272 replies to this topic

[KutenaiGirl]

I think this is a super common thing. I have always had little breakouts here and there, but overall I felt confident that my skin looked good. I stopped taking the pill after 8 years and I have mild yet persistent acne, for 5 years! It is stubborn and constant and making me crazy!

I have tons of friends who have had this same experience. The pill messes with your hormones big time and unfortunately this leads to acne in so many ladies. Makes me wish I knew what I was getting into. I would have never gone on it.

[Ukulala]

blissful828, on 12 December 2011 - 08:44 AM, said:

Hello Ukulala,
Thank you so much for your response. It's good that you're done with the horrible effects after coming off the pill! And thank goodness that this ISN'T going to last forever, because I heard stories that it might! I went to naturopaths as well, took a lot of meds (probaby total of a month of a various herbs) and for some time (like the two months right after I came off the pill), it was good. This month just didn't do so well.

And another thing I realized about my cycle - is that my acne tends to LESSEN before and after my period. Isn't this weird? My face is good now (no active breakouts, or it may be due to I jus went for a peel), but I remembered a month ago my skin was also flawless when I was about to get my period, and afterwards. I was so glad, thinking it was the end! But was I wrong hahaha...

I have been on the pill for one year exact, on this pill called Gracial. I notice that not a lot of people take this pill, and especially on this thread, most people, like you, take Ortho. I hope that since I didn't take the pill for that long, it wont' take my body long to adjust!

By the way, other than topicals, did you happen to do anything to help 'fix' your acne flare during the times when it was unbalanced? Because I'm taking a whole bunch of supplements and herbs (SO MANY) that I don't even know which ones help and which ones don't. But they are mostly vitamins, herbs like olive leaf, burdoch root, blueberries etc etc.

Any how again, so glad that your skin is turning better! I'm so happy for you, and at the same time, I hope that this flare of mine goes away quick quick quick!

Hm -- If your acne is *better* during your cycle (or moon, as I like to call it, being all hippiedippie ;] ) - perhaps you should look into what hormones spike during that time and assume that you have a deficiency of that specific hormone ...? That's my first thought, but I am no MD or ND, so, heh.

I wish I had better answers about what helped me when I was at my worst. Honestly, I just had to let it pass -- but ! Now I've learned a LOT more, and I think what i *could* have done to help is taken liver supporting herbs and supplements. Also ones that help regulate hormones -- not like burdock, which introduces estrogen, but like .. I forget the name -- ones that help *your body* balance itself. Look it up; you'll find them.
The liver is a major, major factor in hormone regulation. I read something that said it's like the gas filter in the car -- and the hormones are the gas, I guess. So supporting it and helping it as it undergoes this massive transformation is undeniably a good idea. :}

So -- you're on the pill now and are hoping to transition off? Every body is different, so I would use the naturopaths guidance as to how to support, but mainly... that's what you can do. Support. And know that your body has to regulate again after being dependent on those hormones, even if briefly.

You're going to be fine. If I (and probably all of us here!) can support you in any way, we will

[blissful828]

Ukulala, on 13 December 2011 - 08:39 AM, said:

blissful828, on 12 December 2011 - 08:44 AM, said:

Hello Ukulala,
Thank you so much for your response. It's good that you're done with the horrible effects after coming off the pill! And thank goodness that this ISN'T going to last forever, because I heard stories that it might! I went to naturopaths as well, took a lot of meds (probaby total of a month of a various herbs) and for some time (like the two months right after I came off the pill), it was good. This month just didn't do so well.

And another thing I realized about my cycle - is that my acne tends to LESSEN before and after my period. Isn't this weird? My face is good now (no active breakouts, or it may be due to I jus went for a peel), but I remembered a month ago my skin was also flawless when I was about to get my period, and afterwards. I was so glad, thinking it was the end! But was I wrong hahaha...

I have been on the pill for one year exact, on this pill called Gracial. I notice that not a lot of people take this pill, and especially on this thread, most people, like you, take Ortho. I hope that since I didn't take the pill for that long, it wont' take my body long to adjust!

