No doubt, IUDs provide fantastic protection from pregnancy. However, a hormonal IUD could give you the worst skin of your life. Females who have had an IUD implant often suffer from horrible cystic acne around their jawline and chin. But, will Mirena acne go away?
In many cases, women get back their clear skin after Mirena removal or changes to their diet and lifestyle habits. Aside from that, some skincare products can work wonders in restoring flawless skin. Also, medications are effective in clearing up hormonal acne.
Your acne may get better after the removal of the IUD. But it may take 3 to 6 months, or even more if you have a severe acne problem.
But why do you get hormonal acne? Is there any other method of contraception that won’t cause acne?
My goal is to tell you how to get rid of Mirena Acne and get your skin back to its normal state.
Table of Content
Breaking Out: Is The IUD to Blame?
Fortunately, it’s a smooth transition for some young adults after adolescence. However, for others, adult acne is a daily occurrence. Unfortunately, the exact cause of acne is difficult to pinpoint, no matter when you develop it.
As for IUD and other birth control, these can spark flare-ups. Despite this, stress, certain medications, or even a lifestyle change can also trigger acne.
However, if you get acne after hormonal IUD implantation, you can blame your IUD.
Indeed, birth control pills or devices contain progesterone and estrogen. Even so, the blend of these hormones may lower the testosterone level in the blood that fights against acne.
But the hormonal IUD releases the synthetic hormone progestin that raises the androgen level (male hormone) in the body. Thus, it promotes androgenic activity.
Such an imbalance of hormones may overactive your sebaceous gland, which results in excess oil production. Consequently, it could clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Besides acne, it also leads to facial hair growth, scarring, and acne marks.
Moreover, if you have already suffered from hormonal acne, you are more likely to experience breakouts after having an IUD implant. What a misery!
Will Mirena Acne Go Away?
Certainly, you can get mild to cystic acne from hormonal IUD implantation. But there’s no need to panic over it, as this is a temporary condition.
Meanwhile, some skincare treatments can help reduce acne outbreaks.
Related to read: Do Acne Scars Go Away?
Does Acne Go Away After Mirena Is Removed?
Generally, it may take a few months for any IUD-related side effects to disappear as your body adjusts. However, experts often recommend that you keep the IUD in place for at least six months before removing it.
Your acne may get better after the removal of the IUD. But it may take 3 to 6 months, or even more if you have a severe acne problem.
Moreover, the removal of your Mirena IUD may cause some discomfort for a few minutes. Mirena IUDs deliver progestin, so side effects may occur after they are removed, and your reproductive system has not yet produced progesterone on its own.
You can solve the majority of acne problems with a healthy diet and lifestyle change combined with good skincare.
How Do I Get Rid of Acne From Mirena?
Mirena IUD implantation can cause cystic acne, predominantly on the jawline and surrounding area. Also, inserting a hormonal IUD may exacerbate acne if you already have it!
No doubt, you may wish to remove your IUD after seeing the horrible spots on your skin. However, I think Mirena’s contraceptive benefits can outweigh its side effects. Don’t worry! You can get rid of hormonal acne with some skincare treatment.
Therefore, instead of removing your IU device, you should try to combat your acne.
Altering Your Diet
Although dietary factors contribute to hormonal acne, the science is still unclear. But certain nutritional adjustments may help control outbreaks.
Take into account these changes:
- Choose a low-glycemic diet
- Eat a healthy diet that is rich in Omega 3
- Antioxidants and vitamins are good for the body
- Consider plant milk instead of animal milk
- Take probiotics
- Try to take vitamin A from natural food
- Drink plenty of water
Among the foods you should focus on are:
- Fruits (apples, plums, berries, orange, apricots)
- Non-starchy vegetables
- Dark green and other leafy vegetables
- Whole grains
- Legumes and beans
- Nuts (Brazil nuts, almonds, peanuts)
- Seeds (chia seeds, flaxseeds)
Alternatively, avoid the following food groups, as they can trigger or worsen acne.
- Foods high in sugar
- Refined grains
- Refined white flour
- Chocolate
- Fast and greasy food
- Red meat, chicken, and mutton
- Carbonated and sugary drinks
Daily Skin Care Routine
Taking care of your acne-prone skin is very important. Indeed, you should consider a daily and weekly routine for your skincare. Here are a few very essential steps for your daily skincare:
- Gently cleanse your skin with a high-quality cleanser
- Wash your face with a good acne face wash
- Apply an acne treatment cream or medication
- Put on an oil-free moisturizer
- Don’t forget to apply sunscreen every two hours in the morning
- Prepare your face for sleep by washing and cleaning it
- Prior to sleeping, use retinol products.
- Do not sleep with your makeup on!
Prescription And Over-The-Counter Options
Certainly, you can solve the majority of acne problems with a healthy diet and lifestyle change combined with good skincare. However, contact your doctor for advice if your acne gets worse, or your marks aren’t clearing up.
