When it comes to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), none of the symptoms are easy to deal with. However, hormonal acne is persistent and can seem like a never-ending battle. These breakouts can take a toll on your skin, mental health, and self-confidence. Thankfully, there are a few ways to manage PCOS acne.
Though hormonal and PCOS acne is frustrating, know you are not alone. According to Healthline, nearly 10% of teens and young women have PCOS. Among other symptoms like irregular menstruation and hirsutism, acne is a leading byproduct of PCOS. Various things, including hormonal imbalance and inflammation, cause the acne. Though there is no cure, here are five ways to improve your skin!
1. Have a consistent skincare routine
The first step to treating acne is to take care of your skin! Having a consistent and thorough skincare routine is vital to reducing redness and inflammation. It also prevents new pimples from forming. For a complete routine, you should have at least six steps:
- Cleanser/Exfoliant
- Toner
- Serum
- Eye cream/serum
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- Spot treatment (optional)
Regarding acne, the most essential steps are cleaning and exfoliating your skin. Similar to using a loofa or hand towel while showering, you want a tool or product that removes dead skin cells and oil. Some people opt to use a physical exfoliant, like a brush or a product with exfoliating beads. Others may prefer a chemical exfoliant, which has acids to get rid of dead skin cells.
Follow the cleanser up with a toner, then a serum. The serum should be based on your skinโs needs. Additionally, anyone over the age of 25 should be using an eye cream or serum. This will prevent bags, dark circles, and wrinkles as you age. Be sure to finish up with a moisturizer and sunscreen.
If you are looking for an affordable skin care system, we suggest Good Molecules. They are available online and in-store at Ulta.
2. Add a spot treatment to your skincare routine
If your acne tends to collect in one spot, consider adding a spot treatment to your skincare routine. Most spot treatments have benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur, which helps to heal the acne faster. This option is excellent for people who suffer from jawline and chin pimples. Add this step to the end of your routine (after moisturizer and sunscreen) for maximum effect.
3. Reassess your diet
Though it seems insignificant, taking another look at your diet can alter the amount of acne you experience. Healthline states that research proves junk food doesnโt necessarily cause acne, but it can cause inflammation, which leads to acne. Red meats, white bread, and sugary foods can increase inflammation, while foods like kale, salmon, and turmeric are anti-inflammatory. Changing your diet wonโt rid you of PCOS-related acne. However, along with good skincare and following your doctorโs advice, it can help reduce the appearance of acne.
4. Take a supplement
If you are looking for natural ways to treat your PCOS and subsequent acne, consider adding vitamins and supplements to your daily routine. Dr. Jolene Brighton, a board-certified Naturopathic Endocrinologist, reports certain supplements can help balance your hormones, resulting in an improvement for PCOS acne. She suggests looking for mega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and zinc.
If youโre looking for an all-inclusive supplement package, consider lovecomplement.com
5. Use clean makeup products
Makeup is an amazing tool to boost confidence and cover blemishes related to acne. However, some products can worsen your skinโs condition. Thankfully, there are many clean makeup brands on the market. Clean beauty is typically free of harmful chemicals like sulfates and parabens, preventing hormonal disruption. Additionally, whenever you wear makeup, be sure to clean your face. Sleeping with makeup on can further clog your pores and irritate your skin.
If you wear makeup regularly, dump those makeup wipes and switch to double cleansing. Makeup wipes contain fragrances and harmful chemicals that dry out your skin. Instead, use a makeup melting balm or commit to washing your face twice.
There is no one-size-fits-all plan for treating PCOS acne, nor is there a cure. Still, there are ways we can reduce and reassess! If you are struggling with hormonal acne, consider these tips!
The authorโs content and opinions have not been pre-reviewed, approved or endorsed by Discover.
