PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome — a common hormonal disorder in women, especially during their reproductive years. It affects your hormone levels, which can show up not just inside your body but also on your skin. If you have PCOS, your ovaries produce higher-than-normal levels of male hormones called androgens. This hormone imbalance disrupts the normal function of your reproductive system.
PCOS causes hormonal imbalances, especially higher levels of androgens (male hormones). These can trigger a bunch of skin issues, like:
Common PCOS-Related Skin Problems:
Why it happens: Androgens increase oil production, clog pores, and cause inflammation.
Treatment options:
Hormonal treatments
Topical treatments
Lifestyle tips
Gentle skincare routine, non-comedogenic products.
Avoid picking or squeezing pimples.
Balanced diet (less sugar, processed foods, and dairy).
Regular exercise and sleep.
Procedural options
Chemical peels, laser treatments – for stubborn or cystic acne.
Why it happens: High androgen levels stimulate hair follicles.
Treatment options:
Hair removal methods (temporary)
Medical treatments
Long-term solutions
Laser hair removal
Electrolysis
Why it happens: Often linked to insulin resistance.
Treatment options:
Manage insulin resistance
Topical & in-clinic options
Gentle exfoliation and moisturizers.
Products with retinoids, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid.
Chemical peels, laser treatments, or hydroquinone creams from a dermatologist.
Why it happens: Overproduction of oil due to hormonal imbalance.
Treatment options:
Skincare routine
Use oil-control, non-comedogenic products.
Avoid heavy creams or greasy makeup.
Key ingredients
Salicylic acid – exfoliates and clears pores.
Retinoids – improve skin texture and cell turnover.
Why it happens: High androgen levels lead to pattern type of hair loss
Treatment options:
Minoxidil
Hormonal treatments
See a professional: A dermatologist, gynaecologist, or endocrinologist can help customize a plan that works for your skin and hormone levels. Personalized care is key — no one-size-fits-all approach
Be consistent and patient: PCOS skin issues take time to improve. Stick with your routine and treatments.
Take a holistic approach: Combine medical treatments, skincare, healthy eating, stress management, and exercise.
No — but they won’t go away on their own unless the hormonal imbalance is addressed. With the right treatment, most symptoms can improve over time.
Usually not. But they can get irritated if they’re in a spot where they rub against jewelry, clothing, or shaving.
Lifestyle changes -Why it matters:
Losing even 5% of your body weight can improve hormone balance, make medications more effective, and help restore regular ovulation.
What’s recommended:
A low-calorie, balanced diet
Moderate exercise (like walking, cycling, yoga)
Working with a registered dietitian for a personalized plan
To manage excess hair and acne:
Birth control pills – lower androgen levels, help clear acne and reduce hair growth
Antiandrogens like Spironolactone (Aldactone) – blocks androgen effects on skin; not safe during pregnancy (birth control is essential while using it)
Eflornithine – prescription cream that slows facial hair growth
Hair Removal Options:
Laser hair removal – targets and reduces hair growth using light
Electrolysis – uses tiny electric pulses to destroy hair follicles
(Both need multiple sessions for best results)
Temporary methods: Shaving, plucking, waxing, depilatory creams — quick fixes, but hair can grow back.
Acne Treatments:
Topical treatments: Creams or gels with retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid
Oral medications: Like hormonal pills or antibiotics
Skincare can help manage symptoms (like oily skin or acne), but it will not fix the root hormonal problem. A mix of skincare + medical support is usually the most effective.
Fact: PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects much more than your ovaries. It can cause skin issues like acne, excess hair growth, hair thinning, and dark patches.
Fact: PCOS looks different for everyone. Some people struggle with acne, others with unwanted hair, and some may have no skin symptoms at all.
Fact: PCOS-related acne is usually hormonal, deeper, more painful, and tends to show up along the jawline and chin. It often needs hormone-balancing treatment, not just creams.
Fact: Shaving does not make hair grow back thicker or darker. It’s a safe, temporary way to remove excess hair — but for long-term relief, medical treatments may help more.
Fact: Weight loss can help with PCOS, especially insulin resistance. But not everyone with PCOS is overweight — and thin people can have PCOS too. It’s a complex hormonal condition.
Fact: With the right combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and skincare, PCOS symptoms can be greatly improved. You don’t have to live with painful acne or embarrassing hair growth forever.
Fact: Some people with PCOS do have regular periods, but still experience symptoms like acne, excess hair, or pigmentation. PCOS doesn’t always affect periods in obvious ways.
PCOS affects more than your periods and fertility — it shows up on your skin too
Acne, hair growth, hair thinning, oily skin, and dark patches are all common
Treatment works best when it targets both hormones and skin
Disclaimer: This article is only for general patient information and is not intended for self medication. There is no legal liability of IADVL arising out of any adverse consequence to the patient. Subsequent to its use for self treatment of the disease images adjust for the depiction of the condition and is not to be used for any other purpose.
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