Co‑cyprindiol and benzoyl peroxide gel

Co‑cyprindiol (Dianette)

Take one tablet at the same time each day for 21 days, then pause for 7 days. After this 7-day break you repeat subsequent courses of 21 days on, 7 days off.

Starting co‑cyprindiol on the first day of your period gives you immediate contraceptive protection.

Benzoyl peroxide gel

1. Wash your skin with a mild cleanser

2. Pat dry and wait 15 minutes

3. Put a pea‑sized amount of ge on your finger

4. Cover the whole affected area with a thin layer

5. Let it dry before you use moisturiser or put on make‑up

6. Wash your hands again

Use benzoyl peroxide gel in the morning and evening, remembering to add a (non-oily) sunscreen of at least SPF30 afterwards and try to avoid sunlight. If you have sensitive skin, start with one nightly gel application before trying to include the second in your routine.

If you notice redness, try using benzoyl peroxide every other night and build back up gradually to applying twice a day. To get the best results, don’t wash off benzoyl peroxide gel. Leave it overnight on your skin, to unclog pores and fight bacteria that cause breakouts.

Acne in women is often driven by androgens (male hormones) like testosterone, which increase oil production in your skin. As it contains ethinylestradiol (a type of oestrogen hormone) and cyproterone (an anti-androgen), co-cyprindiol can:

• Block androgens, making your skin less oily (and shiny) with pores that aren’t as likely to get clogged, which can cause new breakouts.

Benzoyl peroxide breaks down on contact with your skin, releasing oxygen and benzoic acid: 

• Oxygen attacks the blocked pores where bacteria like to grow. Fewer germs means calmer, less active spots and faster clear ups. 

• Benzoic acid acts as a mild exfoliant, loosening the mix of dead cells and oil that can form blackheads and whiteheads. It also dries excess oil, so pores are less likely to get clogged with a build up of oil and dead skin.

When prescribed together, co‑cyprindiol and benzoyl peroxide gel work to treat the hormonal trigger of acne along with inflammation and visible spots.

Co‑cyprindiol is usually offered when standard creams, gels or antibiotic tablets haven’t worked. Most women who take the pill as directed notice a marked improvement after about 2-6 months of continuous use.

Benzoyl peroxide is an established, effective treatment for reducing inflammatory spots by around a third. Most users see calmer skin and fewer new spots after 4 weeks. You should keep going for 12 weeks before you judge the full results. Over time you can expect lower inflammation, smoother skin texture and fewer new breakouts.

Co‑cyprindiol 

As a combined oral contraceptive, the possible side effects of co‑cyprindiol are similar to other contraceptive pills. Though not every woman gets them, common side effects include:

• Headaches 

• Mild sickness (nausea)

• Sore breasts tenderness or breast pain

• Mood swings or low moodChanges in sex drive (libido)

• Slight weight gain or sometimes weight loss

There are also some rare but more serious risks of side effects from co-cyprindiol that you should be mindful of. 

• All combined pills carry a small increased risk of blood clots. 

• Co-cyprindiol has been associated with a slightly increased risk of breast cancer if used for many years​. 

If you have any warning signs like unexplained calf pain, chest pain, or major mood depression while taking co-cyprindiol, seek medical advice straight away.

Benzoyl peroxide

As benzoyl peroxide gel gets to work you may experience dryness, peeling or mild burning early on. You have the option to step down to one application a day if this happens, and try to moisturise after the gel dries. 

Let the gel dry fully so you don’t bleach your hair or fabrics like clothes, towels and bedding. It’s not common to get severe redness or swelling. If you do, stop using benzoyl peroxide straight away and speak to your doctor or clinician.

Benzoyl peroxide can increase your sensitivity to sunlight, so it’s even more important to follow a good sun protection routine. Apply daily sun block (non oily, fragrance-free) and keep out of the sun when it’s most intense. You should also avoid sun beds.

Full details on use and safety are in the co-cyprindiol and benzoyl peroxide patient information leaflets.