Kinda O/T -- acne after going off BCP

mrsdaiwa24 · #1 December 19th, 2009, 12:05 PM

With the exception of about a year, I was on the BCP for 16 years. I don't remember having major skin issues as a teen. I've now been off the pill since August, and holy cow -- has my skin reacted!! At first I thought it was because I bought a new make-up in August (I remember this, because during the summer I don't wear a whole lot of make-up, so I was stocking up for the school year). Last month I switched back to my old brand but it made little difference. My chin and nose look like they belong to a teen-age fry cook.

I had to buy acne medicine -- I haven't done that since I was in high school!!!

Apparently, my BCP kept all of this in check. Now that I'm off, my skin is completely out-of-whack. And to make it worse, I have a whole new eruption AND we have to do major BDing in the next couple of days -- nothing says romance or lust like four red welts on my chin!! This just sucks. I shouldn't have to deal with acne AND wrinkles at the same time!

Mod-LilSunshine · #2 December 19th, 2009, 01:58 PM

Oh no.

I still get acne too off and on. I usually get at least one HUGE one right before AF comes. I wonder if, as time goes on, your skin will get back to normal??

HopeNFaith · #3 December 19th, 2009, 04:58 PM

I'm sorry & I can relate. I'm very fed up with my skin lately and it seems nothing works. And it definitely makes me feel unsexy at times! I never thought I'd have to deal with this as an adult!! If you find any good products let me know.
<3

jesridge · #4 December 20th, 2009, 08:07 AM

I don't think I've heard or found anything that says it'll "fix" the big explosions we can get at certain hormonal peaks in our cycles. Some people just have problems with that, and it's not a matter of not cleaning your face right, or being a teenager, but just something you really can't help... unless you're willing to go on BCP again. I am so with you on this... it's really irritating.
For me, I've started to really notice what times of the month I tend to break out, and I amp up the benzoil peroxide treatments a big. It tends to help, but I don't avoid everything. Oh well. I currently use AcneFree (similar to Proactiv) and it seems to help most of the time. It's about the best thing I've found thus far.

Good luck, though!

Admin-pattyandthemoos · #5 December 20th, 2009, 08:45 AM

I get acne around the time I ovulate and when AF shows too. I didn't use to and I wasn't taking bcp. I think my hormones have changed since I have gotten older. I know right before they did my retrieval I had this major acne breakout.

I use a acne spot treatment too that works well (it's from Avon).

mrsdaiwa24 · #6 December 20th, 2009, 08:53 AM

Thanks! It's just so frustrating because I never had serious acne problems. Ugh! I had to use a white t-shirt for a pillowcase last night so I wouldn't bleach my chocolate brown pillowcase.

So. Not. Fair!!! After the age of 30, you should only have to worry about wrinkles and grey hair. Ugh!!!!!!!