In general, they may prescribe some oral medicines to speed up the recovery from skin acne. Some types of acne medications doctors may prescribe are:
Accutane
For ladies, who are frustrated about their persistent acne, they can consider Accutane (isotretinoin). Accutane can effectively clear it up, whether external or hormonal factors cause acne.
Though Accutane has few side effects, it’s still a potential drug. However, you should consult your physician before taking it for acne treatment.
Oral Antibiotics
For many years, antibiotics have been used to treat skin breakouts. Similar to topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics reduce acne-causing bacteria. Indeed, oral antibiotics decrease skin inflammation and reduce excess oil. Ultimately, it results in fewer breakouts.
Here are some of the most commonly prescribed oral antibiotics for treating acne:
- Tetracycline (Adoxa)
- Minocycline (Dynacin)
- Erythromycin (Erythrocin)
Topical Retinoid
Retinoid is the compound that derives from vitamin A. It is available in a variety of forms, such as serum, cream, night moisturizers, etc. You can use it over the counter or on the doctor’s prescription.
In the case of hormonal acne, retinoids can be very beneficial. Since it reduces bacteria, controls excess oil, and reduces skin inflammation.
Moreover, retinoids are safe to use in your daily skincare routine because it stimulates collagen production and improve acne scarring.
Spironolactone
Another very important drug for hormonal and stubborn acne is spironolactone. It decreases testosterone levels in the body. Therefore, it is very effective in curing Mirena acne.
Green tea leaves are very good for skin health. Since it is full of antioxidants, it can reduce skin inflammation and acne.
Due to its ability to block the acne-causing hormones, it is ideal for ladies suffering from hormonal acne. However, it can cause severe side effects in males.
Skin Care Routine For IUD Acne!
If you suffer from stubborn acne, you should consult a dermatologist to create a complete skincare regimen that will help you achieve clear, glowing skin.
I’m providing you with a complete dermatologist-recommended skincare routine for acne.
Your Daily Skincare Routine
Skincare routines that include cleaning, moisturizing, and exercising on a daily basis are crucial to maintaining good skin conditions and ensuring the skin heals naturally.
Here is a complete skincare routine that you should do daily:
- Wash your face thoroughly with an OTC or non-medicated cleanser, avoiding harsh soaps and exfoliants. In addition, use your hands or a soft washcloth to clean your face. Moreover, avoid antibacterial soaps.
- It’s a good idea to do a double wash at night if you wear makeup or sweat too much during the day. Indeed, this will ensure you thoroughly wash away all traces of dirt, makeup, and sweat.
- Also, you can use an astringent or toner to keep your skin hydrated and control excess oil. You should choose an alcohol-free and hydrating toner for your acne skin. However, this step is optional.
- The next step is the use of acne treatment creams or gel. Certainly, you can get acne treatment over-the-counter or from your doctor.
- Moreover, ensure your acne medication is completely absorbed into your skin before applying the moisturizer. It is best to choose a moisturizer that is oil-free and non-comedogenic.
- It is only necessary to use sunscreen at sunrise. A moisturizer with SPF makes this step easy.
- Besides these, you can use face oils, serums, and other beauty products on the recommendation of your dermatologist.
Your Weekly Skincare Routine
By pampering your skin weekly, you can remove old and dead skin cells and deeply cleanse your skin. Here is a complete skincare routine for hormonal acne that you should apply on a weekly basis:
- Exfoliating your skin weekly can make it appear smoother, brighter, younger and reduce the likelihood of your pores clogging. However, you should not overdo it because it can cause your skin to dry out.
- Do not scrub your skin, as it can cause micro-tearing and worsen acne. Instead of scrubs, you can use chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid, AHA, and BHA. These dislodge excess dead skin, allowing it to be gently wiped away.
- Moreover, use a purifying mask to de-clog your pores. Charcoal- or clay-based face masks or gentle oil massage techniques may be effective in loosening clogs and minimizing the appearance of pores.
Your Monthly Skincare Routine
Apart from daily and weekly skin care routines, a monthly check-up is also necessary to ensure the improvement and promotion of skin. So, what should you do on a monthly basis for acne-prone skin?
- You should check the condition and expiratory date of the skin products you are using. Furthermore, visit the skincare clinic and find the best products for yourself.
- Likewise, self-examine your skin, determine how much improvement has occurred, and determine what conditions require a dermatologist’s attention.
Home Remedies To Clear Face Acne
Certain natural products are proving highly effective in clearing acne and removing acne scars, in addition to acne medication and acne products. To help you with hormonal acne, here are a few efficient and effective natural remedies.
Use Green Tea Bags Instead Of Throwing Them Away
Green tea leaves are very good for skin health. Since it is full of antioxidants, it can reduce skin inflammation and acne. Moreover, its exfoliating property leaves skin with a smooth touch and texture. Besides these, the polyphenols limit the growth of bacteria on the skin.
