No birth control = horrible acne

[Anonymous]

Hey all. So I went off birth control about 8 months ago to start ttc, and ever since I have the WORST cystic acne. Never had anything like it in my life. Starting on CD 6 I get huge, deep, painful cystic acne across my chin that is totally unbearable (and also embarrassing at 35yo!) Has anyone else had this and found a solution, or at least a way to control it?

[Anonymous]

see a dermatologist

[Anonymous]

I had the same issue, though mine was not really cystic-it was just horrible acne all over my cheeks and forehead. I cringe when I look at the few pictures I allowed to be taken of me at that time. My doctor prescribed Clindamycin and all was well.

[Anonymous]

Agree - see a derm. Beware though that Clindamycin and most similar drugs are very toxic during pregnancy and not recommended to be used. So you should tell your derm that you are TTC. Mine wouldn't let me take any of them while TTC but I know other doctors who say it's fine, just be prepared to stop the minute you get a positive on a HPT.

[Anonymous]

OP here: Thanks all for the feedback ladies! The derm was an obvious next step, but I really don't want to go on any meds that I will be going right off. I know that my acne is 100% hormonal due to the cyclical nature of it, so for now I'm just going to be extra careful the first week of my cycle to change my pillow case covers, clean my phones, etc. I've also heard of a product by Renee Rouleau that is meant to be good for cystic acne, but is very expensive. Might be worth the cash while ttc, as it's not any less than a trip to the doc and prescription meds would be! Thanks again.

[Anonymous]

Yea, unfortunately, there is not much you can do about hormonal acne while TTC. Birth control and spironalactone are both GREAT for reducing hormonal acne (I was on both before TTC) but you can't use them while pregnant. Several effective topicals are also not advised (i.e. anything with retinol).

[Anonymous]

I've had acne since I was 12, so for 26 years... Clindamycin, a topical preparation, is perfectly fine during TTC and pregnancy. Most tropicals, but not retinoids, are OK. There are also some oral meds that can be considered although ideally you'd want to stay away from those as much as possible. I am currently on retin-a, clindamycin, oral amoxicillin and spironolactone and expect we'll be TTC #2 in 2-3 months. I'll be going off both oral meds and retin-a as soon as there's been a chance of conception, but in fact some derms and OBs are fine with keeping patients on certain antibiotics until pregnancy is confirmed. There is a LOT of misinformation online. If you need a recommendation for a derm downtown, I can vouch for Dr. Stolar.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

PP here. Btw, don't waste your money on celebrity products. Just go to a dermatologist, you'll save time and money. Acne.org is a decent resource.

[Anonymous]

The Renee Rouleau cystic acne product really worked wonders for me so I would say it is worth it. Theu usually have a once a year dale in August somyou might want to watch for it. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Same with me. Spironolactone controls my hormonal acne beautifully but had to go off it when TTC, pregnant, nursing, etc. Now pregnant again and sadly my skin is still horrible.