Objective To investigate the effect of a triphasic low-dose oral contraceptive pill containing gestodene on acne severity and hormone levels in young women over 13 menstrual cycles.

Methods A total of 33 subjects aged 16–25 years with moderate facial acne were enrolled in the study. The primary efficacy end-points used in the clinical assessment of acne were the overall severity and number of lesions, sebum secretion and superficial follicular biopsy. Both physicians and patients evaluated acne status. Blood levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol, progesterone and androgens were monitored.

Results By cycle 13, the total lesion count had been reduced by 80%. Physicians and patients assessed acne status in 90% and 95% of cases, respectively, as better or much better (p < 0.001). At the end of the study, SHBG levels had increased by 229% and total and free testosterone levels had decreased by 41% and 70%, respectively.

Conclusion An oral contraceptive containing triphasic gestodene has a beneficial effect on the severity of acne, decreases major circulating androgen levels and is well tolerated.