I’ve been on the birth control pill three times in my life, each time for a period of less than ten months, and interestingly each time for the prevention of acne not for the prevention of a baby (but of course it helped with that too!).
So I thought I’d take the time today to write a post about my experiences with what the naturopath recommended to me the last time I went off the pill. I had specifically scheduled in an appointment with my naturopath before I went off the BCP to get some orthomolecular support for the prevention of acne while my body was sorting out its natural hormones again.
Please note however that in my discussions with my naturopath we both agreed that when I personally get acne it’s largely due to emotional “stuff”. So in my case supplements and diet can only help prevent an acne breakout, which means they’re not a complete cure. It’s still so important to treat acne holistically, which means working with EVERY piece of the puzzle – diet, supplements, exercise, skin picking, relaxation & mind stuff. If I’m dealing with some heavy emotional stuff for example, it doesn’t matter how great my diet is or how many supplements I take, that emotional stuff can be the sole reason why I’m getting my acne.
Also note that while these recommended supplements are fairly generic and are likely to be recommended to any woman coming off the pill and worried about getting acne, it’s still a good idea to run this treatment option past your own natural therapist in case they would recommend a variation that’s unique to you. I don’t want you to waste your money on purchasing a heap of supplements that may not work for your individual case. Some of these supplements are also for practitioner dispensing only so you will need to visit your natural therapist if you want to get your hands on the same brands that were recommended to me.
My trip to the naturopath in preparation for getting off the pill
I think my naturopath found it quite difficult to treat me because I was healthy at the time and didn’t have any acne at all. All he could really do was treat me as if I had acne and give me herbs to help balance out my hormones once I was off the pill.
For the prevention of acne, he gave me:
- Arctium & zinc compound by phyto medicine
- His own made up detoxification tea
And to help my hormones naturally balance out, he gave me:
- Premular by flordis herbal medicines, which I’d taken before with great success for the prevention of PMT and regulating my cycle.
The detoxification tea included a combination of burdock root, nettle, oregan grape, baical skullcap, peppermint and licorice. I love herbal teas so this part of the treatment was an absolute pleasure. And this tea in particular I really like so I enjoyed drinking it twice a day.
In my opinion, this gentle treatment option is a good way for women to ease themselves off the pill. Combined with a good diet of whole foods (especially heaps of organic veggies), regular exercise, relaxation, no skin picking and working towards a happy and healthy mind – this to me is the absolute best way to prevent an acne breakout after you go off the pill.
If you’ve had a skin experience (good or bad) after going off the pill, let us all know about it by writing in the response box below. We’d love to hear from you!
Fran
65 responses ↓
Birth controls trick the body into thinking it’s pregnant, thus causing cells to form and excess cells, rapid cell growth is how cancer starts.
Having clear skin is great.. but it’s not worth the risk IMO.
Hey Fran, exactly what I requested! info about going off the pill!
I went off the pill this summer because my cystic acne got so bad I didn’t think I could handle it anymore. I was on it for almost 10 years! I went off of it and noticed a huge difference in the way my face felt. I was getting breakouts during my entire cycle while I was on it. Now I’m getting them mostly around my period, so I am still trying to sort that out. I definately think I have a hormonal imbalance so hopefully being off the pill can get me back to normal. I’m on about 4 months I think of being off of it. Do you think it will take longer? I wish I could go to a doctor like yours but I haven’t had health insurance in over a year.
Kaitlin – Wow that’s great your acne is reduced now that you’re off the pill. Being on it for 10 years means that your hormones have a bit of sorting out to do! They need to figure out how to get back into your natural rhythm. The cycle breakouts will stop in its own time. This could be anywhere between 4 months to 18 months from what I’ve learned from other women who’ve experienced breakouts from coming off the pill.
But for now you can consult your naturopath or natural therapist on what to do. They’re likely to point you in the direct of something like vitex agnus castus.
We don’t have medical insurance in Australia for natural therapists either, so I pay full price when I visit my naturopath … but it’s worth it :)
My acne is purely a result of taking and coming off of the pill. Never had acne in all my life until I stopped taking the pill for the 2nd and 3rd time. The 3rd time I went on it was due to the fact I couldn’t bear having acne. Now that I’ve been off it for 7 months, my acne has gradually subsided slightly but I still get random horrible pustules and inflamed comedones mainly on my chin.
I tried Vitex, EPO and fish oil for a couple of months, all of which had little to no effect. I refuse to touch Benzoyl Peroxide and I think my next resort may be topical antibiotic cream. I have 3-4 spots on my chin at any given time – and they aren’t painful but they do get those massive pussy heads, which no spot treatment seems to have effect on. I’ve tried tea tree oil, manuka oil, manuka honey, clay masks, AHA and BHA and my acne is just so stubborn.
I’m trying to resist going back on the pill, but if my skin is still the same in 6months, I’m taking the pill. The stress and depression of waking up every other day to find these horrible pussy heads just isn’t worth trying to be natural and stay off the pill.
By the way, Fran, can I ask from your acquaintances who’ve experienced post-pill breakouts, did they find that their acne gradually tailed off as time wore on, or did it literally just clear up overnight after 6/12/18 months?
hey Joolzy,
I have the same problems. Getting off the pill helped me but now I break out heavily around my period (still not as bad as before though).
I have blackheads, whiteheads, and the pussy headed ones that you speak of. I find that Im very clogged all the time even when not broken out. I find that the best spot treatment for me is salicylic acid. Its brings everything out to the surface rather than drying it out and keeping it for later. I get a “blemish control gel” from a Spa in Los Angeles that I love, it tingles when its working.
