Crazy Breakouts when off BCPs

Noona · 09-22-2008, 05:58 PM

hi girls!
i've been on bcps for two yrs - b4 i took them my skin wasnt horrible -occasional breakouts...
i recently stopped the pills so i can ttc (and lose weight :'() and i'm breaking out like crazy
when i went off of it like about 2 weeks later i started breaking out and it hasnt stopped since

(i've been off of it for a little over a month now)
am i gonna stop breaking out?
what products should i use on my face... i'm so freaked out!

Lisa11 · 09-23-2008, 07:45 PM

I'm in the same boat, about 2 months after I went of bcp I started breaking out very badly. Unfortunately, the break-outs have lasted since the beginning of August and show no sign of improving. I think for a lot of us gals with PCOS, we will not find relief until we get those testosterone levels down through weight loss, meds or whatever works for you.

Until you can figure it out, combat that acne! Personally, I've been using tea tree oil and salicylic acid. Tea tree seems (for me at least) to bring down inflammation and help stave off acne during my worst break out time (mid-cycle). I soak one cotton ball with water and add one drop of tea tree then apply to trouble areas.

melee18 · 09-25-2008, 08:27 PM

I've had the same problem for about a year and a half now. Tired all kinds of different acne products but the only things that really seem to do anything are taking saw palmetto (320mg once a day) and using Carley's soap and benzoyl peroxide face scrub. I think you're right about the testosterone levels - until they come down, your body will keep trying to get rid of the excess hormones through your face.

Also apple cider vinegar helps improve my oily skin after about three weeks of regular use (drinking a tablespoon in a glass of water or using it as an astringent). I have much better skin tone, but the acne is still there.

Noona · 10-08-2008, 11:56 PM

thanks for the responses girls
theres so much out there so many products!
i have noo idea what to take
i'm already on so much medication and vitamins... all day long i'm always thinking about which pills i'm taking next ...eff

lol
i know its the androgens...but i cant get those hormones down
just dont know what i should take for that
i cant take BC pills...cause i gained weight on them and i'm trying to get pregnant
and i cant take spironolactone (adlactone) because that can cause defects to ur baby (as i read in a medical article)
what other things can u take to lower the hormones?

Bugsey3478 · 10-10-2008, 07:26 AM

I would recommend going to a dermatologist to see what they recommend.

Christie_Anne · 10-13-2008, 01:53 PM

I'm so sorry you're going through that. I got off the pill just this past June and I started breaking out as well. But the past few weeks it's been getting better, and I think it's because of the following changes I've made:

Cardio every other for 20-30 minutes (like a brisk walk outside after or before dinner)
eating very "clean" - fruits, veggies, and not much junk food or processed sugar
trying to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night in a completely darkened room (or at least with a sleepshade over your eyes)
meditation and breathing exercises to reduce stress

Also, like another poster suggested, you also may want to see a dermatologist. I was on antibiotics before for acne (Minocycline), which really cleared it up while I was on it. Not sure if you can be on certain antibiotics if you are TTC though, so just ask the derm or your family doctor.

penguintattoo · 10-16-2008, 02:20 AM

I use Clinique and it works really well, its a little expensive but totally worth it.

Noona · 10-20-2008, 05:12 AM

thank you so much girls
i'm real glad to say that they just started clearing up on thier own...
maybe it was just the shock of going off them after so long? :S

anywho... time to loose some weight ikh