By the way, other than topicals, did you happen to do anything to help 'fix' your acne flare during the times when it was unbalanced? Because I'm taking a whole bunch of supplements and herbs (SO MANY) that I don't even know which ones help and which ones don't. But they are mostly vitamins, herbs like olive leaf, burdoch root, blueberries etc etc.

Any how again, so glad that your skin is turning better! I'm so happy for you, and at the same time, I hope that this flare of mine goes away quick quick quick!

Hm -- If your acne is *better* during your cycle (or moon, as I like to call it, being all hippiedippie ;] ) - perhaps you should look into what hormones spike during that time and assume that you have a deficiency of that specific hormone ...? That's my first thought, but I am no MD or ND, so, heh.

I wish I had better answers about what helped me when I was at my worst. Honestly, I just had to let it pass -- but ! Now I've learned a LOT more, and I think what i *could* have done to help is taken liver supporting herbs and supplements. Also ones that help regulate hormones -- not like burdock, which introduces estrogen, but like .. I forget the name -- ones that help *your body* balance itself. Look it up; you'll find them.
The liver is a major, major factor in hormone regulation. I read something that said it's like the gas filter in the car -- and the hormones are the gas, I guess. So supporting it and helping it as it undergoes this massive transformation is undeniably a good idea. :}

So -- you're on the pill now and are hoping to transition off? Every body is different, so I would use the naturopaths guidance as to how to support, but mainly... that's what you can do. Support. And know that your body has to regulate again after being dependent on those hormones, even if briefly.

You're going to be fine. If I (and probably all of us here!) can support you in any way, we will

Hey, I've been off the pill for the fourth month (going to the fifth). I got off in August, and as I said before acne just kicked in for the fourth month. It' now subsiding, and it is due very much to my cycle -- my whole face and hair and less oily. I searched up some bits and apparently, estrogen is high during ovulation; so I am presuming it's because of my low estrogen levels. Which is weird, because I usually almost always get breakout before I go on my period - and this time it's the other way around!

I really hope that it's going to get better this time of the cycle..

Burdoch root, dandelion and milk thistle is good for liver detox if you are interested. I usually get bumps around temples (don't know if that's the place you call it, the area where the eyebrow ends?), and after taking them, my spots are gone from that area. Apparently that area means that your liver isn't functioning too well and there are too many toxins within your body.

I have been taking Evening primrose oil, which is said to regulate hormones. It has been helping, usually I get aches etc before my period, but this time around I had none! I'm so surprised (but still pissed off about my face haha).

I'm glad there is someone like you to help me ease some of my anxiety and questions regarding this problem. Fingers crossed!

[blissful828]

I am coming back in desperation....

At this moment I do'nt know what else to do. I have tried taking all these supplements but my skin has just been NOT getting any better. I'm so upset right now and I don't even look at myself in the mirror.

When will this get better? will it ever???? I really need some direction right now because I don't know if I can stand it anymore.

What's weird with my acne is that it appears at very different places at one time. And for goodness sake I'm so sure it's because of hormones!!!
At times its on the forehead, then it's completely gone. Then it appears with small bumps on the sides of the cheek, then it's gone. WTF???

I have been take dr perricone's skin clear supplements - no help.
I have been taking EPO - no help.
Olive leaf - no help.

What I did notice is that my acne gets A LOT better while I get my period. Does anyone know what kind of hormones play role during this part? Usually (before i went on i usually get them before my period; now I get massive outbreaks before and after my period).

AHHhhhh :(

pls help....................

[N.clare]

blissful828, on 29 January 2012 - 08:16 AM, said:

I am coming back in desperation....

At this moment I do'nt know what else to do. I have tried taking all these supplements but my skin has just been NOT getting any better. I'm so upset right now and I don't even look at myself in the mirror.

When will this get better? will it ever???? I really need some direction right now because I don't know if I can stand it anymore.

What's weird with my acne is that it appears at very different places at one time. And for goodness sake I'm so sure it's because of hormones!!!
At times its on the forehead, then it's completely gone. Then it appears with small bumps on the sides of the cheek, then it's gone. WTF???

I have been take dr perricone's skin clear supplements - no help.
I have been taking EPO - no help.
Olive leaf - no help.