Hi there,
I have the same problem. I’ve been off the pill for 8 months now and my skin has been so temperamental. its not full blown acne, but i have a lot of tiny congested spots and every few days i have get a couple of larger inflamed ones that take about a week to clear. I’ve been sticking to a candida diet and using natural products on my skin (hemp hemp hooray cleanser, bee yummy moisturiser) and paula’s choice 1% but nothing is really working. I can have a week of pretty good skin, and the next week its chaos. when i’m on the pill its flawless. I am also seeing a naturopath, but so far i’ve had no real success
Hello,
I have been on the pill for 19 years. I just stopped taking it 3 months ago and my skin is horrible. I’ve tried all sorts of things and I refuse to use anymore chemicals or drugs. I am going to try the candida diet in the New Year and am using natural products like Bee Yummy. I’m also going to find a good naturopath and hopefully get some supplements and a routine that will help me until my hormones sort themselves out. I feel as though it will be a long process as I was on it so long but we’ll see. It’s so depressing as I had relatively acne free skin for so long.
Andi- It really doesn’t have to take that long so please stop telling yourself that! A friend of mine was on the BCP for 16 years, she went off it last November and her skin broke out to moderate acne, especially under her jaw line. She refused to change her diet (she eats a lot of sugar and has a standard Australian diet), made slight modifications to her skin care routine but that was all. It took exactly one year of moderate acne for her skin to clear up, and now her skin is almost 100% clear. So your hormones will sort themselves out even if you do nothing about it holistically.
Simone- What has your naturopath recommended to you? Are you working with your hormones?
Hi there
Well two months after coming off the pill, I broke out badly like never before. It was terrible. I am still enduring break outs a year later. I think its slowly going but I cant wait to be me again.
One day they will find a cure and probably will see the day or not lol :P
I am tempted to go back on it, for quality of life reason.
Kylie
Hi, I came off a BCP after 16 years. My acne does seem to flare up before my period comes. But not too bad.
I feel much better inside since I came off it. I sleep better and my libido is back up to normal again. I don’t feel as weepy either.
I just feel healthier. Maybe it’s all in my head :-)
But I have found that by cutting down on alcohol, caffeine and sugar, my skin is getting better – very slowly.
Still getting acne, but nowhere near as much!
Hey Kaitlin, whereabouts is your acne? Mine is pretty much just on my chin, although I do get the odd random spot on my cheeks or in between my nose and mouth.
From what I’ve read on acne.org about other people’s experiences (where there is a very long thread just on this topic), it IS a long process to try and clear your skin, and a lot of women who wait over a year still find their skin isn’t back to normal, and the rest tend to resort to going on the pill again because the low self esteem and disruption to the quality of life just isn’t worth waiting to see IF their acne does clear up.
I just wish doctors were more forthcoming about the consequences of taking the BCP. It’s handed out like candy, and it really shouldn’t be any more. I wish I’d never started taking the damn thing all those years ago.
I’ve tried adjusting my diet and even though I eat healthily and allow myself the odd treat, it doesn’t make any difference to my skin.
I’m currently trying zinc tablets, because the BCP can apparently leave you with a zinc deficiency once you stop it.
I’d love to point out again to everyone that it’s NOT guaranteed that you’re going to get bad skin once you come off the pill. When I came off the pill when I was 21 or so I have mild acne at the worst, in fact I can’t even remember getting any acne afterwards. I also have a housemate who has not had any acne at all after being off the pill – and she’s been off it for about a year.
I just went off the pill three weeks ago for menstrual purposes and my acne since then has gone crazy! Although emotions have a huge side to it, I think it was also due to the fact that my body has to adjust without the extra hormones. However, the BCP didn’t help my acne very much at all, but now that I’m off it my acne has gotten increasingly worse.
I have horrific acne at the moment, came of the “skin pill” in July and it’s been about 5 months now. Breakouts are mostly all over my cheeks and chin. It’s horrible waking up each morning and clients at work thinking I mustn’t look after myself. I’m also dealing with a breakup – so there’s emotional pain in there too like you Fran. My naturopath also found I’m allergic to citrus and dairy, so i’m off that and alcohol and sugar. Urgh, I wish it would just get better soon. Working with regular facials and AHA, Zinc etc. Can’t wait for this to be over – plotting a liver cleanse next year if nothing else works :(
I was on the pill from the age of 15 to 24. I went off the pill and it took almost a year for me to get acne and when i got it, it was pretty bad and a very stressful experience. Before going on the pill at 15 i NEVER had a pimple. I didnt last too long and at age 26 I went back on the pill and am now 28 and have finally decided to get off of it, the Yaz commercials are getting to me:) I”m so scared that im going to get my acne back. I will be off of it by the New year and will keep you all updated on my results, im hoping the 2nd time around this wont be the case. If you have any advice id greatly appreciate it. I also am willing to wait it out if i know with in a period of time the acne will go away not that im going to be with it forever or for a LONG period of time.
Hey I decided to go off birth control after thinking long and hard about it and realizing that my acne and candida issues came shortly after being on it. I have switched brands a few times but i would just like to be hormone free.
I bought the lady comp natural contraceptive and am excited to use it.
I am a little scared of breaking out but because I know more about how to better mt emotional and physical health I am optimistic that I will be able to deal with whatever comes.
good luck to everyone else who is getting off of bc or has already and is deaking with the effects fo your hormones stabilizing.
in the end, I think we are doing what is best for our bodies and our minds
hi, I’ve been off the pill a month now. For the 1 month it was fine, no pimples at least not much. I’ve been eating pretty healthy, no sugar or dairy. Yesterday I had a couple of breakouts around my forehead and today I had lots of white heads and couple of huge pimples around my cheeks,
and chin sometimes it feels itchy too. I’m worry it might get worst. Should I give it a few more weeks or go right back to the pill?
I have been on the BCP for 7 years and I have gone off it twice before for a very breif time. I recently got with the program and went vegan for more reasons that my own vanity, but I figured if I was going to be treating my body right I would have to stop the pill. I also started using Aubrey Organics for oily skin which is just fantastic and also vegan, taking vitex and my fish oil. I did have amazingly clear skin for about the first month off, which I believed to be the calm before the storm. I will not go back on the pill, and I know if any of you out there are like me the acne doesn’t just look bad it hurts too. I have a lot of problems with friends and family making comments on how I need to wash my face more because they just don’t understand! We need to realize that for our bodies and our years to come that acne is a small sacrifice we have to make to be the healthiest we can be. I am still trying to convince myself that this is for the better even if I can’t stand the acne. Its hard but with time and patience you will figure it out!
