My experience with hormonal acne breakouts after stopping taking birth control pills and how I treated it
Girl, twelve years – that’s how long I faithfully took birth control pills. It became second nature, a routine ingrained in my daily life as I was taking it since I had my first period at 15.
One day, after doing the research and finding out how bad it was for my body, I made the decision to stop. Little did I know, this seemingly small choice would send my skin on a rollercoaster ride of breakouts and frustration. I had no idea I would actually suffer from Hormonal Acne.
Let me paint you a picture of what happened next. As soon as I discontinued my birth control, my body seemed to rebel against the change. Acne all over my face, even in my teenage years I didn’t have that much. I was for the first time but now in my late 20’s battling those pesky pimples and cystic flare-ups. It was disheartening, to say the least.
For the next one year, my skin felt like a battleground. Each morning, I’d wake up hoping for a miracle, only to be met with more blemishes staring back at me in the mirror. It was a blow to my confidence and self-esteem. I tried everything – from over-the-counter remedies to DIY masks – but nothing seemed to bring lasting relief. My self-esteem was in such horror that I even went back to pills for about four months or so.
However, amidst the frustration and despair, I refused to give up hope, mostly because apart from the awful skin, I was feeling like another woman, started to notice more easily my feelings and my libido was like WOOOW..It was like all my sexual drive and feminine sweetness were hidden away from me and I was living NUMB for the last twelve years.
So here I go again to my best friends Google and YouTube and started researching tirelessly, determined to find a solution that worked for me. And finally, after much trial and error, I stumbled upon a skincare routine that changed everything, let’s add diet to it as well as so much of what we eat reflects on our skin and body.
Consistency became my best friend. I established a daily regimen tailored to my skin’s needs, incorporating gentle cleansers, exfoliants, and hydrating moisturizers. But the real game-changer? Incorporating products containing ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which targeted my acne at its root.
One particular product that stood out to me was PanOxyl. Formulated with Benzoyl Peroxide 10%, it not only cleared my existing breakouts but also prevented new ones from forming (It can be rough on skin so make sure to test it before), I started using it every other day and after my skin settled with it I moved to daily wash.
Slowly but surely, along with the other products needed for a healthy skin, my face began to transform. The angry red bumps and painful cysts started to fade, replaced by a smoother, more even complexion. I couldn’t believe it – after long battling acne, I was getting back the confidence to face the world without hiding behind layers of makeup.
Click here to see the full skin care routine and products.
Today, as I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded of the power of perseverance and self-care. My experience taught me that skin care is not just about vanity; it’s about self-love and acceptance. Yes, hormonal acne may have tested me, but it also taught me resilience.
click here to see the full skin care routine and products.
If you’re struggling with hormonal acne after discontinuing birth control, know that you’re not alone. It may take time and patience, but with the right skincare routine, products and a healthy diet, you can reclaim control over your skin and your confidence. Trust me – the journey is worth it in the end.