The fear can be real: Some of my patients do develop acne a few months after stopping birth control. In fact, it is one of the top symptoms that drives women right back on birth control. Post-birth control syndrome (PBCS) acne can show up anywhere: On your face, of course, but also your chest, your neck, your back, and even your booty. But staying on the pill isn’t the solution. I became determined to solve this problem so others wouldn’t have to suffer the same skin miseries. So, I took a step back and examined what actually creates acne. And then I put the puzzle pieces together to fix the problem. As I explain in Beyond the Pill, working on my own situation along with many patients, I’ve identified five triggers that play a massive role in PBCS acne. Here, I cover each and how to address them naturally. Zinc, for example, supports healthy immune function and skin. This mineral can inhibit pimples by stopping the bacteria from growing within your sweat glands. Zinc also helps your body use vitamin A, which supports healthy skin and reduces acne. I also recommend a quality probiotic supplement to support balanced gut bugs. And step up that dietary fiber! I recommend 25 grams daily to keep your bowels regular, eliminate waste including unnecessary estrogen, and support your gut. Foods like artichokes, flaxseeds, chia seeds, avocados, onions, garlic, celery, as well as leafy and cruciferous veggies are your acne-fighting besties. Toxic load means your liver works overtime. Add the pill to that problem and you often overwhelm your detox system. Your skin also helps detoxify. When your liver gets backed up, the repercussions show up as—you guessed it—acne.
