Effective Tips To Treat Post-Pill Hormonal Acne
Hormonal acne can be a challenging and frustrating skin condition, particularly for those coming off hormonal birth control.
For me, it has been a long journey, but after a year of being off the pill, I’m capable of offering some advice and sharing what worked for me.
After stopping the pill, many women experience a resurgence of acne due to the body’s attempt to balance hormones.
My hormonal acne post-pill was mostly on my chin area, and it didn’t start until two or three months after I stopped taking the pill.
I was never prone to acne, not even as a teenager. So having to deal with it in my late 20s was something I wasn’t sure how to tackle.
Luckily, there are effective strategies to manage and treat hormonal acne post-pill. If you are going through something similar, I hope this post makes you feel less alone and gives you some helpful tips to treat hormonal acne post-pill.
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Understanding Hormonal Acne After Stopping the Pill
When you stop taking birth control pills, your body undergoes significant hormonal changes.
Birth control pills often suppress the production of androgens, hormones that can increase oil production in the skin.
Once you stop taking the pill, your hormone levels can fluctuate, leading to increased sebum production and clogged pores, which can result in acne.
There’s also other issues than can start or where dormant while you were on the pill, like PCOS.
Tip #1: Maintain a Consistent Skincare Routine
A consistent and effective skincare routine is essential for managing hormonal acne. Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping your skin of its natural moisture.
Look for products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, as they help to unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
Don’t forget to consult a dermatologist!
Best Skincare Routine for Hormonal Acne
1. Cleanser
Choose a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to keep your pores clear without irritating your skin.
My favorite is La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Wash for normal to dry sensitive skin, or the La Roche Posay Toleriane Purifying Facial Cleanser if you have oily skin.
I have used both, but since my skin tends to be on the dry side, I prefer the Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. The Purifying Foaming Cleanser leaves my skin feeling very tight after I wash my face.
You can also benefit from double cleansing at night, which is a definite must if you applied sunscreen and makeup in the morning.
If you want to double cleanse at night, I recommend the Then I Met You Cleansing Balm or the Hanskin Cleansing Oil.
2. Toner
Use an alcohol-free toner to balance your skin’s pH levels and remove any residual impurities.
This is an overlooked step in some people’s skincare routines, but I swear by it. Every time I put some toner on a cotton ball and rub it on my skin, I’m surprised by all the dirt that is left even after double cleansing.
Currently using the Clinique Clarifying Face Lotion Toner 2. It’s great for those with dry combination skin (like me!).
3. Moisturizer
Opt for an oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without contributing to excess oil production.
If you live in a dry climate or have dry skin, I highly recommend First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair® Cream Intense Hydration. This is by far one of my favorite moisturizers.
4. Spot Treatment
Apply a targeted spot treatment containing ingredients like tea tree oil or sulfur to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Now, this is where I have the best solution to treat post-pill hormonal acne—or at least the product that helped me the most. Actually, two products helped, but the first one provided more immediate results.
Effaclar Duo Dual Acne Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide is the one product that helped the most. In two or three days, all the pimples on my chin or other parts of my face would disappear.
The other product that helped with acne was Tretinoin 0.05%, which I use mainly to treat fine lines. But it is also a great way to control acne.
Tip 2: Consider Your Diet + Supplements
Your diet plays a crucial role in your skin’s health. Certain foods can exacerbate hormonal acne, while others can help clear it.
Focus on incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet and avoid foods that can trigger acne.
Foods That Help Clear Hormonal Acne
- Anti-inflammatory Foods: Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts, to reduce inflammation.
- Low Glycemic Index Foods: Opt for foods with a low glycemic index, like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent acne flare-ups.
- Avoid Dairy, Gluten, and Sugary Foods: Dairy products and high-sugar foods can increase the production of androgens, leading to more breakouts.
Unfortunately, I did notice a difference when I significantly reduced the intake of sugars, gluten, and dairy.
It was upsetting to see how amazing I felt, but I also know I can’t follow that type of diet for my entire life.
I try to avoid these foods as much as I can, but at the same time, I don’t want to restrict myself too much.
Glucose Goddess has great resources that can help you improve your diet.
I worked with a nutritionist for a couple of months, and it was very helpful and insightful. She gave me many good tips and a list of foods to avoid. I really recommend investing in something like this.
She also gave me a list of supplements to start taking, which have been working great for me.
Below, you can see a list of the supplements that my nutritionist recommended, plus some other recommendations that I have found online.
Best Supplements for Hormonal Acne
- Omega-3: This one she recommended to take forever with no breaks. Omega-3 is great for reducing inflammation, and it did wonders.
One time, I decided to stop taking it for a month, and I saw the difference in my body. I’m definitely not skipping it ever again!
My nutritionist recommended Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega 2x, and it has been working great! I have been taking it for almost a year. - Magnesium Glycinate: (or Magnesium Citrate if you also suffer from constipation). Magnesium lowers cortisol levels, stabilizes hormonal imbalances, repairs the skin barrier, and reduces inflammation, all of which help clear acne.
- Rooibos Tea: Not exactly a supplement, but this tea was also recommended by my nutritionist. Helps support blood-sugar levels and digestion, which can sometimes get out of control during a hormone fluctuation, also leading to a breakout.
- Probiotics: Taking probiotics can improve gut health, which in turn can benefit your skin.
- B Complex: This supplement can also have the opposite effect for some people, so consult with a doctor before taking any supplement.
I mainly take B complex to help with stress and anxiety (which I will touch on next). These vitamins can help boost your mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Since mental health can also affect a person’s hormone balance (due to cortisol), it’s a great idea to take supplements that can help with that.
If my anxiety and stress are under control, I feel better.
I follow Mila Magnani and Leah Brueg on TikTok. They have amazing tips and resources for those dealing with PCOS or anything related to hormonal imbalances. I really recommend and trust their advice.
Tip 3: Manage Stress
Stress can significantly impact your hormonal balance and exacerbate acne. Finding effective ways to manage stress is crucial in maintaining clear skin.
These are some ways that can help you manage stress:
- Exercise Regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce stress levels and improve overall skin health.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness and meditation techniques to help manage stress and promote relaxation.
- Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get enough restful sleep each night, as poor sleep can increase stress and contribute to hormonal imbalances.
Conclusion: How To Deal With Acne After Coming Off The Pill
Clearing hormonal acne takes time and persistence. It’s important to be patient and consistent with your skincare routine and lifestyle changes.
Track your progress and make adjustments as needed, and remember that achieving clear skin is a gradual process.
It really took me months to finally have my hormones under control. So don’t feel discouraged if you don’t see improvement right away.
Managing hormonal acne post-pill can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can achieve clear and healthy skin.
By maintaining a consistent skincare routine, considering your diet, managing stress, taking appropriate supplements, consulting a dermatologist when necessary, and being patient, you can effectively treat hormonal acne.
Don’t forget to check more skincare recommendations!
Sincerely,