I’m so glad I’ve found this website. Its made me feel better knowing at least that others understand what I’m going through. I was on the pill for a year and I came off a year ago now and for the past 3 months my skin has got progressively worse. I had the occassional breakout (like one spot a month) before going on the pill but generally clear healthy and good skin. I confess to having a horrible picking habit which does not allow me to leave my spots alone particularly at night when my skin feels really itchy and irritated. Its extremely upsetting to have bad skin, I’ve lost confidence and all my best friend and boyfriend can say is that I need to wash my face more and stop wearing makeup, (I did give up wearing makeup for several weeks and my skin condition did not improve). My skin is now extremely oily and thick and a mess of ugly acne scars. Its hard to try and work on reducing the scarring because each day the (very expensive) Elemis skincare products I’ve been using dry up my last round of spots but are replaced by another lot (which end up being more scars). My skin tone and texture are totally uneven which makes wearing makeup now a necessity instead of just to brighten up my face. I take fish oil and a multi-vitamin or 2 everyday. I think this is helping to speed up my hair growth but has done nothing for my skin. From what I’ve read on this site it may take around a year for my hormones to re-regulate themselves (fingers crossed). So in the mean time my plan is to stick to the Elemis skincare until my bottles run out (because its really improved the few good areas on my face) and supplements, any tips on good ones would be appreciated. I plan to buy the Zenmed skin eraser for my scars and I’m thinking of buying a light-emitting machine to help treat and prevent my spots. But it’s all so expensive and theirs no guarantee of what will work.
Hey, everyone!
In a few months, I am planning to go off of the pill. I want to prevent this inevitable breakout I keep reading about, so I’m trying to do everything in my power to keep my skin clean and boost my supplement intake prior to taking the plunge.
My plan is to go off the pill in April (after my period) to try to conceive. Since early January, I have been doing the following:
-Wash face twice a day with Burts Bees
-Use Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5) on any blemishes I have (which are always minor thanks to ortho-cyclen)
-Use oil free foundation and powder from Neutrogena
Take once a day:
-Zinc (50 mg)
-Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E
-B-6
-B-complex
-Acidophilus
-Folic Acid
Take once a week:
-Vitamin A (8000 IU)
-Omega 3-6-9
Once I go off the pill, I plan to immediately supplement with Evening Primrose Oil. I’m staying away from Vitex because I’ve heard it encourages the progesterone hormone, which I think (from previous experience) causes my hormonal acne.
How does this sound? I know that I may still encounter a breakout after being off of the pill for a while, but I’m hopeful that my preventative measures will have helped at least somewhat.
I had been on the oral contraceptive for 2 1/2 years when I decided to get off of it at the end of August this year. At first my skin stayed pretty clear. Now 5 1/2 months later my skin has gotten progressively worse. I had hoped that my skin wouldn’t break out while getting off the pill, and planned a strict regimen. I wash my face and shower morning and night. I use a toner morning and night. I use an oil-free facial lotion and an acne treatment. Also I have gone without foundation on my face for several months. I drink water regularly haven’t had ANY pop, alcohol, or processed foods. I take a daily multi-vitamin. I walk for 30 minutes a day. Also I don’t pick at my acne. Yet none of this helped. My skin was horribly broken out around the mouth area and the jaw line. 3 days ago I started to dreaded pill again and yet just 3 days later I see a significant difference. However I really don’t want to start the pill again as after taking it I also started to get cellulite. I don’t know what to do. Should I stop or continue? Should I just take the pills for a couple days near my periods? Is that safe to do?
I believe the birth control pill messes up our internal cell structures, that is why we have a hard time when us girls get off the pill, we suffer the consequences of breakouts. I rather have endured the bad period pain then to ever go onto the pill. I know WOULD OF, SHOULD OF, COULD OF.
I can totally relate to this! I am 31 yrs old. I started using BCP about 3 years ago. I started taking them because my heavy periods were causing me to become anemic. I mainly took Ortho Tricyclen and some months due to my forgetfulness i would stop taking them. But whenever i stopped i never experienced bad acne. Last year i started taking the generic of Ortho and again a few months ago I stopped taking them because I was concerned about the amount of hormones going into my body. And now 3 months later my face looks really bad. Forehead, chin, jawline. I work in cosmetics and I’ve never experienced this and have never had acne issues before. I’ve been trying all different skincare products nothing is working. After reading all these comments, I realize that its because of getting off the pills.
Thats really upsetting because I didn’t have this problem when i got off the pill before. I will be getting back on the pill next week, not only because of the acne but to prevent pregnancy. I want to go natural but I just can’t find any method that would be realistic for my lifestyle.
I am concerned about the post BCP acne in the future but for now I hope once I start taking the pill again it will get better.
I had really bad acne before I went on the pill. My doctor said that birth control would fix it, so I started using it for about 7 months, (on and off for 2 months) and my skin did clear up. I’m off the pill now and I’m thinking of staying that way, but I am so scared that it will break out again, I don’t know what to do. Should I continue to be on the pill of just deal with the acne while using Clinique products on my face (which I was also using when I was on the pill).
i went of the pill for about 3 weeks after being on for about a year
now my face is braking out like crazy and i have not been in such great mooods, if i go back on the pill will these problems go away?