What I did notice is that my acne gets A LOT better while I get my period. Does anyone know what kind of hormones play role during this part? Usually (before i went on i usually get them before my period; now I get massive outbreaks before and after my period).

AHHhhhh

pls help....................

Have you tried Saw Palmetto? They lower your androgen levels. I use them and they help. If you wanted to try them, make sure to get STANDARDISED capsules... at least 320mg twice a day. I use ones by GNC as I read a good review of them. But I guess other decent quality brands would be just as good.
You could also try natural progesterone cream. I have used it and its pretty good at getting your cycle and any PMS symptoms 'normal'... If you have been on birth control sometimes you can become deficient in progesterone - which helps regulate your other hormones. So if there is an imbalance it might well help I used Emerita as it was recommended in a number of books about hormones. You can buy it on Amazon.
Hope thats helpful. Hormonal acne sucks!

[callendula]

blissful828, on 29 January 2012 - 08:16 AM, said:

I am coming back in desperation....

At this moment I do'nt know what else to do. I have tried taking all these supplements but my skin has just been NOT getting any better. I'm so upset right now and I don't even look at myself in the mirror.

When will this get better? will it ever???? I really need some direction right now because I don't know if I can stand it anymore.

What's weird with my acne is that it appears at very different places at one time. And for goodness sake I'm so sure it's because of hormones!!!
At times its on the forehead, then it's completely gone. Then it appears with small bumps on the sides of the cheek, then it's gone. WTF???

I have been take dr perricone's skin clear supplements - no help.
I have been taking EPO - no help.
Olive leaf - no help.

What I did notice is that my acne gets A LOT better while I get my period. Does anyone know what kind of hormones play role during this part? Usually (before i went on i usually get them before my period; now I get massive outbreaks before and after my period).

AHHhhhh

pls help....................

I have been using this chart: http://www.clearblue...our-chances.php It is to help with fertility (lol) but it shows the whole ovulation/hormone process which might help you pinpoint what hormones should be activated during different points along your cycle. Hope that helps!

[CsaCsa]

Man man man. I am so glad this thread is popping. Please, if anyone is looking at taking BCP look the other way. It is not a long-term solution, and the pill may even make your skin worse like it did mine! I thought I could handle any breakout that came once I stopped the pill, but I am seriously thinking about Accutane. It is like an oil factory in my body that is continuously pumping oil out of my pores. I just look so greasy. It's so embarrassing. I promise that if I find something that works months from now, I will come back and give some young lady hope. Because I read through this whole thread and apparently the breakout is inevitable and there is no OTC or supplement that's guaranteed to calm it down.

[blissful828]

Hey guys, guess i'm coming back again and a little updates for my skin...
I have been off for about 8 months now. This month my acne is a little better than before (fingers crossed!) - though my forehead is still unbearable... i occasionally get huge bumps on my forehead. And sometimes around my chin, but this issue has subsided for the past 3 weeks. My acne comes and goes in various places - sometimes on the chin, sometimes on my face... etc, which obviously shows that it is due to hormonal imbalance.

I went to the doctor, finally. He prescribed this solution (smells kind of like alcohol, but it works pretty well into drying up your spots and leaves the skin less oily) as well as epiduo. For the past week, I have flaked, but now it seems ok. I would say my forehead is a less bumpy than before and full blown acne goes away faster than before.

Now I have a lot of scars, which really annoys me. But, fingers crossed, it DOES definitely look better than when the acne first kicked in. I guess my body is adjusting - but slowly. My face (cheeks) is also a lot less oily. I'm waiting for this 8th month to pass, and hopefully my period will come a little more in time this time around. Basially I think if my period is regulated (no later than 4 days), I think my hormones are balanced... just waiting for that day!!!

CsaCsa, on 18 March 2012 - 05:17 AM, said:

Man man man. I am so glad this thread is popping. Please, if anyone is looking at taking BCP look the other way. It is not a long-term solution, and the pill may even make your skin worse like it did mine! I thought I could handle any breakout that came once I stopped the pill, but I am seriously thinking about Accutane. It is like an oil factory in my body that is continuously pumping oil out of my pores. I just look so greasy. It's so embarrassing. I promise that if I find something that works months from now, I will come back and give some young lady hope. Because I read through this whole thread and apparently the breakout is inevitable and there is no OTC or supplement that's guaranteed to calm it down.

