Can you find hormonal birth control (Nuvaring) in Kenya?

Should I take a break from birth control for acne?

• Over a year ago I had been on Nuvaring with success. My only complaint was libido issues and wanting more permanency. My gyno recommended the IUD Mirena. I went through the painful procedure but enjoyed Mirena for the first 4 or 5 months I was on it. Then came the acne. After a time it became so frustrating that I finally conceded to have the Mirena removed, and to go back to Nuvaring (6 months ago). The acne has only improved the slightest bit. I've done endless hours of research on b.c. and androgens, vitamin depletion, diet, etc. I've used glycolic acid treatments sparingly, a salicylic acne wash, tea tree oil, benzoil peroxide- you name it. I began the oil cleansing method, which is a great if you haven't heard of it... but it's only improved my skin texture and some of the breakouts, and I can't shake the feeling that this resistant acne is from a deeper cause. I've upped my water intake, including lemon water in the morning to aide my liver in processing the hormones. I exercise regularly, eat lot's of fruits and vegetables, and only submit my skin to gentle and highly rated skin care methods. In fact, I'm a licensed esthetician. That's why this is so frustrating! I'm.. at the end of my rope. Let's assume that I've tried everything topically to rid me of this. Also assume that I'm not willing to take Accutane or any other counteractive chemicals. My questions, finally, are these: Should I take/ have taken a break from all hormonal birth control after having Mirena removed? Is the build-up of androgenic progestin causing my acne woes? Has anyone experienced success when taking a *break* from birth control? All I can find are success stories of women quitting it all together. I was thinking a 3 month break to see.. Thanks, everyone.

• Answer:

  Personally, I think you should take a break from the birth control. This is not helping you. The cause of people's acne outbreaks is rooted in their diet and lifestyle choices, which causes an imbalance of hormones that stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce excess oil. Scientific studies have proved this in recent years. Stress can also play a part. That's why facial skin care products fail in the long run for so many people. Even if they do get some initial success (and usually only people with mild acne do), the acne usually comes back if they stop using the products, because they were only treating the symptoms of the problem. If you are an acne sufferer, you have to target the root cause to get your skin clear for good, which means changing your diet and lifestyle. Although you eat healthily, you may find that it is something in your diet that you are not aware of that is causing the problem. The free report at this site http://bestacneproductsx.org will show you what you need to do to get rid of this for good.