So just thought I would add a post after reading so many…
So I am now 27, and have been on the pill for 3.5 years…..Never liking being on it, i stopped in November of last year and now its July, and I can say for the first 6 months it was all good….got my period again and felt way better, less moody and irritated, not as emotional….Now after the first 6 months my skin has gone to absoloute crap…..I have not had skin like this ever, not even highschool…Does anyone have any ideas how long this generally takes to clear out of your system…I am hoping a year max……..ideas on good cleansers,vitamins,anything, as my skin is a nightmare, and I am freaking out….
please suggestions
Hey guys I’ve posted on this thread several times but wanted to update. I am 25 and i was on BC pills for 10 years from age 14-24. I went off them last August because I was breaking out so bad that it was interfering with my life. It was painful, cystic and everywhere. Nothing helped. I have tried everything i have cut wheat/gluten, soy, and dairy before. I have done a brief candida diet but when I realized none of this worked I stopped depriving myself.
My skin has been slightly better but still is a huge inconvienence in my life. Lately, a year after being off the pill i decided to go back on one with the advice of my gyno who said this one would help balance me out rather than spike my hormones like the last one. So far, its been okay. Brief breakouts but not too bad. In response to NYCKY, yes I think it takes a year or over a year to get the pill out of your system. It was a rough year but im glad i did it.
I went searching for something to give me some answers and I’m so glad that I came across this site. It gives me some heart! I came off the pill four months ago and have been plagued by the worst spots on my face, and really oily skin. I’ve always had really good skin and couldn’t work out what was going on. I am heartened to know that I am not the only one. I’m going to go back on the mini-pill for six months until we are ready to try for a baby – but dread coming off it again after the last few months of spots and the responses I’ve read tonight. But at least I know I’m not alone. I wish you all the best.
I have just come off the pill, only time was once before to have my son. I developed CHloasma and doctor said to come off which i am now in my 3rd month. My skin has acne spots on chest, back and face its so depressing as I was blessed with clear skin whilst on the pill. Pls help. I have to get a face peel for my Chloasma or laser. Or put up with it and go back on the pill.?
To all the ladies suffering as I am(was) i have a bit of great news. As i posted before I got off bc pills when i was 25 for one year in which my face was flawless for a whole year off of them and then suddenly broke out like crazy, i couldnt handle it and 2 months later went back on bc pills. Mind you i never had problems with acne but then again i went on the pill at 16 so who knows if i would have had acne if i wasnt on the pills.
Anyhow, i went off of bc pills again january of this year, 2 months later i was back to horrible acne, i am allergic to benzoil peroxide so i use sylacylic acid every night and day on my face which sorta helps the acne but as we all know it comes from with in so anything topical just maybe makes it look less horrible but doesnt make it go away.
Its been 8 months since i am off the pills and my face is breaking out less, a lot less…so i think my hormones are evening out. I have read that tends to be the case, takes about a year to regulate your hormones so hang in there it WILL get better just remember that as you’re going through this horrible time…I was on them from 16-25 and again from 26-28…now im 29 and if my acne really is gone due to my hormones regulating i will NEVER get on this horrible drug again!!!!!!
We all have the same problem….is there no real answer?!?!? I have been told by my OBGYN that he is not going to refill my BCP because now I am 40, I am experiencing high blood pressure, and the BCP increases my risk for a stroke. I told him I would rather DIE than have the terrible ACNE I had the last time I quit the pill. I have no need for BPC except to keep my skin clear. WHAT IS THE ANSWER????
I am now on 4th month off pill. My skin has calmed down, pls girls perservere . The skin pigment slightly fading but am seeing dermatologist this week. It takes a while for hormones to level, its not perfect my skin like the flawless pill version. Its better than when I first came off. Just stick it out, lots of vitamins and healthy eating, water and PATIENCE!
[...] pill, there are many methods of support, and means of minimising the hormonal crazies. Of course, Fran has enlightened us greatly on the topic, and worthwhile articles can be found in abundance on the net. Herbs and nutrition can play a huge [...]
I had very mild acne during adolescence that was easily treated. I then had the most beautiful flawless skin. I would always get compliments on it.
I went on the pill at the age of 16 when I first became sexually active, buying into the hype that I was guaranteed to get pregnant if I didn’t take it.
My skin broke out really badly. I remained on the pill for a month.
It is 7 months later, and my skin is still awful. Not only that but my periods are irregular and my cycles are really long, and my period is much more painful than it used to be.
This all makes me so depressed, I cry a lot about it. It’s my final year of school, too, and it feels as though everyone’s skin is perfect. I just don’t know what to do, I tried vitex but it made me break out even worse.
Laura, there are many different bc pills that you can try to get rid of your acne. I’m not a doctor but if I had to guess its not acne from getting off the pill its from being a teen since you only took it for one month. If its that bad and making you depressed i would go back to your doctor and have him put you on a different pill for your acne(Yaz is supposed to be great for that). I would not stay on the pill for too long, maybe help it get you through your teen years and then get off. I took bc pills from 16 to 28 and broke out really bad after but thats due to my body trying to get itself back to normal after such long use of bc pills. Good Luck
I’m sorry Irina, but I wholeheartedly disagree. I appreciate your advice and concern, but I know the contraceptive pill was the direct cause of my acne and period problems. Prior to taking the pill, my cycles were very regular and my skin was completely clear. As soon as I started taking the pill, my skin broke out. I would like to mention it was a low-dose variety with an emphasis on progestin as opposed to estrogen.
I do not want to take any contraceptive pill as it was the pill that got me into this in the first place. I had previously tried 2 different varieties of pills (Yasmin and another), but both gave me headaches, nausea (vomiting), horrible mood swings, sore breasts and painful periods. I was only on those 2 varieties for a very short length of time (no longer than a week).
I’m so glad I’m not the only one suffering. I went on the pill at the beginning of grade 11 (4 years ago) and stopped taking it January 2010. Prior to taking the pill my skin was getting pretty bad, and scarring too but when on the pill my skin was fantastic. I had a bad feeling about being on the pill for too long so I went off of it last year.
