It is no secret that acne is one of the most disliked things among individuals, especially women.
Several underlying causes can be behind your acne, including bacteria, stress, inflammation, and excess oil production.
However, it is noticed that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS may also cause acne in women.
PCOS is a hormonal problem experienced by women or Assigned Females at Birth (AFAB). If you are experiencing acne recently, it might be caused due to PCOS.
But the good part is that PCOS acne can be managed by treating this hormonal condition.
So, let us proceed with this article and learn about the relationship between PCOS and acne and the management of PCOS acne.
What is PCOS
As mentioned in the introduction, PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a hormonal problem that happens when women are in their reproductive years.
Around 5-10% of teens and young women are diagnosed with PCOS.
Although there is no exact cause of PCOS, it can be developed due to several factors.
Some common factors that may lead to the development of PCOS include insulin resistance, type-2 Diabetes, low-grade inflammation, and heredity.
These factors cause women to experience common PCOS symptoms, such as hair thinning, Obesity, irregular periods, infertility, skin darkening, and skin tags.
These symptoms might be managed at home by following a particular PCOS diet.
However, for effective treatment of PCOS, it is best to visit an authorized doctor.
The treatment of PCOS may depend on the type of PCOS. There are a total of 4 types of PCOS.
If you want to learn more about the different PCOS types, read Beyond the Basics: Exploring Different Types of PCOS.
PCOS Acne: Relation Between PCOS and Acne
Source: elenavagengeimPCOS leads to the overproduction of hormones known as Androgens.
Androgens play an important role in the development of acne.
It causes the skin glands to produce an excessive oily substance called sebum.
Acne is caused when dead skin and sebum accumulate within hair follicles, resulting in the buildup of bacteria.
This accumulation of bacteria leads to inflammation and the formation of pimples or acne.
PCOS acne is characterized by lesions that are typically deeper, larger, or resolve at a slower rate than the other types of acne.
An individual with PCOS can develop acne on the face, neck, chest, and upper back.
If you are experiencing acne along with PCOS, it would be best to visit your doctor for the treatment of your medical condition.
Besides acne, PCOS can also cause an increase in facial hair. To know how PCOS increases facial hair, read PCOS facial hair.
How to Manage Acne Caused Due to PCOS
Various treatment options can help manage PCOS.
It is important to visit your doctor for the effective treatment of acne caused by PCOS.
Some common treatment plans for PCOS acne include oral contraceptive pills and anti-androgen drugs.
PCOS acne can be treated with some oral contraceptive pills. Estrogen and Progesterone present in these pills help lower testosterone.
Low testosterone reduces the development of acne.
According to the researchers, oral contraceptive therapy reduces inflammatory acne by 30–60% in 3–6 months.
Besides oral contraceptive pills, anti-androgen pills can also help in managing PCOS acne.
Just like oral contraceptives, anti-androgen drugs decrease testosterone levels in the body.
It would be best to consult your nearby gynecologist before taking these medicines.
If you wish to find out how to lower testosterone levels to manage PCOS, read how to lower testosterone PCOS.
Preventive Measures to Avoid PCOS Acne
Source: signature_imageAccording to healthcare professionals, individuals with PCOS-induced acne should follow guidelines to prevent breakouts and take care of their skin.
The skin care guidelines an individual with PCOS acne should follow are-
- Wash your face twice a day, and after sweating
- Do not scrub your skin
- Use your fingertips instead of a washcloth or sponge to apply a gentle cleanser
- Use lukewarm water to rinse the skin well
- Do not squeeze or pop your pimples
- Avoid too much sun, including tanning beds
However, if you still experience acne after following these guidelines, visiting your nearby doctor for treatment would be best.
Key Notes
Many people deal with acne daily.
Various underlying factors may cause acne. In the case of women, PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome might be responsible for acne.
PCOS causes the overproduction of Androgens, leading to the accumulation of dead skin and sebum in hair follicles, causing inflammation and acne.
Treatment options include oral contraceptive pills and anti-androgen drugs.
Preventive measures for PCOS acne include washing your face twice daily, using gentle cleansers, using lukewarm water, and avoiding sun exposure.
If PCOS acne persists, it is recommended to consult a doctor for effective treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PCOS acne look like?
PCOS acne often presents as persistent, inflammatory pimples on the face, jawline, chest, and back.
These acne are characterized by redness and tenderness and can be more resistant to topical acne treatments due to underlying hormonal imbalances.
How to remove PCOS acne scars naturally?
To reduce PCOS acne scars naturally, try remedies like using honey or aloe vera gel. Honey and aloe vera gel have healing properties that may help remove PCOS-induced acne scars.
What worsens PCOS acne?
PCOS-induced acne might worsen due to hormonal fluctuations, high glycemic diets, stress, harsh skincare, and the presence of polycystic ovaries.
Managing these factors is crucial for reducing symptoms and preventing the worsening of acne in individuals with PCOS.
Does PCOS acne ever go away?
No, PCOS-related acne may not completely go away. However, you can effectively manage and reduce its impact with consistent care, including medical guidance and a healthy routine.
How do you get rid of PCOS acne?
To get rid of PCOS acne, seek medical guidance for prescribed treatments, adopt a gentle skincare routine, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and manage stress.
For lasting and effective results, it is crucial to be consistent in these efforts.
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