Post Pill Acne: Why It Happens + Why You Shouldn’t Give Up If It Does
There are many things that can happen when you quit birth control (some good, some not so good). By far the biggest concern I hear from clients who want to come off of the pill is “what about post-pill acne?” Unfortunately, it is common to develop acne, sometimes severe, after coming off of the pill, especially if you went on it to clear up acne to begin with. However, this can be temporary for most people! I see so many people panic at the onset of post-pill acne and decide to get right back on birth control, but often your skin can be clear again.
Why are breakouts common after the pill?
Birth control pills are incredibly effective at clearing acne, but some of the same reasons our acne is cleared while on the pill, also contribute to the rebound acne that can occur afterwards. There 2 main main reasons why:
Both synthetic estrogen (ethinylesradiol) and the progestins found in birth control pills suppress sebum, which is the oil found on our skin. In fact, the progestin cyproterone suppresses sebum to levels that appear in childhood. Adults are supposed to have more sebum than children, so in response to this reduction, the body has to up-regulate it’s sebum production. This up-regulation can continue after you stop taking the pill, meaning that you may temporarily have more skin oil than ever before.
The ovaries often (temporarily) secrete more androgens when you come off the pill as they start to function normally again. Excess androgens can cause breakouts for a few reasons, one among them also being an increase in sebum production.
Your ovaries also make estrogen and progesterone, which are great for our skin, and overtime this production usually does even out again!
How long until it clears?
Thankfully, this is usually temporary! Post-pill acne typically reaches its peak around 6 months after quitting the pill and then starts to improve.
Supporting your body's ability to reach hormonal balance after birth control can also help speed along the process. Nutritional adjustments, lifestyle changes, and supplement support can make a huge difference. If you’re curious about working together, reach out!