At first my skin was fine, no big deal, a few more break outs but nothing bad. But starting in June or July this last summer my skin got so bad. My forehead, sides of my face to chin were covered in little tiny red pimples. Then I started researching Natural methods, used honey to wash my face which helped and stopped eating dairy and gluten. WOW not nearly as much pimples since and I know im allergic to dairy now. But i still get quite a lot of break outs and they used to be large cystic ones but that has gone since going to a Chinese naturopath. I have no idea what I’m taking but I know it is some chinese herbs and he told me to put nothing on my face and just use water to wash my face. This has help tremendously and slowly my acne is going away. I think this is helping because if you think about it, when you were a teenager you went and got acne products as soon as your first pimple appeared, then things got progressivly worse and worse. I think just simply using water is what our skin needs.
My face is COVERED in scars, which makes me so self conscience, but I’m hoping once my acne stops I can go get some lazer therapy. Oh also I ordered a Blue/Red light which is helping a ton as well.
I hope that after another 6 months the after effect of the birth control pill will go away
Hi Everyone,
I, too, am suffering from the same problem-acne after being on the pill-and had very little acne before taking the pill. I also suffer from migraines related to taking BCP. It’s almost been 6 months since I stopped taking them and I am still getting migraines and dealing with atrocious skin problems.
Some things I’ve found that help with the acne that haven’t been mentioned here:
1. Clindamyacin topical ointment (available from physician). For me, my doctor put it in a tincture of Cetaphil to also combat my skin’s dryness. It seems to work well for spot treating, better than Salicyclic Acid.
2. Aveda skin products work wonders for me. I use the liquid Exfoliant and the Tourmaline line, but I’m sure an Aveda rep can help you choose what’s best for you. These products are natural and very gentle. I used to be an esthetician and I find that acneic skin can also be quite sensitive and easily irritated.
3. Rinsing the face with cold water after washing. Acne is soothed by colder temperatures and it also helps to close the pores after cleaning them out. I like Earth Science Gel Cleanser and Aveda Purifying Gel Cleanser.
Anyways, just thought I would throw that in to the mix in case anyone might benefit. I am also interested in any herbal remedies or supplements that have worked for people. Evening Primrose Oil? Has anyone tried that?
I was on the pill (Ortho tricyclen lo) for 14yrs & went off the pill 8 months ago & have hated every side effect of not taking the pill. I lost weight, break out & on my back which I never did before, my hair thinned out & I still haven’t started. I went to the OB & he checked for thyroid issues & pcos & everything was good. Help! I need advice, should I go back on the pill?
Amanda dont go back on the pill, you made it this far!! Wait a few more months and you’ll start to see it get better, im at 12 months off the pill, 10 months of severe acne(started 2 months after i got off) and its getting better every month. Hang in there, its worth it…think about it this way, if you go back on the pill now you will go through this again next time you get off(its what happened to me) you need to let your body learn to produce hormones without the pill, it WILL get better!!! Good Luck
If you want my personal story its on here just search for “irina” or email me at irina.sinay@gmail.com
I have been of bcp for 8 months nearly and have just had a laser treatment to clear up blocked pores. My skin is fab! I have lost weight, have no mood swings or PMT. I have been eating well and generally trying to live life. Pls try not to go back on. It WILL level out!
So glad I found this thread! I know everyone has said it before but I really did feel like I was alone. I am 26 and was on the pill for 11 years straight with no break. I came off 3 months ago. It’s been a rocky ride I tell you that much. I was lucky as my cycle is very normal (and i keep track thanks to p tracker application on my iphone). However, my acne is awful. I’ve never had a pimple and I constantly have them on my face, chest and back. Luckily it’s the only symptom I have, which may be due to the fact I’m vegan and only use organic food, mineral make up and exercise daily. But it’s a little depressing. I feel better knowing that within a few months to a year this should all be over and my body will be back to normal. I will NEVER go back on the pill again. It is EVIL! Hang in there ladies!
Thank you everyone for the words of wisdom! I really appreciate it! I am going to give it some more time off the pill & see what happens.
Hi! I was put on yazminelle a couple of years back due to a cyst for 4 months. The cyst disappeared so i came off the pill and 3 months later my face was COVERED in tiny bumps which got bigger every week.. i was in such a state!! i didnt know what to do!! i never had acne before.. my skin used to be perfect prior to the BCP.
I was then put on minocycline an antibiotic for over a year, which kind of helped but caused extreme yellowing of the teeth (as if i had been smoking for year) i obviously stopped! (my doctor never warned me about this side effect and prescribed itfor way too long)- I then was told by my dermatologist to go on DIANETTE that would clear my problem. I have been on it for 7 months and have been an emotional wreck! 0 sex drive, crazy mood swings and a general depressive state + weight gain.. and ok yes clearer skin!
I’ve just gone off it as its all added up in my head that the primary reason for my bad skin was the BCP in the first place and that im just postponing this problem for later on in life.
Im terrified of all the horror stories about the specific pill.. if i get acne again i will lose my job as it has a lot to do with the way i look! I don’t know what to do!!!! it seems like all of you here had bad acne coming off the BCP! i havent heard about any successful stories on the net!! HELP:S
I wish i never went on birth control. EVER. never mess with nature! WHAT DO I DO?????!?!?!!?
Nina-
I can’t believe the doctors put you on so much meds after you got off bc pills, thats just dumb in my opinion. My advice is to get off all pills and let your hormones readjust after taking bc pills. Also because you had a cyst that required getting on bc pills it says that you have a hormonal imbalance and that is probably why you’re getting acne to begin with and may not be due to you taking bc pills for a few months. I would STOP ALL meds if your still taking them and go to a regular family physician and request blood test for your hormone levels and do an ultrasound to rule out PCOS. If both come back fine you just need to let your body readjust after bc pills and you may still have a slight hormonal imbalance that wont show up on tests as do i. I just had a cyst too and until it went away my face looked worse than usual but it got better. And i took bc pills for 13 years and have suffered with bad acne for the past year but after 10 months it started to get a lot better and it will for you too. Stress makes it worse so relax and believe that it will get better which it will.
Hi Ladies!
