At the height of 10-step routines, finding a starting skincare formula that worked seemed like a major accomplishment — and then I stopped using birth control. After five years of taking the pill, I decided enough was enough. I kept forgetting to take my medication at the same time, despite alarms and reminders, and the stress of doubling up or remembering to pack a month’s supply every time I went on a trip began to irritate me. After moving to a up-to-date neighborhood, I finished the pack I started, ignored the reminders from the senior pharmacy about refills, and set out on a up-to-date, hormone-free journey. And then came the acne from the pills.
My friends have warned me about the side effects I might experience when I start using hormonal contraception, but no one really tells me what to expect when I stop taking it. When my period returned, I sighed in resignation, but I was unprepared for the outbursts that followed. In addition to hormonal acne, you may experience an augment in menstrual bleeding, ovarian cysts, and PMS symptoms during your period at any time up to three months after stopping the pill, especially if you already had these problems. Five years of perfectly clear and sleek skin came to an end when painful pimples appeared on my chin, cheeks and forehead every month. I started paying more attention to washing my face and using the cosmetics I used regularly – to no avail.
After months of trying (and failing) to self-treat my adult acne, I decided it was time to rethink everything I had been doing. thought I knew about my skin – and call a professional. Here are the steps I took and the products I used to restore balance to my skin after taking the pill.
Step one: go to a dermatologist
I didn’t have any cleanser or toner that would do anything to aid the clusters of cysts and obscure marks appearing on my face. After doing some research, I made an appointment Dr. Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Novel York. We looked at the products I was using and decided that a complete overhaul of my routine was necessary to address the current issues I was facing with my skin.
“The estrogen component of combined contraceptives (pills, patches and rings containing estrogen and progestin) is responsible for inhibiting the production of hormones in the ovaries that contribute to the formation of acne,” he says Dr. Kelly Culwell, MD, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, also known as Dr. Lady Doctor. “When you stop hormonal birth control, your ovaries start producing all your hormones again, including androgens like testosterone.” Due to the rapid augment in hormone levels in my body, the products I was using were far too delicate to really deal with the influx of breakouts and the resulting acne scars on my face.
Henry rewrote Winlevi (also known as clascoterone), a drug specifically designed for hormonal acne. Unlike spironolactone (a diuretic commonly prescribed off-label to treat hormonal acne), Winlevi is used topically, not orally. He explains how they both work and what makes Winlevi different: “Both Winlevi and spironolactone are androgen receptors, although Winlevi works directly on the skin’s sebaceous glands, blocking the action of androgens such as testosterone,” Henry explains. “Spironolactone is only taken by mouth and requires more intensive monitoring to ensure it does not cause systemic side effects, such as changes in blood pressure or potassium levels.” For someone who was already having trouble remembering to take their pills, the decision to apply the lotion from the tube was an effortless choice. Since there is no guaranteed cure for acne, there is no telling how long I will apply Winlevi to maintain clear skin.
Step two: protect your (healing) skin
I was also prescribed tretinoin to take before bed, a commonly prescribed retinoid that helped with obscure marks. As a retinol virgin, I didn’t apply it almost appropriate amount of moisturizing cream. Gigantic mistake. Retinol burn (technically called retinoid dermatitis) is REAL and my skin was painful and sensitive to touch. “Retinol derivatives essentially downregulate the sebaceous glands, resulting in parched and cracked skin” – cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona. This is usually followed by sensitivity and breakouts, commonly referred to as the “cleansing” phase of retinol apply.
After a break of several days, I returned to using tretinoin in the sandwich method to soothe my face after intense irritation. Thayers’ Bestie Barrier Ultra Whipped Cream it worked wonders for regenerating my skin, and as someone with naturally parched skin, my face felt tender to the touch after application.
Sunscreen is also a major factor in preventing obscure marks. Since my skin was very sensitive during the healing process, it was necessary to protect my face from the sun with SPF products before going out for the day. Bubble’s sunlit friend mineral sunscreen has become my favorite product before leaving the house; Not only does SPF 40 protect my skin, but I can count on it blending seamlessly into my obscure complexion – it doesn’t leave a weird white or purple residue behind.
Step three: Give up busy ingredients
When it comes to rebuilding my routine, less really is more. Gentle cleaning agents, e.g Bubble’s Fresh Start cleansing gelr is what I reach for now and then EADEM Cashmere Peel Exfoliating Toner. After applying a pea-sized amount of Winlevi, I add a few drops of a delicate face oil (I like it Lancer) in the mornings. Not only has limiting the steps in my skin care routine saved me time, but my skin has never looked smoother and clearer.
After a few months of following my up-to-date routine, I enjoy (mostly) blemish-free skin. I can still get a pimple or two every few weeks – usually if I’m lethargic with my prescribed topical medications. One tube of Winlevi lasts me at least six months, and my simplified skincare range means a little goes a long way.
