Acne flare-ups after stopping the birth control pill are one of the most common reasons women actually choose to go back on the pill. But, the pill is not the only way to be set free of acne. If you’ve been affected by post-pill acne you know how frustrating it can be, so let’s talk about how you can prevent and treat it, naturally.

Why do women get acne post-pill?

Here’s the thing, if you went on the pill because you had acne, then you will most likely be affected by flare-ups once you stop it too. Going off the pill does not cause these skin problems, it merely removes the treatment that has been controlling the problem for a period of time. And that is what many women do not understand about the pill, it does a great job at controlling breakouts, but it is not addressing the root cause of the problem. Now, post-pill acne doesn’t only happen if you’ve experienced it in the past. Many women struggle with post-pill acne who never had acne before using the pill, too. 

 

Here are several reasons for acne to flare up after the pill:

1. Sebum Overproduction

 Certain hormonal contraceptives suppress sebum production. Sebum is the natural oil produced by the skin, that keeps our skin protected and hydrated. Once you remove the pill, your skin responds by upregulating sebum production, leading to overproduction and thus, to oily skin and more frequent breakouts.

2. Androgen Rebound

The pill affects our body’s ability to produce our own natural hormones. One way the pill works to reduce acne is by reducing the amount of androgens, like testosterone, circulating in the blood. But when you stop taking the pill, your ovaries need to kick back into action to return hormone levels back to normal, which can lead to an androgen rebound. Similar to above, with higher levels of androgens we get more sebum production causing oily skin and breakouts.

3. Zinc Depletion

It has been well documented that the pill depletes many important nutrients, including zinc. Zinc is essential for skin health and is an effective treatment for acne, as it reduces that bacteria on the skin that can cause breakouts. A zinc deficiency, caused by long-term pill use, may be responsible for post-pill acne.

4. Disruption of the Microbiome

By now you’ve probably read about the importance of gut health for all health concerns. Well, the pill disrupts the health of the gut by altering the good bacteria in the intestines leading to inflammation and issues with the skin.

 

How to Heal the Skin After Stopping the Pill

It takes time for your body to get back into its normal rhythms after stopping the pill, and so it can take time to heal the skin. Post-pill acne typically peaks around 3-6 months after ditching the pill and can take months to fully treat. But, whether you are dealing with full-blown post-pill breakouts or you’ve ditched the pill and want to prevent acne there are many natural strategies you can use to prevent and treat your acne!

1. Ditch the Dairy

Consumption of dairy, especially from conventionally raised cows, has been associated with acne. Dairy is full of hormones and inflammatory proteins (called A1 casein) that may be promoting or worsening your acne. However, other forms of dairy, like grass-fed butter or ghee, have a different type of protein and fats that can actually benefit your skin. So, when it comes to ditching the pill, dairy isn’t doing you any favours on your path to balanced hormones. I recommend eliminating it for 6-12 months, or until full resolution of your skin problems.

2. Balance your Blood Sugar

The pill has unfavourable effects on blood sugar regulation and insulin production. We know that when blood sugar is not balanced, and we get high levels of insulin, our body produces higher levels of androgens. Remember, high levels of androgens, like testosterone, can lead to an increase in sebum from the skin, causing more breakouts. So, keep your blood sugar steady by eating whole, real, foods. Every meal should include loads of nutrient dense veggies, high-quality protein, and healthy fat. It is best to eliminate sugar, white flour and alcohol or at least keep these items to a minimum. Also, prioritize exercise, as it increases insulin sensitivity and will help manage blood sugar.

3. Supplement with Zinc

As I mentioned, zinc is an effective treatment for acne, especially post-pill, as zinc deficiency is common in pill-users. Zinc helps to regulate testosterone, it kills the bacteria on the skin that causes acne, and it reduces keratin production that blocks pores. Speak to your ND to determine what dose of zinc will be right for you.

4. Restore the Microbiome

Your gut is the home to your immune system which controls inflammation. If your goal is clear skin, you need to reduce inflammation and nourish the gut. We do this by promoting healthy gut flora which helps to break down and eliminate excess hormone, reduces inflammation and optimizes digestive function. Be sure to include foods rich in pre- and probiotics and take a high-quality probiotic. If your digestion has been “off” since ditching the pill, you may need some extra individualized support to optimize the breakdown and absorption of nutrients to further heal the gut.

5. Support Hormonal Balance

Although all the strategies discussed above are ultimately working to balance hormones post-pill, you may need some extra support to get things going. You can support hormone balance with targeted supplementation. DIM (diindolylmethane) found in cruciferous veggies, like broccoli, can help to enhance estrogen and testosterone metabolism to promote overall hormonal balance. This is one of my favourite supplements to use in women struggling with post-pill breakouts.

Remember, post-pill breakouts are treatable, but it can take time to achieve the clear skin you’re dreaming of. Don’t give up! I recommend working with a practitioner who can do a thorough assessment with necessary laboratory testing to determine an individualized treatment plan for you. It is possible to get clear skin, without having to go back on the pill.

And, if you are considering ditching the pill, read my article “Ready to Ditch the Birth Control Pill? Here’s What You Should Know” to make the transition easy and to help prevent against post-pill acne!

In health, happy hormones and clear skin,

Dr. Bronwyn