I too was on the BCP for 8 years (I am 26 now) and have been off it for about 4 months. The first month was great and then yes, plenty of small pimples and a few really big ones around my jaw line (and on my neck near my ears surprisingly!?) It is such a shame too, because aside from getting breakouts I actually feel SO much better now I’m not on it.
Anyway, after taking some advice from a lovely friend I started using the “Biore” triple action toner (avl. at lots of places) and then applying pure Rose Hip Oil… honestly, this has made SUCH a difference for me. Especially when I use it before going to bed, I wake up in the morning and my skin seems to calm down SO much overnight.
I have also been taking a natural suppliment by Blackmores called “Skin Support” which is definitely helping. (my sister- who used to get really severe breakouts, takes these tablets and it has improved her skin dramatically)
Anyway, hopefully this helps someone else with skin like mine!
x
x
I originally went on Yasmin when i was 18, mainly for a few skin issues (never had full blown acne, but enough to make me feel self concious). I am now 23, and have stopped taking the pill for general health, i have been off it for almost 3 months, the first couple of months i expereinced huge open pores and lots of blackheads on forehead and nose- but these have subsided. I am just getting a few around chin, jaw but nothing crazy. I have started using Cliniques Anti-Blemish range .. AMAZING! the moisteriser contains sallysilic acid and really controls the oilyness and closes up the pores. It has helped so much with oil-control, and preventing new ones/curing old ones. I’ve also been taking Zinc, COmplex B vitamins, Fish oil and Premular (for balancing hormones). I also took a 1 month liver detox herb to effectively flush out the traces of Yasmin quicker. I know its early days its only been 3 months, but if things get worse i am going to go back on the pill, as i cannot handle the stress of acne at this age, when im young and single. Sounds bad, but its just not worth it right now.. mayswell deal with it later when i am married, with kids. Not constnatly meeting new people and in a job where confidence plays a big part. The only thing i just wish the doctors would advise of these side effects since coming off!! seriously!
I can’t believe i found this website and so many stories that sound SO very similar!
Kara – i get heaps around my ears too! they’re the worst ones that really hurt too!
i just got back from seeing the doctor tonight after going off the pill 7 months ago and going through 6 months of horrible self esteem destructive acne (which at this stage shows no sign of slowing down). blood tests and US for PCOS and the doctors only solution was well, if being on Diane worked for you then go back on it. i really really wanted to avoid going back on the pill. tried all sorts of different skin care products (think i put my skin through more hell switching products all the time!), including the clinique range which i found REALLY drying. cut out dairy, cut back on sugar and all sorts of supplements.
but it’s so hard not to take that easy option! the box is sitting on the bedside table, and i think even more now that it’s there i know that i DON’T want to go back on it. and this website has come to me at the most perfect time! i’m going to stay strong for a bit longer and hold out from going back on the pill
thank you so much fran and ladies for the virtual support :)
Hi there,
I have been going through the exact same thing with going off diane 35, i have been off it for about 8 months now and i have developed acne on my face, chest and back. I have been trying everything, went to the doctor and she said that pretty much the only thing that will help is medication or going back on the pill. I have been so frustrated that i tried the medication, that didnt work so now i have just gone back on diane 35. I have been on it for about a month and i am hating it! I am stpoping as of today. I am really hoping that that one month of being back on it wont make things even worse! But i am sticking to my decision this time along with Claire :). From reading all these posts i do think that going to the natropath will be a good idea!!
If only we didnt have all these pimple problems!!
Reading this thread I’ve noticed that not a lot of people concerned with their skin are considering that a clean diet and especially your liver (which regulates hormones) are the most important things to consider when coming off and staying off the pill.
Topical ointments and cleansers can keep the surface clean, but are not going to prevent hormonal breakouts.
Cutting out crap (sugar and other acid forming foods especially), and increasing alkalising foods such as greens, vegies, and fruit, will do a world of good for your insides, including your liver, and this will be reflected in your skin.
Take some liver cleansing or liver support herbs/tablets, including milk thistle, and this will help your liver regulate your hormones.
The only reason I am avoiding coming off the pill is this exact reason arrrgghh!! Dreading it. I switched to Brevinor a couple of years ago which gave me acne, then I got an anxiety disorder because of it, switched back to Femodene (not sure why I switched in the first place!!) but want to come off it altogether and be drug free and find another form of contraceptive. I too am thinking of going to a natropath (Fran – was this the way of preventing acne on coming off the pill for you totally or did you still get a little acne? Any one else who has been to a natropath I would also like to hear your thoughts! Is is the same as Chinese Medicine? Also anyone drink green tea here? I drink about 5 cups a day to help keep my skin clear and I love how good and beneficial it is for you.
Girls keep updating us all! :)
Hello, Im am 24 yrs old. I have been on BC(Ortho Tricyclin-Lo) since I was 13, to regulate my period because I had it for 3 weeks straight. I have never had skin problems in my life, but after talking to my dr, she said it could of been because of the BC. Well I recently got married and have been thinking about a baby. Plus, I’ve found materials that say BC causes cancer because it causes rapid cell growth, hence the reason you have clear skin when your on it. Well, I stopped taking it for about a week, and as many of the rest of you wrote broke out in huge cystic acne on my jawline and neck, BADLY. I looked like a diffrent person, and people noticed because I had good skin my whole life. I was so embarresed and felt so digusting I started my BC again. Guess what? Clear skin again. Its been a year and Im gonna try it again, I’m ready to get the chemical outta my body, I’m just so afraid of that painful embarassing acne. I cant go to the dr either because I dont really have health insurance, I get my pills through a state funded program in MI called Plan First! that only covers female health issues like BC, PAPs, and mammograms. Its mid Oct so I think im going to wait till after halloween to start, wish me luck, i’ll come back in a few months and let ya’ll know. Funny thought: Why dont they have a warning on BC that warns you of the acne risks coming off it. How come no one tell you till your already on it and its too late? Could it be a way for the pharmacudical compamies to keep you on the pill and make money? Not to mention to control population growth, because they know that most of us, myself included, will cave into our vanity and go back on the BC….
