Skin Care

5 Things to Know Before Stopping Your Acne Treatment

Here's how to wean yourself off your go-to zit-zapper without sacrificing a clear complexion

by Melanie Rud Chadwick | COMMENT

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Spironolactone Lots of women will tell you that this oral medication is the only thing that got rid of their hormonal acne. Still, if you've been taking it for a while, your skin has cleared up, and you want to come off it, it's best to do so gradually, suggests Joshua Zeichner, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. "I usually recommend decreasing the dose by 25 milligrams every month, to see what the lowest possible dose a patient can take before breaking out," he says. Keep in mind that it takes several weeks for the effect of the medicine to kick in, and just as long for it to wear off, he adds. And if you're prego? Spironolactone can lead to birth defects, so you definitely don't want to mess around here. If you're not yet pregnant but planning on it, discuss tapering it off with your derm, advises Gilbert. And if you suspect you may be pregnant or unexpectedly find out you are, stop taking it immediately.

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