Major acne breakout after going off birth control pill???

[Hope75]

I don't understand why, but I was on Yaz early this year and my skin was beautiful.  I have always been acne prone, but I didn't really breakout on my face much, more my back and chest.  SO, I get migraines due to the Yaz and stop taking it.  My migraines stopped, but I broke out worse than EVER.  I am 32 yo and my acne is taking over my face - especially my forehead.  It is like bumps, that tend to be full of hard, round things - like a plug of oil.  Rarely is it a true whitehead.  Usually full of white material that is not watery and can be really hard - more like a blackhead.

What the heck is it about stopping the YAZ?  I have tried topicl benzoyl peroxide and clindomycin and just finished a course of oral doxycycline.  Nothing - not a bit of help.  

HELP!  I feel hideous and too old for this.

[loiloi]

Hi. Acne is caused when androgens (male hormones found in both male and female bodies) stimulate the sebaceous (oil) glands. Certain contraceptive pills (Yaz, Diane35 and Ortho Tri-Cyclen) block the action of androgens are are prescribed to control acne as well as provide birth control.
If you cannot take the pill due to migraines ask your doctor for a gel called Differin. This is a topical synthetic retinoid which counteracts the abnormal skin processes invloved in acne.
Eloise.

[loiloi]

*sorry that should have read "involved in acne"

[Hope75]

Thank you for yor reply.  I do recall trying Differin in college (I had the same process - birth control stoppage, then acne) and the Differin was okay, Not wonderful, but perhaps I would get a different effect 10 years later.  Thanks again!!

[loiloi]

Differin is even more effective when used in conjunction with oral antibiotics such as Oxytetracycline or Erythromycin.
Eloise.

[Tejayee]

I am 27 years old and I had a similar problem, after being on Birth Control for 5 years I decided to stop.  I had never had acne much as a teenager but within a few months of stoping my BCP my skin had completely broken out.  The antibiotics helped but were only temporary.  It had been nearly a year and no change, I was getting so frustrated and was about to go back on the pill  but decided to do some searching for natural remedies.  I have been taking Evening Primrose Oil to help regulate my hormones again and Echinacea to improve my immune system.  I've been using that for a month and I've seen dramatic results.  My skin is finally clearing!  I use a cleanser with salicyc acid, and the aveeno clear skin moisturizer.  Although my skin is nearly clear, I've also recently started taking a supplement called Acneticin, I've read many things on the internet and this is suppose to be a great internal treatment for acne.  I am finally starting to feel comfortable in my own skin again!  Hope this helps you or anyone else who's having similar problems.

[LunaCat]

Hi! I had a similar problem where i had been on BC for about 5 years, and after a month of stopping it my skin went crazy! I had breakouts prior to taking the pill, but never this bad. They were big disgusting blister like things. 6 months i've been dealing with this ****. I took antibiotics, that only did so much. But what i found that REALLY helps is taking olive leaf extract. It works to balance your hormones and kill any bacteria like yeast and molds that everyone has a little bit of in their system, but acne sufferers happen to have a significant amount more that our liver can't process out fast enough, plus over production sebum and what not causing bacteria to grow. it also helps fight off infections and a whole list of other things. i never thought about it for my skin, but my friend recommended it, and i noticed a HUGE difference within a weeks time. My skin just totally calmed down, not nearly as red. I can tell its in the healing process. I'd say you've got nothing to loose. Plus i think it's safe to take during pregnancy, but i would definitely check with a doc. first on that one. Good luck everyone!