Faye, I went to a chinese naturopath and he cured my horrid post-bc pill acne. Like i mean pretty much cured, I only get like a few pimples in the month. Now my only problem is getting rid of the scars. It took time though, probably around 8 months to get to where it is. He took time to try different combinations of herbs, etc to find out what was my underlying issue and well it fixed it :) So happy now (I’ve been off the pill since January of 2010
Hi ladies, I posted here in april this year after finding this thread and thought it might be useful to come back and update on my story!
I have now been off the pill for close to one year, and it has been a massive journey getting my skin and body back into gear. i will NEVER go on the pill again (the box is still sitting in the drawer but i think i’m going to throw it out!)
i have started seeing a naturopath since my last post and that has been the best decision i ever made!
the way she described it to me, is that after being on the pill for so long my body is “clogged up” – my skin, my liver and also my ovaries (which have a number of cysts on them, but I don’t have the full criteria for PCOS). i did a detox for 4 weeks with her support which was the BEST thing i could have done for my body and skin. it was also very hard but so worth it. i really can’t emphasise enough how much difference this made for me personally, and i know that 12 months ago i NEVER would have considered doing something like that! i love my food way too much!
i’m on a number of supplements and herbal mixes and whilst my skin is not perfect it is definitely better, i get less breakouts, they aren’t as big and inflamed and sore, and they heal SO quickly. apart from the pimples my skin glows and i just feel healthier and cleaner. i’m having no sugar, no caffeine (except for green tea), no wheat and no dairy – and honestly if i can do that anyone can
i think the biggest thing as well in my whole journey has been knowing that I am the one that holds the power to heal myself, and that i am in control of my skin and my body and not the other way around. and my naturopath has been the best person to support me with my own personal issues. the power is not in that little box!
Looks like most of us are in the same boat… My mom put me on birth control (diane35 on my docs recommendation) when I was 14 to regulate my periods lol. At 20 I came off it and about 3 months later I got ITCHY cystic cheek/jaw acne!!! Im now 22 and it is worse than ever! Prior to DIANE 35 I only ever had the occasional forehead pimple! My cheeks were like baby skin until 20… Now I’m left with huge pores, red marks, and punch holes all over my face :(
Anyone who says acne is not that bad never had it haha. I no longer wish to go out because that means heavy makeup and more pimples!!!! Pretty sure I can’t have kids either Been sleeping with the same guy for 4 years without protection… DIANE-35 has altered my hormones I remember when I first came off it I practically went through menopause night sweats, more facial hair, thinning head hair, oh and acne. I don’t think I even ovulate anymore! Lol so if any ladies want to feel 50 at 20 just go on DIANE 35! Oh u will look fantastic on it! But u can’t stay on it forever!!!!!!!!!
When you get off the pill, you don’t just quit it overnight do you? Don’t you wean yourself, slowly, miss one a week for three weeks miss two a week for three weeks, then three for three weeks, then four for three weeks until you are down to one a week, then none….wouldn’t that be the smart thing to do? You are probably shocking your body, which is your hormones which does cause acne (androgen).
You could try an old “remedy” my family used and it’s been around for years…it’s called Cuticura soap..we use it for showering too and for face…after washing face with Cuticura, use witch hazel (I like Dickens best) to close pores…..also, steaming your face once a week (boil a pot of water and sit with a tower over your head over the pot for 10-15 mins–intermittently rubbing with witch hazel cotton ball–it cleans the dirt when the pours are opened).
After coming across this site, I decided to do an experiment. I never had bad skin as a teenager, but went on the Pill for BC, and to regulate my periods. Recently, and after 7 years of being on the pill, I had the Mirena put in. So went off the pill. The main reason was because of the pigmentation the pill was causing, but now that I’m off it, I’m so glad I made the decision.
However, my skin broke out like I couldn’t believe. Having never suffered from acne before, it’s been an eyeopener. As someone mentioned above, you don’t know how it affects your state of being until you’ve experienced it.
Long Story short, I’m trying a couple of natural remedies, to see if any of them work, So I can feedback.
So far what has absolutely worked is detoxing.
This was easy for me, as I don’t eat Wheat or Meat.
So cutting out sugaring foods has been the main change.
I have also stayed away from acidic foods. And gone on an anti-acid, Cirto Soda.
This and taking Zinc tablets I think has made a big difference in the last week.
So I’m going to continue to cut out sugary and acidic foods, and continue with the CitroSoda, to get my body into an alkaline state, as well as continue with the Zinc tablets.
of course, eating healthy, and regular exercise, and reducing stress helps.
But that was my lifestyle in any case.
So I’ve been looking for the remedy that would make the difference.
And so far it seems to be working.
Patience, as I don’t want to go back on the pill. Or take an antibiotic.
Good luck all.
Hey Ladies,
This is all too familiar for me. I went off the pill in September, so seven month ago- and I broke out mildly about a month ago- but now it’s SEVERE. I have little white bumps and blackeads and pimples all along the lower part of my cheekbone (and jawline). I tried to go off the pill once before and the same thing happened, so I went back on it. I also am seeing a naturopath now, but she really hasn’t suggested too many remedies for me. I need this to go away. I never thought I would have this kind of acne in my life, and it’s such an eye opener- and really helps me to feel more empathy towards women (AND) men who have severe acne regardless of the pill.
How LONG will this take??? I am waiting a full year and three months- but I’m also going to go see a dermatologist- to help me prevent any scarring. My skin was beautiful once, and now it’s seriously AWFUL. And it’s making me question WHY I question conventional medicine. Why should I stay off the pill? I’m so tempted to break and go back on it- but I’m trying to resist.
Frustrating- and I feel all of your pain.
