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What is Post-Pill Acne?
Post-pill acne is the flare-up of acne that occurs about 3-6 months after stopping the pill. It is the result of a temporary surge in androgens (testosterone).
How Does a Testosterone Surge Cause Acne?
A surge in testosterone will cause classic jaw-line acne, along with neck and back acne. A classic example is acne when trying to come off Yas or Yasmin. This can actually last for months or even years, which may lead you down the path of a questionable diagnosis of PCOS. When in fact, it really is a temporary state of ‘pill-induced PCOS’.
The Post-Pill Acne Pathway
Before the Pill
🌸 Baseline level of androgens and skin oils/sebum.
On the Pill
🌸 Synthetic oestrogen suppresses androgens and sebum production.
🌸 Clear skin due to reduced oil production.
Stopping the Pill
🌸 The body compensates by up-regulating androgens and sebum.
🌸 Huge flare-ups in acne can occur.
🌸 Higher levels of androgens and sebum than ever before.
Often, this won’t start until 3 months after stopping the pill.
Treating Post-Pill Acne
Don’t fret!! This is absolutely treatable.
Treatment Goals
🌸 Lower androgens.
🌸 Normalize skin oil production.
🌸 Encourage skin integrity and healing.
🌸 Reduce inflammation.
🌸 Fix gut health with anti-acne probiotics.
The Link Between Acne and Dairy
🌸 A huge, huge, huge link exists between acne and dairy intake—so that always has to go!
By eliminating dairy, balancing hormones, and supporting skin healing, post-pill acne can be successfully managed.
