Another important difference between Diane-35 and Yaz is in the type of progestin they contain.
The type of progestin found in Diane-35 is cyproterone acetate while the type of progestin found in Yaz is drospirenone.
The main difference among the different progestins are the side effects that can be associated with specific progestins.
Each progestin has slight variations in its estrogenic, or progestational or androgenic activity.
For example, levonorgestrel are progestins with high androgenic activity and are more prone to cause acne and excess hair growth (hirsutism) than progestins with less androgenic activity.
Diane-35 and Yaz contain the type of progestin that has the least androgenic activity among the other progestins. This could explain its possibly better effect on managing acne.
However, it must be understood that pill experience varies from women to women. Current research has not concluded that a specific brand of birth control pill is better than another for the management of acne.
Also, there is no difference in contraceptive efficacy among the different progestins found in combined pills.
Dose of Ethinyl Estradiol
A pill of Diane-35 contains 0.035 mg or 35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol while a Yaz pill contains 0.02 mg or 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol.
A higher dose of estrogen may not necessarily translate to Diane-35 being a better birth control pill for acne. A balance of the risk involved with higher doses of estrogen have to be assessed.
Safety and Contraceptive Considerations
If you are 35 or older and smoke cigarettes, studies have shown that there is a higher risk for cardiovascular complications in this group of women. Always discuss your medical history with a healthcare professional.
Birth control pills containing between 20-35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol are considered safe. They are also considered a reliable option for most healthy, non-smoking women. While there is a very small risk of blood clots, this risk is actually lower than the risk of blood clots during pregnancy or soon after giving birth.
This also explains why Diane-35 should only be used for acne management. It should not be used for the sole purpose of contraception due to the lack of safety studies for contraception.
Read if estrogen-containing pills are safe for you HERE.
In theory, birth control pills containing 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol should be safer than those containing more than 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. Although no differences have been found in contraceptive effectiveness between them, current research has not established this fact.
On the other hand, clinical studies found an increased risk of bleeding disturbances with pills containing 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol compared to pills containing more than 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol.
The consideration between Diane-35 or Yaz or even other birth control pills is heavily dependent on your preferences and lifestyle goals. The most effective form of contraception is one that will be used consistently. Our doctors at Dame are here to navigate the best option for you.
Read our comprehensive comparison between Microgynon and Yasmin.
Generic vs Brand Name
The HSA in Singapore approved Diane-35 for use in 1990. They approved the use of the Yaz pill in Singapore in 2008.
Both patents for the original brand have since expired, with generic versions of Diane-35 and Yaz available in Singapore at a lower price. In Singapore, the generic version of Diane-35 approved by the HSA is Estelle-35. The generic equivalent of the Yaz pills is Drospera.
You may find that Yaz and Drospera are usually more expensive compared to Diane-35. The reason is likely due to Yaz being a relatively newer pill compared to Diane-35.
Generics are cost-effective and contain essentially the same active ingredients as their brand name counterparts. Both brand name and generics undergo rigorous safety and efficacy testing by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and are equally reliable.
Generics and their brand name contraceptive pills differ mainly in their inactive ingredients. This would usually be a concern if you have certain intolerance and/or allergies. Always verify the exact ingredients in your pill with a healthcare professional.
At Dame – Diane-35, Estelle-35, Yaz and Drospera are available on our platform upon consultation with our doctors. We make pricing and consultation fees transparent and provide them upfront on our platform. There are no hidden fees.
Summary
In the quest for clearer skin and effective birth control, both Diane-35 and Yaz are good and effective options. Their ability to regulate hormones can lead to improvements in skin conditions, making them attractive choices.
Ultimately, you should make the decision between the two in consultation with a healthcare professional. They can consider your unique lifestyle goals and medical history. Begin your journey with Dame today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are Diane-35 and Yaz both effective contraceptives?
Yes, both Diane-35 and Yaz are effective contraceptive pills. However, one should not use Diane-35 solely for contraceptive purposes; one should consider other brands of birth control pills like Yaz.Always discuss your lifestyle goals and medical history with our doctors at Dame.
Q: Can I use Diane-35 or Yaz solely for acne treatment?
Yes, doctors can prescribe them solely for treating moderate to severe acne based on your condition and medical history. If you’re considering them for acne management, always consult with a healthcare provider. They can assess your condition and explore other options if necessary.
Q: What are the key differences between Diane-35 and Yaz?
The main difference lies in their intended use. Doctors can use both Diane-35 and Yaz to treat acne.
If you only require a pill for contraceptive purposes, Yaz would be the better option.
Diane-35 and Yaz also differ in their cost, the dose of ethinyl estradiol and type of progestin. Your choice should be based on your specific needs and in consultation with a healthcare professional.
Q: How long does it take to see improvements in my skin while using Diane-35 or Yaz?
Results can vary from person to person, but it may take a few months of consistent use to notice a significant improvement in acne. For optimal results, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and be patient; it may take a few months to see significant improvements.
Q: Can I switch between Diane-35 and Yaz if one doesn’t work for me?
You should only switch between these medications under the guidance of a healthcare professional. They can assess your response to the medication and recommend an alternative if necessary. Speak to our doctors at Dame for guidance.
Q: Is it safe to take these pills without a prescription?
No, it’s not safe to take Diane-35 or Yaz or birth control pills without a prescription. A qualified healthcare professional should supervise the use of these medications. They can assess your individual health needs and monitor your response to the medication.
Q: Can I use Diane-35 or Yaz for conditions other than acne and birth control?
While these pills are primarily used for contraception and acne management, healthcare providers may sometimes prescribe them for other hormonal conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance regarding their usage.
Q: Can I use Diane-35 or Yaz alongside other skincare products?
It’s generally safe to use topical skincare products alongside these medications. However, it’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about all the products you are using. This is to ensure there are no interactions or potential side effects.
Disclaimer: Articles on Dame are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your health, please consult a licensed doctor for personalised medical advice.
Speak with a Licensed Doctor Online
Our doctors are experienced in women’s health and provide confidential consultations through our secure telemedicine platform. If you have questions about symptoms, treatment options or your overall health, our team can help guide you with evidence-based medical advice.
Speak with a Licensed Doctor Online
Our doctors are experienced in women’s health and provide confidential consultations through our secure telemedicine platform. If you have questions about symptoms, treatment options or your overall health, our team can help guide you with evidence-based medical advice.
