Patch and acne

How our community feel patch has affected their skin

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

No change

29%

Don't know

6%

Out of the 126 reviews for patch, 12 people (10%) reported acne.

Reviewers that reported acne as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3 days ago

I was really getting on with the patch, ive been on it since 2024 and was on it previously for a couple years. But the last few months ive been really suffering which the patch is definitely contributing to. The last few periods I have been experiencing migraines with aura, I've been getting a lot of brown bleeding, the fatigue is unbearable and I almost passed out. Since ive been experiencing these side effects the last few months, I noticed lumps in my breast around the same time and I have just been diagnosed with fibrocystic tissue disease, which the hormones in the patch is not helping. I also experience a lot of breakthrough bleeding and bleeding after sex since being on the patch. Although, my periods are a lot lighter but I still bleed for 7 days. The period pains have not been as severe as they would be off the patch. It has definitely helped my pcos and adenomyosis.

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Worse skin

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
31 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6th Aug 25

I love using the patch. It has made using contraceptive so much easier and I went through a phase of recommending it too everyone I know. I've had a few symptoms recently, but not sure if that is related to the Patch or a different medical issue. In the last year, I've had more hormonal acne than I did before, but that's the main side effect that I would say I've been affected by. We are coming off contraceptive soon, so hoping it is a smooth process


Very positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  6th May 25

Been using the patch for 1 month now. The first 2 weeks weren’t great, I was having intense mood swings and irritability which was not like myself. I also experienced headaches during the first 2 weeks which now seem to be a lot better. By the third week things started to settle and my moods became better and less intense. On the patch free week I experienced bleeding and stomach pain (similar to a normal period) I’ve also noticed my skin has gotten worse as I very rarely get spots but have had quite a few breakouts since beginning the patch. I haven’t noticed any weight gain but slight breast enlargement. Overall, I would recommend the patch due to quite a lot of the side effects being temporary and as someone who struggles with contraception this has been the best one so far.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

1 helpful

0 comments

Patch common side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

52% of patch reviewers reported breast enlargement

49% of patch reviewers reported tender breasts

39% of patch reviewers reported period like cramps

37% of patch reviewers reported nausea or vomiting

30% of patch reviewers reported vaginal discharge


Possible patch side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

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