Hormones can cause many issues and changes in the skin - especially for women. As a woman myself, I've seen the effects, whether it's the dreaded pre-period chin breakout or struggling with acne for months after starting a new contraceptive. But these hormone-related skin issues that many women struggle with can be intensified for those who struggle with Polycystic ovary syndrome, known as PCOS.
About PCOS
PCOS is a reproductive endocrine condition that affects around 10% of young women. It causes small follicles to form on the ovaries and can prevent the release of eggs. PCOS has not been found to have a root cause, but we do know that it stems from hormonal imbalance. It can also cause a multitude of harmful symptoms including insulin resistance, irregular hair growth, irregular periods, and you guessed it - skin issues.
Who & How Acne Presents with PCOS
PCOS can cause hyperandrogenism, which can cause the skin to produce excess oils known as sebum. This oil can get trapped under the skin and inside hair follicles along with dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria, resulting in acne.
Any female patient who presents with either persistent acne - they had it in their teens and it's continued past the age of 25 - or acne starting after age 25, should consider evaluation for PCOS by their OBGYN.
PCOS-related acne tends to flare in areas that are usually considered "hormonally sensitive," especially the lower third of the face. This includes your cheeks, jawline, chin, and upper neck. Women with PCOS tend to get acne that involves more tender knots under the skin, rather than fine surface bumps, and will sometimes report that lesions in that area tend to flare before their menstrual period. These can take time to resolve as we are dealing with hormones.
Treating Acne
Treatment for PCOS ranges, but often includes treatments to target specific symptoms. For dermatological issues, this would differ from person to person to target what the individual is struggling with.
Most women with PCOS-related acne may need to get onto a prescription medicine like metformin for insulin resistance, birth control for balancing estrogen and progesterone levels or the last line would be spironolactone for blocking androgen receptor activity.
Importantly, while the oral medications work from the inside to target the hormones over 3-4 months, a proper skin care regimen is still necessary. An evidence-based skin care regimen with key ingredients proven for acne and hyperpigmentation is built to manage symptoms such as oil overproduction, flare-ups, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and possibly scars depending on the severity of acne.
I recommend starting with basic building blocks to alleviate acne symptoms and help you feel confident in your skin, and then adding more active treatments to target specific concerns such as hyperpigmentation, dullness, dark spots and oily skin.
- CLEANSER: Some of our favs for acne are Jan Marini Bioglycolic cleanser for keeping pores clear, iS Clinical warm honey cleanser and Glytone Benzoyl peroxide cleanser for its anti-bacterial properties
- TONER: We heart AlumierMD bright and clear toner for sensitive skin, PCA nutrient toner for dry skin and Glytone salicylic acne tone for oily skin to help with acne
- TREATMENT: iS Clinical active serum is a wonderful daily morning serum for those with oily skin and we recommend PCA pigment bar or pigment gel for those struggling with post-inflammatory conditions, Jan Marini Age intervention retinol for oily skin and Vivier Retinol complex for sensitive skin.
- Visit our Acne and hyperpigment page to see more options!
- MOISTURIZE: Yup, even when treating oily skin, it is important to moisturize we love Acarre Bio-Oil for inflammatory sensitive skin, Neocutis Hydralis and PCA rebalance
When finding a skincare routine for you, it can be important to talk to an expert. At The Skin Consult, we’ve seen hundreds of different skin types and concerns and know that since everyone has different skin, everyone has a different skincare routine. BOOK HERE to get help finding the perfect routine for you!
About The Skin Consult
The Skin Consult is a marketplace that connects consumers with licensed skin care professionals. We believe in the power of skincare, and we want to empower people to take control of their own skin by providing an evidence-based routine.
Our mission is to help everyone achieve healthy and beautiful skin through education, personalized consultations, and easy access to quality products.
We are on a mission to build this ecosystem of skincare professionals, consumers and science-backed brands!
#WhereBeautyMeetsScience
