Does birth control help with body acne as well as the face?

Yes. Birth control pills are an effective way of treating acne because they balance the hormones that otherwise stimulate your oil glands. There are several birth control pills that are specifically FDA-approved to treat acne in addition to their contraceptive benefits. Birth control pills address acne from the inside out and are a great option to treat not only acne on the face, but also acne on the chest, shoulders, and back.

Several studies have found that women on oral contraceptives have improved acne conditions; 52% of patients had improved skin in one, 66% in another.¹ The American Academy of Dermatology recommends several hormonal contraceptives to treat inflammatory acne, but does not recommend them for pregnant women (obviously), smokers, diabetics, and those with a few other health conditions.² Like any prescription medication, talk to your doctor about taking birth control to treat acne.

References:
¹Use of oral contraceptives for management of acne vulgaris and hirsutism in women of reproductive and late reproductive age by Radosław Słopień et al. Prz Menopauzalny.
²Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Association.