Also, I’ve been veg/vegan for five years- but with bad sugar addiction- I’ll really try to cut that out for at least a month.
well ladies, i know how you all feel! i recently stopped taking Diane (been on it for 6-8 years) and had really clear skin whilst using it. within a few months of stopping my skin started breaking out (forehead and Jawline) and yes, they hurt, are white and puusy etc etc! NOT FUN! I use Arbonne Skin Care &cosmetics which i would recommend to anyone as it is vegan! but there is nothing special on offer for battling acne! i do think that using these products is controlling what could be a massive breakout session! you do feel crap emotionally, especially when you know you have always had clear skin! its been approx 7 months and not a lot has changed! i prefer to eat organic but that isn’t always possible! i just continue to be positive that all will get better when my hormones regulate themselves! till then i think I’m off to the naturopath!
hi guys , this is such a horrible and hurtful experience , im 29 and have been off the pill 7 mnths now i had to come off it due to medical reasons but so glad i did as seeing now what it has done to me is disgusting its poision in a tablet form and i will never put my daughter on this !!!!, my skin is the same really bad it has became less oily but still breaking out really bad around chin and mouth , ive been taking natural supplements since i stopped this awful drug and see a herbalist regularly, i wanted to share what i am trying now , i have done alot of research into this and i have discovered i have estrogen domiancy ( to much bad estrogen in body ) im am now taking natural progestragen cream to try to overide this and releive these symphtoms i have had , u cannot get this cream from the doctors as they wont prescribe it to u there hopless,i got mine from my herbalist its been 2 month taking it now and i do feel a difference less stressed and lots more , look it up girls its maybe something that will help. ps, it has to be natural progestragen cream you use not the alternative i use a brand called naturone , good luck xxxx
I too have been through this and I am still dealing with the results of going off birth control. I was on yasmin for about a year then switched to yaz and I was on that for about 2 years. I finally decided to go off the pill in October of 2009 and about 2 to 3 months later my skin went crazy and only got worse as time went on.
In January 2010, I started getting really bad cystic acne along my jawline and my chin area. Aside from an occasional breakout my skin was pretty clear growing up and while on the pill so this was sort of new to me. I started trying different face washes, changing my morning and night washing routine. I saw conventional doctors who told me my suspicions of the going of the pill being the cause couldnt be. I was told I could go back on the pill to try and stop the acne but I felt that was more of a band aid that addressing the actual problem. I started doing my own research and come to find out so many other women have the same issue after going off the pill. Why is the birth control pill sold as something that helps correct acne but there is no warning about it possibly causing acne?
My research lead me to believe I needed to detoxify my liver. I also started seeing a naturopath in October 2011, I had a blood test done to test my testosterone and other hormones. I was 25 at the time of this visit and my doctor told me that at my age a testosterone would be unlikely. However my test came back and sure enough my testosterone was high. I had tests done and those ruled out PCOS and adrenal tumors as the cause.
She then put me on a couple tinctures; milk thistle to cleanse my liver and licorice root to lower to testosterone levels. I was advised to try this and come back in 6 months to run my blood again.
In the mean time I started watching what I was eating, drinking more water, taking vitamins (cayenne, flaxseed oil, brewers yeast, bee pollen). In January 2012 decided to do a juice fast. I lasted 7 days, on day 7 I was not up for drinking anymore juice so I ended up fasting all day (which is actually good because it cleanses the blood). That night I had flu like symptoms (minus any vomiting) that lasted about 5 hours. I had a pretty good detox and I felt fantastic after that. My skin was looking much better than it had.
Six months went by and I went in for my 2nd blood test about 2 weeks ago and my testosterone has dropped 10 points!! I am now considered to be in the higher range of normal.
I was advised to look into doing a colon cleanse, she suggested a brand named Colonix through Dr. Natura.com, which is in the mail now. I will continue with the licorice root and milk thistle and my doctor told me next time I do the juice cleanse to try doing it without fruit and see if I have an even better result with vegetables.
During the course of all of this, I switched my make up to bare minerals, its more natural than others on the market. Many of my skin care products are now a vegan brand called yum yum gourmet. I also mix a little doterra lavender oil with my moisturizer to help minimize scarring and speed up healing. If youre having trouble with dryness, pure jojoba oil works great for that.
Overall my skin is a heck of a lot better than what it was. I was getting several painful cystic acne pop ups a week, now Im down to one or two a month. I know this has been a long and frustrating battle for me. Especially at first not knowing what was the cause and what to do. I truly believe that birth control screwed up my hormones and I will NEVER take it again. I will try to remember to update this again if my skin continues to improve. Good luck to all of you who may be out there suffering with this as well!
I went off the BC pill in December (6 months ago) and within 2 months the acne on the jawline appeared, as other commenters have said. I have small pimples all over the face, but the worst is the jawline and upper neck. I have never had acne like this before.
What has helped me so far:
-Proactive’s 3 step program. It has the Benzoyl Peroxide, which speeds up your skin cell turn over. I use this when the acne is so bad I can’t bear it. Within a day, it will shrink the inflammation to about half the size. I only use this once a day or less, so as to not get too dependent on it.
-If I have to pop a zit, I use Neosporin Cream on it right afterwards. This has helped heal the wound quickly and prevents scarring.
-Cutting out most hair products. The chemicals in hair products touch your skin when you wear your hair down and clog pores.
-Sleeping with my hair in a bun (out of the face).
-Showering at night.
-Changing pillow case and towels as frequently as possible.
-When my face is too red to bear, I do use a natural foundation I bought from an Etsy seller. Whenever I used any foundation I used to like Revlon, or others you buy from Target, my face got much worse. Stick with the natural stuff — it won’t help the acne, but it will make you feel better and not make the acne worse.
I, too, have felt the depression of having acne. I don’t want to go out sometimes, just because of my acne. All of this suffering is motivation for me to never go on the BC pill again. I will let my body recover.
I’m going to try to cut out coffee — drink tea instead– cut down on sugar, and drink more water.
Good luck, girls. We can do this!
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