Hey

I know the feeling I too have had acne on and off depending on whether I'm taking the pill or not. I'm currently on dianette or diane 35 and have been for a year and it is keeping my skin clear. I think you either decide that you need the pill the keep your skin clear or if you want to come off and go natural, like you have done. After about three months is when my skin usually flares up when I'm off the pill, and I think the only thing you can do it ride it out until your hormones settle if you are against going back on the pill.

The most important thing during this time is get a good skin care regimen in place as the pill will no longer be regulating your hormones and oil production so you need to make sure your skin is equip for dealing with the extra oil and it's ability to clog your pores and cause acne. I also use differin gel and alternate a gentle aha cleanser into my routine along with a salicylic acid serum for my skin during the day and a good oil free moisturiser, so I am hoping if I ever do come off the pill that my skincare will help me through the worst of it. I think you should look at incorporating a salicylic acid/retinoid or benzoyl peroxide topical treatment into your routine (which ever suits you best, each have their pros and cons) and use a gentle cleanser and moisturiser, no harsh soap cleansers and these will just aggravate and dry your skin. The topical treatment will also be a bit drying so a gentle skincare routine should be used alongside it.

Take your time and do you research online, I use makeupalley for reviews of products and also the boards here to make my own mind up. The supplements can also interrupts your system and hormones as well, angus cactus, saw palmetto will all do a similar thing to the pill all be it with much less effect so if you want to go natural I would maybe focus on vitamins like vitamin C and a good multi B vitamin, I use a vitamin range called Altrient they have a unique delivery system for getting all of the vitamins into your system and so far I really like them, they are a bit pricey though and again it's your decision. On a final note I would say drink plenty of water, exercise and reduce your sugar intake as it can spike your insulin levels and lead to increased oil production, some people also cut out dairy, I really just cut out milk and cheese, I prefer soy milk anyway.

I hope this all helps, I don't mean to preach, my way might not work for other people just trying to make a note of everything that has helped me, I know how hard it can be, but a lot of women go through it, it's more common than we think. Also give things time to work, I am so impatient sometimes, but I find setting a three months period for using products can help let them take effect so you don't quit too early before you see results.

Hope some of this helps

Gillian

I never tried spiro but I hear that helps many women

I was on accutane, just didn't work for me, sadly I"m in the 1%

for me diet changes helped, no gluten for dairy...hard changes for sure but for me they made all the difference

Hello,

I've posted about this before and I feel like if you truly have hormonal cystic acne homeopathy can help.

It's pretty harmless and easy to find, so look into it and stick to it for a week and see if makes a difference

A few things I was prescribed and alternated daily with:

Arsenicum Iodatum

hepar sulphuris

Calcarea phosphoricum

That and glycolic acid (like the proactive toner) and I'm almost scar free now!

Hope that helps