I would really not suggest going on any type of medication... unless your acne is REALLY that terrible. Because accutance actually makes your body weaker, and when you do get off it, your acne gets worse... The doctor also wanted to prescribe me some antibiotic, but I refused. It was meds in the first place that got me into this shitty suitation. I resisted, and hoping that it will get better. I am seeing some light already - hang in there!

[kulf83]

My acne has been acting up since I stopped the BCP 8 months ago. No success with anything topical.

I have been taking saw palmetto (whole herb) and was wondering why standardised is considered better? I'm also taking EPO and zinc. I think (may be premature assessment since its only been two weeks) that my acne is calming down. A week ago, I had a lighter period with very minimal cramps and virtually no PMS after just one week of EPO, Saw Palmetto and zinc. My skin is less oily, pores are smaller but on the flip side, my lips are chapped all the time.
I take one other supplement but I doubt this does anything at all - its called Neem.

I'm not looking for a miracle cure, just something to bring my acne under control. I can totally deal with the ocassioanl zit, just not a face full of 'em.

[callendula]

I've been using retinol and I think it is making my lips chap constantly. Drives me crazy because I put balms, etc on them and they just stay chapped. If you find a solution to that, I'd be interested! lol I don't particularly want to stop the retinol, though I have cut back the frequency.

[blissful828]

kulf83, on 09 April 2012 - 04:04 PM, said:

My acne has been acting up since I stopped the BCP 8 months ago. No success with anything topical.

I have been taking saw palmetto (whole herb) and was wondering why standardised is considered better? I'm also taking EPO and zinc. I think (may be premature assessment since its only been two weeks) that my acne is calming down. A week ago, I had a lighter period with very minimal cramps and virtually no PMS after just one week of EPO, Saw Palmetto and zinc. My skin is less oily, pores are smaller but on the flip side, my lips are chapped all the time.
I take one other supplement but I doubt this does anything at all - its called Neem.

I'm not looking for a miracle cure, just something to bring my acne under control. I can totally deal with the ocassioanl zit, just not a face full of 'em.

Saw palmetto? isn't that for men??

callendula, on 10 April 2012 - 04:20 PM, said:

I've been using retinol and I think it is making my lips chap constantly. Drives me crazy because I put balms, etc on them and they just stay chapped. If you find a solution to that, I'd be interested! lol I don't particularly want to stop the retinol, though I have cut back the frequency.

Try doing this:

Put on a thick layer of pure vaseline, then seal it with some gladwrap for 15 minutes ish. Then use some lip blam and see if it's better

[callendula]

Quote

Try doing this:

Put on a thick layer of pure vaseline, then seal it with some gladwrap for 15 minutes ish. Then use some lip blam and see if it's better

Thanks so much! I will try it out. Hope it works!!

[l'eremita]

I'm here to post an update. I know I posted somewhere in this thread a while back but can't seem to find it. Anyway, I am completely off the BCP now. I weaned off - 3/4 pill for two months, 1/2 for a few, 1/4 for a couple more. Whole process took about 8 months and I did not have the nightmare breakout experience I had been so dreading. Don't get me wrong, I still have acne, but my face did not go crazy. What did happen: my period is still not back to normal. I have chest and back acne. My hair and skin did get greasier (I kind of liked this though as my skin is on the dry side generally). I find that I am getting a bit of cystic acne around 1.5 weeks before I get my period. What I think helped, regimen-wise: I stopped washing my face and using any acne lotions, really. Instead I cleansed with apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball, then moisturzed with a bit of coconut oil mixed with a bit of tea tree oil.

As I said, though, I'm getting concerned about the cystic breakouts. My next mission is to tackle the inside. I just started Evening Primrose Oil on the weekend. I also want to start on a probiotic and cut out sugar.

I loathe acne with every fibre of my being and would not wish it on anyone. It has caused me to miss out on so much in life. I hope this helps, fellow sufferers.