How to Get Rid of Post-Pill Acne
The number one concern I hear from you about coming off the pill? Acne!
Post-pill acne breakouts seem to be the thing stopping most people from transitioning away from hormonal contraceptives. As a Nutritional Therapist specialising in Women’s Health, I am often asked how to get rid of post-pill acne.
And I get it! As someone who has struggled with their skin in the past, I understand just how frustrating and embarrassing it can be when you experience acne as an adult.
You might be wondering, why is my acne so bad after stopping the pill?
Some OCPs suppress a group of hormones called androgens, which are often behind acne. As you take the pill out of the picture, those hormones naturally increase to their baseline, driving acne and post-pill breakouts in some. As your hormone levels adjust to their new norm, it may take some time for your body to get used to things and this is why your acne is bad after stopping the pill.
Perhaps you went on the pill in the first place to manage your skin. Or maybe you have heard horror stories from friends about their skin when they came off the pill.
The worry and fear around post-pill acne is real!
But this doesn’t have to be a scary transition. And in fact, if you do choose to come off the pill (remember - power to you and your decision, no one can tell you what to do or what not to do with your body!), putting the right steps in place before, during and after can make all the difference when it comes to your post-pill symptoms.
Here are just a few of the interventions that I put in place when I work with clients transitioning off the pill and preventing post-pill breakouts. When we work 1-1, I tailor this protocol even further to ensure it not only fits in with your health picture, but your life too.
1). Stabilise Blood Sugar Levels
This is how we regulate androgens (the group of hormones often behind acne breakouts) from the ground up. Insulin, our blood sugar hormone, increases androgen production.
Androgens are often suppressed when you take the oral contraceptive pill, so as you discontinue use and those androgens start to rise again - we need to remove the factors that increase them further. Blood sugar imbalances being the major one!
Think lots of high-quality protein and fibre. This is a principle and way of eating that I teach to all of my clients, regardless of their hormone concerns as it is just so effective!
2). Correct Nutritional Deficiencies
It has been shown that the pill can deplete certain nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, selenium and B vitamins. All of which - you guessed it - we need for healthy skin!
Consider a high-quality multivitamin and packing your diet full of nutrient-dense staples such as oily fish, leafy greens, organ meats, colourful fruits and veggies and wholegrains.
3). Include Omega-3
Omega-3 is integral for the health of your skin barrier. It is also anti-inflammatory and for some, even antiandrogen! Include oily fish or a high-quality omega-3 supplement (my code for ND is MGHLLT20 which will get you 20% off supplements).
4). Reduce Stress!
Shift your body into a parasympathetic nervous state, AKA rest and digest! An imbalance in your stress hormones can have a direct impact on your sex hormones, which we are looking to stabilse post-pill. High stress will further exacerbate androgen activity, so reducing your stress is yet another way to support those acne-causing hormones from the ground up!
5). Nourish Your Gut
It is well-known that your gut microbiome influences the health of your skin microbiome, but did you know that your gut also plays a role in regulating your hormones? Include a variety of fibre, reduce refined sugar and consider pre and probiotics.
6). Consider Anti-Androgen Supplements
This is where working with a professional like myself just makes sense! I can look at your whole health picture, history and current nutrition and supplement routine and tailor your supplement plan based on your needs. I may consider using additional anti-androgen support such as zinc, spearmint, saw palmetto or reishi mushroom.
Click to watch my post-pill acne reel on Instagram.
How long does Post-pill acne last?
Everybody is different! Post-pill acne should be just that - post-pill! The best case scenario is that after putting all the correct measures in place, you see a reduction un the severity of breakouts and the length of time they occur after you have come off the pill. If post-pill acne lasts more than a year, I would be investigating further by doing some hormone testing or if you had acne before going on the pill.
Considering coming off the pill and looking for 1-1 support to make the transition go a bit smoother? You can book a free 15-minute call with me here to chat about your health concerns and how I can help!
Megan Hallett and the content provided are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on meganhallett.com is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your doctor and/ or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, supplement, exercise or other health-related programs.