Hello Everyone,

I'm 21 years old and female and I've never suffered with acne (even in my teenage years). Of course, I would sometimes get a pimple or two, but nothing bad. From about age 16-20 I was on and off various birth control (Dianette for a year at first, and then Microgynon 30 for a couple of years) and never really noticed anything in particular affecting my skin. About a year ago I came off Microgynon 30 and didn't notice any real change in my skin other than monthly breakouts (only one or two spots) at the time of my period.

In fact, in the six or so months that I was off it my skin on the whole was possibly the best it has ever been - pretty much completely clear other than the 1-2 hormonal spots a month. At the end of October I went back on Microgynon 30 for contraceptive reasons and within the week I developed large painful cysts on my chin - I had never before had cystic acne in my life. I knew there may be an initial period of adjustment so I stuck with it for two months - but by the end of it I had moderate acne on my before completely clear chin and knew this was not working for me (especially as I had been on it before without issue!) I switched to Yasmin as I have read the progesterone is less androgenic and has positive effects on skin. However, one month in and my skin is not any better, the large painful cysts have mostly gone, but my chin has erupted with whiteheads and other pimples. I'm a bit exasperated seeing as I have never before suffered with acne and prior to going back on the pill my skin was entirely clear.

Has anyone else found that the combined contraceptive pill actually caused their acne? Is it worth me sticking it out with Yasmin and hoping it will clear up - or, seeing as my skin was perfectly fine on its own before all this, should I come off it entirely?

I'm worried that I've messed up my hormones so much that it will never be the same again