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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Could Acne And Pimples Around Chin, Forehead And Nose Be Due To Stopping Breastfeeding?

Hello! I have been breastfeeding my son here until recently decided I needed to stop .. I was just ready to be done. He will be 3 yrs in august. we gotten bf down to one time daily. now its been 16 days nothing. I am feeling better. I am getting really bad acne. I havn't had this problem while breastfeeding. Its making me really insecure and I don't know what to do or use. getting pimples daily... around chin. upper.. forehead.. starting around my nose. Help?? is this normal?
Wed, 26 Feb 2014
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

These are all due to hormonal changes and stress after stopping the breast feeding.
Not all the breast feeding mothers experience these problems, only some due to these hormonal changes.
You have to understand that Breastfeeding brings on a number of hormonal changes, including lowering estrogen and progesterone levels.
As you stops nursing, these hormones return to their previous levels, and can take your body awhile to adjust.
In particular, the increase in progesterone levels after you stops nursing can lead to increased oil production, which can cause problems with acne.

Second fact is due to the other hormone called Oxytocin.
While you breast fed, oxytocin is released from your pituitary gland. This makes the bonding between you and your kid as well as reduced your stress.
Now these hormone is no more there, thus your stress is also increased. In turn these increased stress level triggers the steroid hormone called Cortisol which increase the skin problems.

My advice is slow down your weaning process. As you said your breast fed your child once daily, please increase to two or three times and wean slowly by reducing the frequency of breast feeding.
It can take place over several months and it can involve shortening nursing sessions slowly before dropping them completely one by one.

So that your body can adjusts and the hormonal level will balance to the changes.
Otherwise caring of the acne is better by using a mild cleanser twice a day and a light moisturizer.
Do not use harsh or gritty cleansers, which may only irritate the skin further.
Drink plenty of water.
Eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.
Try relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation to reduce stress.
Getting enough sleep can also help to clear up acne.

Hope this helps.
Please write back for further queries.
Wishing you good health.
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Could Acne And Pimples Around Chin, Forehead And Nose Be Due To Stopping Breastfeeding?

Hello, I have gone through your query and understand your concern. These are all due to hormonal changes and stress after stopping the breast feeding. Not all the breast feeding mothers experience these problems, only some due to these hormonal changes. You have to understand that Breastfeeding brings on a number of hormonal changes, including lowering estrogen and progesterone levels. As you stops nursing, these hormones return to their previous levels, and can take your body awhile to adjust. In particular, the increase in progesterone levels after you stops nursing can lead to increased oil production, which can cause problems with acne. Second fact is due to the other hormone called Oxytocin. While you breast fed, oxytocin is released from your pituitary gland. This makes the bonding between you and your kid as well as reduced your stress. Now these hormone is no more there, thus your stress is also increased. In turn these increased stress level triggers the steroid hormone called Cortisol which increase the skin problems. My advice is slow down your weaning process. As you said your breast fed your child once daily, please increase to two or three times and wean slowly by reducing the frequency of breast feeding. It can take place over several months and it can involve shortening nursing sessions slowly before dropping them completely one by one. So that your body can adjusts and the hormonal level will balance to the changes. Otherwise caring of the acne is better by using a mild cleanser twice a day and a light moisturizer. Do not use harsh or gritty cleansers, which may only irritate the skin further. Drink plenty of water. Eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. Try relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation to reduce stress. Getting enough sleep can also help to clear up acne. Hope this helps. Please write back for further queries. Wishing you good health.