Stopping the use of contraceptives can have a profound effect on your skin. Acne, skin irritation, and increased oil production are all possible side effects of discontinuing hormonal contraceptives.

Ava Shamban, MD, founder of Ava MD in Los Angeles, California, and a board-certified dermatologist, remarked, "Your skin may really go wild." Why is everyone in such a frenzy?

Your decision to quit using birth control will hurt the tranquility of the population. Here is some good news: Dr. Shamban assured his patients that the turbulent phase their skin was going through was just transitory. Others may get acne from these hormones once their levels have returned to normal.

Make Efforts In Advance

Don't put off skin care until you've stopped taking the pill or had your first breakout. Dermatologist and board-certified expert Steven Q. Wang, MD, of Irvine, California's Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, suggests taking a holistic approach two to three months before discontinuing oral contraceptives.

Dr. Wang advised patients to "find out your lifestyle, from stress levels to what you consume." Minimize your stress, get plenty of rest, and replenish your fluids. And keep an eye on your diet. 2 Dr. Wang recommended an "anti-inflammatory diet" that was heavy in omega-3s, fruits, and vegetables and low in fried foods. To paraphrase the author: "[Probiotics] can help alleviate some of the skin irritation if you can regulate the inflammation within."

Set Up A Skincare Schedule

Dr. Shamban recommended starting a regular skincare routine while waiting for your hormone levels to stabilize. Assuming you have skin, you probably know how to care for it. On the other hand, if you've had clear skin for a long time and have become complacent, here's a fast refresher:

Wash Face

Dr. Palm recommends washing your face with a mild, non-drying cleanser every night to remove the day's worth of makeup and environmental pollutants.

Busy? Keep Oil Off Your Skin

Dr. Wang advised using oil blotting pads to control sebum production (the face's oil). No time for a shower after your workout? Dr. Palm suggested using a salicylic acid pad on the front.

No Touching

Dr. Wang advises patients to avoid picking at their skin and squeezing their acne since both actions exacerbate the problem.

Make Use Of Medicines That Are Applied To The Skin

Topical Retinoid + Benzoyl Peroxide

According to Dr. Palm, topical retinoids (such as tretinoin, adapalene, or tazarotene) plus benzoyl peroxide are the "gold standard" of acne therapy. A vitamin A derivative called retinoids can treat acne, slow the aging process, and cut down on oil production.

Many acne-fighting skin cleansers sold at drugstores include benzoyl peroxide, an antibacterial agent that eliminates acne-causing bacteria. But before you use benzoyl peroxide, consult your physician. Benzoyl peroxide may not be the ideal treatment for hormonal acne caused by birth control since adolescent acne is more often related to acne-causing bacteria.

Benzoyl Peroxide + Clindamycin Gel + Topical Retinoid

Dr. Palm suggested using a morning regimen of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin gel (an antibiotic that kills germs) and an evening regimen of a topical retinoid.

If you're attempting to get pregnant and have stopped using birth control, you should not use retinoids. Instead, your dermatologist may recommend using a dapsone topical treatment at night to combat hormonal acne.

Azelaic Acid + Retinol + Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Dr. Shamban elaborated, "If your skin is sensitive, utilizing a modest salicylic acid cleanser—along with [a prescription] azelaic acid in the morning and a very little retinol at night with a lightweight moisturizer may be pretty successful."

Available at most drugstores, salicylic acid cleansers eliminate the buildup of dead skin cells that causes blackheads and whiteheads. Retinol is a retinoid. However, it is weaker than prescription retinoids and may be bought without a prescription.

Doctor Shamban said, "If your face is oily, you may do the same, only add some benzoyl peroxide in the morning and a higher-strength retinol at night."

Summary

Going off birth control might create a surge of undesired, persistent acne because of varying hormone levels. But there are things you can do to keep your face clear of zits or reduce their severity if they appear.

For clearer skin after stopping birth control, try changing your diet, creating a strict skincare routine, and consulting a dermatologist about topical prescription treatments such as retinoids and clindamycin gel.