A Guide to Preventing and Healing Post-Pill Acne Naturally
If you’ve recently stopped hormonal birth control, you might find yourself dealing with frustrating breakouts you thought were behind you. Post-pill acne is a common issue many women face as their hormones adjust, often peaking around 3 to 6 months after stopping the pill.
The good news is that post-pill acne is temporary, and with the right strategies, you can minimise its effects. In this blog, we’ll break down what causes post-pill acne, how to prepare before stopping the pill, and actionable steps to manage acne and heal your skin naturally.
What Causes Post-Pill Acne?
Rebound Sebum Production
Certain types of hormonal birth control suppress androgens (male hormones) and reduce sebum (skin oil) production. When you stop taking the pill, your skin responds by up-regulating sebum, often leading to oily skin and clogged pores. This rebound effect can persist for months, creating the perfect environment for acne to develop.
Temporary Surge in Androgens
After stopping the pill, your ovaries restart communication with your brain, leading to a temporary surge in androgens like testosterone. This spike can increase sebum production and trigger breakouts.
Hormonal Withdrawal Symptoms
The withdrawal process as your body adjusts to its natural hormonal rhythms can last up to a year (and sometimes longer in rare cases). Acne is often at its worst 3 to 6 months after stopping the pill.
Misdiagnosis with PCOS
Post-pill symptoms can mimic Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), often leading to misdiagnosis.
Blood tests for hormones
After coming off the pill, many women experience symptoms of excess androgens—such as oily skin, acne and hair loss—but have normal androgen levels on blood tests. This can be due to increased sensitivity of androgen receptors rather than elevated hormone levels.
How to Prevent Post-Pill Acne
The best way to prevent post-pill acne is to start preparing your body a few months before stopping the pill. This allows your hormones to transition more smoothly and reduces the likelihood of rebound symptoms.
Steps to Prepare Your Skin Before Coming Off the Pill:
Balance blood sugar: Stabilise insulin levels through diet to reduce androgen production.
Support gut health: Address any digestive imbalances to reduce systemic inflammation.
Incorporate supplements: Start taking zinc and myo-inositol to stabilise hormones and support clear skin.
How to Treat Post-Pill Acne
Once acne develops, a combination of dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments can help manage symptoms and support your skin.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Reduce Sugar:
High sugar intake spikes insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone that increases inflammation and sebum production. By stabilising blood sugar, you can reduce IGF-1 levels and help control acne.
Trial Eliminating Cow’s Dairy:
Cow’s dairy can worsen acne as it increases IGF-1 and contains an inflammatory protein called A1 casein. Butter, and goat and sheep dairy are generally better tolerated.
Increase Fibre Intake:
Aim for around 10g of fibre per meal. Fibre supports gut health by promoting a diverse microbiome and helps eliminate excess hormones. A healthy gut is key for reducing systemic inflammation and clearing skin.
Focus on Protein:
Consuming 25-30g of protein per meal stabilises blood sugar, preventing insulin spikes that can drive androgen production and worsen acne.
Key Supplements
Zinc:
Take 30-40mg of zinc daily for the first six months, then reduce to a maintenance dose of around 15mg.
Zinc supports skin healing in several ways:
Reduces testosterone levels.
Kills acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes).
Reduces keratin overgrowth, preventing clogged pores.
Myo-Inositol:
Take 2g twice daily. Myo-inositol acts as a cellular messenger for insulin, improving insulin sensitivity and helping regulate blood sugar. It also supports ovulation and reduces androgens like testosterone, helping to balance hormones naturally.
Herbal Support
Liquorice and Peony Tincture:
This herbal combination helps reduce testosterone levels, calm inflammation, and support hormonal balance. Liquorice also aids adrenal health, reducing stress-related hormonal imbalances.
Address Digestive Issues
Gut health plays a critical role in managing acne. Imbalances in the gut - which can show up as bloating, constipation or loose stools - and intestinal hyperpermeability (leaky gut), can worsen systemic inflammation and exacerbate skin issues. Addressing these imbalances can improve your overall skin health.
The Importance of Patience and Long-Term Habits
Post-pill acne is a temporary condition, but it can take several months to see noticeable improvement. Consistency is key: stick with your dietary changes, supplements, and skincare routine to give your body the time it needs to rebalance. By supporting your skin from the inside out, you can achieve clearer, healthier skin and long-term hormonal stability.
Conclusion
Post-pill acne is the result of hormonal withdrawal, rebound sebum production, and androgen surges. While it’s a frustrating process, understanding the causes and implementing proactive strategies can make a big difference. By preparing before coming off the pill and addressing key factors like blood sugar, inflammation, and gut health, you can reduce the severity of post-pill acne and support clearer skin.
If you’re looking for 1:1 support to come off the pill with minimal side effects, please book a discovery call to see how my Holistic Health Coaching Program can support you
If you have a range of hormonal symptoms and what to dive deeper into the potential root causes, download my free guide: Hormone Imbalances: Understanding and Interpreting Your Symptoms.