You can use green tea in the following way:
- Use green tea as an exfoliant.
- Spray green tea on the skin (not hot, only chilled)
- Mix the green tea leaves with honey, yogurt, or aloe vera. Then, apply it directly to the skin as a face mask. Finally, remove after 10 to 20 minutes.
Certainly, you will get surprising results from green tea use!
Aloe Vera For Hormonal Acne
Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammation and antibacterial properties. Therefore, it works efficiently in controlling and improving acne. Moreover, it also fights against aging signs.
Naturally, it is the best moisturizer.
Certainly, you can use aloe vera in various ways. Some of them are following:
- You can directly apply aloe vera gel to the acne-affected area.
- You can use aloe vera gel as a moisturizer.
- What’s more, you can make a face mask by mixing aloe vera, honey, and cinnamon for acne treatment.
- Also, you can drink aloe vera juice to boost immunity.
Indeed, aloe vera is a natural treatment for a wide range of skin-related problems.
Homemade Face Mask For Acne Scars
Indeed, expensive spa treatments and facial kits don’t beat the glow we obtain from homemade masks prepared from natural ingredients.
Here is the best face mask remedy for hormonal and cystic acne problems. You will need the following things from the kitchen and fridge:
- 1 tablespoon yogurt
- ¼ tablespoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon of gram flour
- 1 tablespoon of rose water
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they reach a good consistency. Spread the mixture all over the face. Leave it on the skin for 15 to 20 minutes. After 15 to 20 minutes, your mask will likely be dry. Then, you should remove it with fresh water.
Indeed, you will be delighted with the results!
Copper vs Mirena IUD, Which Is Better For Acne-Prone Skin?
Mirena intrauterine devices are the small T-shaped hormonal IUD that releases synthetic progesterone when planted in the female uterus. Therefore, it prevents pregnancy by altering cervical mucus and killing sperms.
Besides contraception, hormonal IUD implantation may also lead to an imbalance of male sex hormones in females, leading to acne and unwanted hair growth. However, it can improve within a year of implantation or after removal.
In contrast, ParaGard or copper IUD is a T-shaped plastic frame that contains copper instead of hormones. Unlike hormonal IUD, it can destroy sperm and eggs by inducing an inflammatory reaction, thus preventing pregnancy.
What is more, a non-hormonal IUD is a more beneficial contraceptive method than any other birth control method.
As far as acne is concerned, copper IUD may cause fewer acne problems or may not worsen your acne problem. However, excess copper in the blood may lead to estrogen dominance, irregular periods, or stress in some cases. Therefore, it may result in chronic acne.
Regardless, non-hormonal IUD implantation is much better than hormonal IUD implantation. The hormone-free nature of the product makes it unlikely to cause cystic acne or exacerbate existing acne. Additionally, it offers better contraception than hormonal IUDs.
What Birth Control Doesn’t Cause Acne?
Like a hormonal IUD, the majority of birth controls may cause acne. However, research suggests that some birth control may fight acne. Following are a few birth control pills that are efficient contraceptives and effective at fighting acne.
- Ortho-Tri-Cyclen
- Yaz
- Estrostep
Indeed, these three birth control pills are approved by the FDA to treat acne.
Takeaway
In the end, Mirena’s IUD can cause acne, but you should not panic over it! Most of the side effects of hormonal IUD, including hormonal acne, may go away once your body gets adapted to the device.
Nevertheless, you can make a skincare routine and use some acne treatment to fasten the recovery of skin healing.
However, if your symptoms worsen with time, you should consult your doctor.
FAQs
How long does it take for the side effects of Mirena to go away?
Typically, Mirena and other hormonal IUDs do not cause long-term side effects once your body becomes accustomed to the device. However, it may take 3 to 6 months to get back on track with your menstrual and body cycle.
Can Nexplanon cause acne?
Certainly, Nexplanon can cause acne breakouts. Furthermore, if you already suffer from acne, it will worsen or flare-up. Accordingly, it contains synthetic progesterone etonogestrel, which may cause adverse reactions in the body.
How quickly will my acne clear after Mirena’s removal?
After removing Mirena, acne-prone skin may take a while to clear up. However, some females found that their acne cleared up significantly after removing the IUD. Most people’s bodies return to normal in 1 to 3 months.
Can Mirena cause hair growth on the face?
Yes, Mirena IUD implantation can cause the growth of hairs on the face. Unlike non-hormonal IUD, hormonal IUD releases progesterone in the female body that accelerates androgenic activity. Consequently, it may result in unwanted hair growth and acne on the skin.
Will Mirena acne go away on its own?
Mirena acne can go away on its own once the Mirena device is removed from the uterus. In contrast, if you take care of your skin and take some acne treatments, your acne may heal more quickly.
