Acne after stopping birth control pills?

[Anonymous]

I stopped taking the pill about a month ago in anticipation of trying to conceive. In the past couple weeks, I went from having soft, smooth healthy looking skin to having tons of little pimples all over my forehead and down around the edges of my face. I realize it's not the end of the world, but I had awful acne for so many years as a teen/young adult that really affected my self-esteem.

Has anyone had a similar experience? Does it go away? If I see a dermatologist, I'm not sure I'll be able to take anything that won't be bad for trying to conceive or being pregnant. Thanks for your thoughts!

[Anonymous]

I went off the pill in November. I was fine for a month or two, then all of a sudden I started breaking out horribly. I'm hoping that it's just my body readjusting to being off BC, and hopefully it'll go away soon. It's no fun to be 30 and have worse acne than a teenager.

[Anonymous]

I also break out a lot now that I'm off the pill, but am staying away from treatments because they aren't good for TTC. It's been over a year now and no sign of going away

[Anonymous]

For a few months after stopping the pill I was fine too, then developed cystic acne on my cheeks. It eventually abated, and the red spots are gradually fading. I do still get a big zit around my period, but it's not nearly as bad. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Yes, normal. BC regulates hormones that can cause acne. Make an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss safe-for-TTC treatments.

[Anonymous]

I had problems w/ terrible acne before going on the pill over 10 yrs ago. When I got of the pill, my acne came back with a vengeance the week before my period. I'm pregnant now so I can't use Retin-A or other stuff that usually works.

I got a Clarisonic Mia 2 and use some pregnancy-safe face soap with it. It's not the miracle device that some people claim (at least for me), but it did help my acne. It's not gone entirely, but it's much better.

http://www.clarisonic.com/shop/sonic_skin_cleansing_systems/sonic_skin_cleansing_system_mia2/

[Anonymous]

my first time going off the pill I had skin issues from the moment I stopped taking them until the moment I gave birth. My skin did get better throughout the pregnancy. The second time I went off the pill-no issues at all really.
this totally confuses me, but I think a lot of this is just your skin regulating to new hormones, etc. give it some time, treat your skin gently.

[Anonymous]

dermatologist here. there are no absolutely safe-for-TTC treatments.

[Anonymous]

PP, nothing OTC, even? I've heard those based on benzoyl peroxide are safe, but one should avoid products including salicylic acid. Is this the case?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:dermatologist here. there are no absolutely safe-for-TTC treatments.

Really? There are antibiotics safe for pregnancy, topical antibiotics safe for pregnancy, gentle soaps and soaps with anti-microbial, etc. No?