Effects of an oral contraceptive containing chlormadinone acetate and ethinylestradiol on hair and skin quality in women wishing to use hormonal contraception.

BACKGROUND

Skin and hair appearance is important to body image. Oily skin and oily, impaired hair quality, which can develop in women taking certain types of hormonal contraceptives, may cause psychosocial stress.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of an oral monophasic contraceptive (0.03 mg ethinylestradiol/2 mg chlormadinone acetate) for 12 treatment cycles on the pathophysiology of oily skin and oily, impaired hair quality in healthy women.

METHODS

We assessed changes in hair and skin parameters at baseline, 12, 24 and 48 weeks, in 60 women aged 18-45 years. Psychological well-being was verified by two subject self-assessments (Hair quality, Hairdex).

RESULTS

Data from 31 subjects showed that treatment significantly improved sebum excretion at capillitium and forehead, and the number of terminal hairs. Visual haptic scores revealed significant decreases in capillitium seborrhoea, hair condition/density, capillitium dandruff and irritation/redness. Subject self-assessment confirmed improvements in hair quality. Treatment was well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Chlormadinone acetate in hormonal contraception provides excellent cosmetic and dermatological benefits, which can improve psychosocial well-being.