Hormones affect our bodies in so many different ways. For women, hormones play an even more important role in their overall health. As such, hormones can cause a women to notice changes with their weight, body hair, and skin! It has long been known that hormones play a major role in acne. Though most people experience hormonal acne during their teenage years as they go through puberty, many women are experiencing a new wave of hormonal acne as a result of stopping birth control. Hormonal acne typically affects the forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, and jawline. In some cases, women will notice acne appearing on their chest and back after they stop their birth control. This is because hormonal changes can contribute to an increase in oil production and clogged pores. As with other types of acne, clogged pores harbor bacteria and often develop into inflamed breakouts.

When a woman stops birth control, her body undergoes several changes. Birth control stabilizes hormones, which often helps women clear up their skin, manage their periods, and regulate other conditions. Most women are aware that they can experience acne when they start taking birth control as their body adjusts to the new hormones. However, once the birth control is out of their system, the body begins to take control again. This causes another period of hormonal imbalances that can cause breakouts to occur. While most women can deal with new breakouts after stopping birth control, others experience severe and painful breakouts.

Working with an expert dermatologist like Dr. Schultz in the Upper East Side means that you will receive the best care for your acne after stopping birth control. Like other acne forms, there are several treatment options available to control the breakout and minimize scarring. Topical medications are often a good choice for women who are experiencing breakouts after stopping their birth control. Cleansers, creams, and gels made with retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and other key ingredients can soothe and prevent breakouts. Other options, such as facials and peels, can help your skin through this period of transition and hormonal imbalance.

Dr. Schultz is an expert in treating acne affecting women of all ages. During your appointment, he will perform a careful examination of your skin to analyze your skin and look into other factors that could be contributing to your breakouts. Depending on your skin type and the type of post-birth control acne you are experiencing, Dr. Schultz will recommend a treatment or combination of treatments that target the symptoms you are experiencing, such as redness, inflammation, or whiteheads. Laser treatments, microdermabrasion, corticosteroid injections, chemical peels, and extractions can be used to control and soothe acne that developed after stopping birth control. BeautyRX is Dr. Schultz’s award-winning line of skincare that is designed to help you achieve your best skin possible. If appropriate, he may recommend a specific product to help with your post-birth control acne.

Patient Reviews

I've been seeing Dr. Schultz for the last 8 years and during that time, I've recommended him to countless friends for both cosmetic and medical dermatologic help. I trust him completely both diagnostically and aesthetically. When I had shingles, he was wonderful, incredibly supportive and kind. And when I eased into doing more cosmetic dermatology, he was– and continues to be– patient, careful and cautious. He listens to concerns and really hears what your goal outcome is and works with you to make it happen. I wanted to maintain a natural look while keeping my skin looking fresh and that's just what he's done for me. I always leave his office feeling prettier and well-cared for! If you have a medical concern or something about your skin you want to upgrade, you can't do better than Dr. Schultz and his wonderful team. And the products are amazing as well!

- Laura B.

Dr. Schultz is the most thorough and good natured dermatologist I have ever seen. I have been a patient of his for more than 20 years. He has taught me everything I know about the value of taking care of my skin, a gift that keeps on giving. He also takes the time to listen to me, to see me as an individual and doesn't treat my needs as a one size fits all doctor. I really appreciate his kindness, patience and expertise. I absolutely love his product line and have definitely reaped the rewards from using it, especially his glycolic peel pads and moisturizer, which I can't live without. My skin feels softer, smoother, appears more translucent and actually looks younger! He helped me to see beyond the lines and wrinkles, although he so good at helping to keep those at bay while maintaining a very natural appearance. His staff is outstanding. They make you feel welcome, like family, from the moment you walk through the door. Angela, Monika, Deborah and all of the support staff are extraordinary at what they do. Thank you Dr. Schultz and everyone at Park Ave Skincare. You're the best!

- Laura M.

Dr. Schultz has truly transformed my skin, so much so that I can confidently leave the house without wearing makeup now. During my first meeting with him, he intently listened to my skin concerns, we discussed what my goals were, and he explained pragmatically what treatments and products he recommended for me. I truly appreciate his fantastic bedside manner and conservative approach. I am a perfectionist in every aspect of my life, including my skin, and he understood this and was committed to helping me achieve every skin goal I had. The entire staff is just so fantastic and friendly, from reception to the PAs. They make you feel welcome and extremely comfortable, which to me is very important when visiting any doctor’s office. As someone who works too much and never gets enough sleep, my skin was looking very dull and lifeless. My skin is now full of life again and has an incredible glow to it which I have never had before. And I owe it all to the incredible Dr. Schultz.

- Kelly D.

My partnership with Dr Schultz began more than 30 years ago. As a generous friend, advisor, skilled surgeon, and superb cosmetic diagnostician, he has enabled me to look my best. He has kept me abreast of the most sophisticated procedures and in so doing, has maximized my appearance, always guided by what will be most beneficial for me. He is someone I go to for advice and care and his staff is another manifestation of this care. I don’t know many patients who can say this, and I feel fortunate to be among them.

- Ellen R.

In the four years that I've been a patient of Dr. Schultz, my acne-prone skin has gone from constant breakouts to smooth and clear. These days, I feel confident and comfortable enough in my skin to wear minimal makeup, if any—which I never would have done in years past. He and his warm, friendly staff always go above and beyond; he takes the time to listen, talk with me, and create the best plan for my skin. It's clear he has my best interests in mind, and I trust him wholeheartedly. I would highly recommend him to friends, family, and frankly, anyone who asks.

- Deanna P.

Each session with Dr. Schultz is a mini education in skin care. He approaches each patient as a unique individual with different needs. I’m Asian and he’s explained to me how that impacts treatment in a clear manner that a layperson can understand. At each examination, he recites detailed notes to his staff which he then refers back to at each future appointment, adjusting and tweaking treatment plans when necessary. Over the past two years I’ve seen a remarkable improvement in my blemishes and overall complexion and wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking to enhance their appearance.

- Sherry G.

I have been a patient of Dr. Schultz for many years, and I continue to be amazed at his medical approach, patience, and professionalism. He takes the time to listen to my health concerns, explains how and why he would like to issue a treatment in a way that I understand , answers all of my questions, and all of his procedures and painless and thorough. He is very attentive, results-oriented, and extremely knowledgeable. He follows up and is committed to my health and satisfaction. The Park Avenue Skincare is a calm environment and the staff are all very friendly, warm, and respectful. It's easy to get appointments at a time that works for me and they are always on time and considerate. I think so highly of him and his practice that I sent my mom to him, and continue to go to his office even though my life is based in midtown west! I have great confidence in the care that he gives.

- Katrina A.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do other types of birth control cause acne?

    Yes! All birth control methods that have hormones can cause acne when Read More

  • Is the acne from starting birth control the same as the acne caused by stopping it?

    Yes. Both starting and stopping birth control can cause acne due to Read More

  • Is there a way to stop birth control to avoid acne?

    It isn’t always possible to stop or prevent birth control from causing Read More

  • How quickly can I get my acne under control after stopping the pill?

    This depends. Acne caused by birth control is directly related to hormonal Read More

Rejuvenate Your Skin

Make your skin care a priority with leading-dermatologist and New York Magazine’s “Top Doctor”: Dr. Neal Schultz.



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