If you're going off of birth control because you want to get pregnant, you won't be able to use some of the common topical prescription medicines, like topical retinoids. Admani recommends asking your dermatologist for azelaic acid or some types of laser treatments, which can be safe for pregnant women under the supervision of a doctor. Whether you're going on the pill, off the pill or switching from one hormonal medication to another, both Admani and Lortscher agree that the general rule of thumb is to wait three months before jumping to conclusions. "It takes the body three cycles to adjust," says Admani. "Whatever side effect you're having, typically it gets better within three months."