Pill withdrawal acne

[Lovebug06]

Hi all,

Since stopping the pill my skin is really bad. I've never had acne before, and it's really getting me down, especially as apparently it can last a long time and get worse. I don't know if anybody has any tips on what to use at all, and if the same products would work on pill withdrawal acne as it would with 'normal' acne?

I always use face wash, and cleanse, tone and moisturise morning and night. I use sensitive skin products like simple or e45 daily lotion, although I'm not sure if these are any good for spots.
I have read there's a cleanser by cerave that is good if anybody knows?
I've also seen a serum or cream that's meant to be an acne miracle online somewhere, it's a purple bottle or has purple writing I think. I know this is vague but I thought I had it screenshotted and I'm gutted I can't find it!

Or any other advice would be welcome, my self esteem is on the floor

Acne is acne, ring your gp and ask for help. It’s a medical problem not a cosmetic one.

@Fluffycloudland77 I wouldn't know if there's a differenfe I've been lucky enough not to have it before so I've asked on here about it and for help.I have rang my gp, I was made to feel bad as its not an emergency I shouldn't be ringing about it, so I've tried asking for advice here.

Did the gp prescribe anything?.

Bumping for you.

Slightly different in that I originally went on the pill for acne and was on it for two decades, give or take. I tried coming off it a couple of times and the acne was horrendous, really really awful and I went back on it each time within months.

I came off it again last summer and I'm not going to lie, my skin isn't how it was on the pill (flawless) but it's been ok. I did have some withdrawal acne, but actually my chest/shoulders/back were worse than my face this time, whereas previously my face has been awful too. I don't know what the difference is this time, but I have a skin care routine in place now which I didn't previously (I use mostly the ordinary products, cleanse with clinique take the day off balm). I had some success on my body acne with anti dandruff shampoo but am still unhappy with my chest, and less so my shoulders/upper arms. My face is OK but gets hormonal spots with my cycle.

I gave myself a deadline before going to the GP and the deadline came and went without me thinking about it so it did get gradually better. I would recommend a routine (personally I would ditch simple and e45), look into vitamin supplements, eat healthily, stay hydrated (and moisturised!), experiment with anti dandruff products if your acne is possibly fungal in nature. I'd set a deadline for seeking medical help of a few months and see how you get on.

In terms of products, niacinimide can really help or really not, azelaic acid is good for acne. I use both. Seven skins method has not caused any problems, I didn't start it until my skin was fairly ok again so can't be sure but it might be worth a try for balancing hydration/oil.

I hope things look up for you. I found my acne truly crushing at times and I still wish I could go back to my pill induced perfect skin sometimes so I do empathise.

Hiya, I rang the doctors again, they were quite rude again so I felt embarrassed but I really need some help as it's making me feel awful, and the actual lady I got an appointment with on the phone was lovely though. I have been prescribed benzoyl peroxide. I have read some awful reviews though. My skin right now is Really dry, so not oily that I read of about acne. And this stuff I've been prescribed says it's majorly dries your skin out and can damage it apparently so I'm a bit unsure about it. If I'm ditching the simple /e45 lotion is there another good moisturiser anyone knows of? Clinique I see above as one. Weirdly my scalp feels sore/tender and is starting to go dry the last couple of days, I'm guessing this is also to do with it. If I weren't ttc I would be back on the pill too to stop all this!

I’m sorry they were rude to you, there’s no need for it at all imo in health care.

I’ve used that. Try a thin layer every other night, put an old pillowcase on or a white one because it can bleach fabrics.

It kills the p.acne bacteria though. Try a bland glycerin based moisturiser, there’s no oil then.

I only use the clinique take the day off cleansing balm. I have the ordindary natural moisturising factors which is fine, I neither love nor hate it.

No matter what skincare products you use, it won’t solve the problem as it’s likely to be internal. I started taking skin accumax supplements as I have the same thing whenever i come off the pill so will see if these work

Hey @Lovebug06, I completely understand how you feel about the acne- in my experience your self-esteem can take an absolute beating when your skin is bad. I’ve been there and have even cancelled plans etc. as a result of my skin.
Unfortunately, as your TTC that limits your options in terms of treatment. I would do as @Fluffycloudland77 suggests and use the benzoyl Peroxide every other night. I find the cerave moisturiser great and non-irritating/pores blocking xx

Thankyou everyone for your help. I read that some moisturisers can make it worse which made me unsure about what to use but ill just start benzoyl and see how it goes. Hopefully I'll see some improvement soon!

If it’s hormonal acne e.g chin and jawline, try spearmint tea, I have a cup or two or day and it’s the first thing to actually work..I’m in my early 40s now, it seems to reduce oil production on my face.

Everything you use needs to be oil free. Otherwise you will just clog up your pores more and cause spots. Check packaging for it. I used to work for Clinique and had acne myself... for me the only thing that really worked was Dianette (a specific type of contraceptive pill) but if you’ve come off the pill and don’t want to go back on it again you are left with topical antibiotic medications via your Gp or the benzoyl peroxide route - this worked quite well for me but can stain clothes and bedding (it will bleach them!) so be careful.

If you want to go down the skincare route make sure you completely wash any cleanser off your skin - even if it’s a wipe or cotton wool type one, you don’t want to leave any residue on your skin at all. And use an oil free moisturiser and foundation (if you wear make up make sure all your make up is oil free and all brushes washed every few days).