Even if your breakouts are in a hormonal pattern, topical treatments such as Curology are still helpful in treating the multiple factors that play a role in your breakouts.
Many factors, including PCOS, can contribute to the development of acne—but preventative acne treatments, like those designed by Curology can help.
Many Curology patients start seeing results within the first four to eight weeks of starting their new skincare routine. That means it can take up to two months to assess if acne medications like your Curology formula work for you.
When you start your custom Curology formula, you may notice your skin breaking out more at first. Counterintuitive as it may seem, this means the acne-fighting ingredients are doing their job! This unpleasant process is called purging.
So if you notice your skin breaking out more in your first few weeks of using Curology, don't be alarmed: it's not uncommon to see an uptick in breakouts when starting any new acne medication. Counterintuitive as it may seem, this is evidence that the acne-fighting ingredients are doing their job!
Is PCOS acne a form of hormonal acne? In short: yes, yes it is. PCOS acne is influenced by hormonal changes in the body, particularly from increased levels of androgen hormones. These androgen hormones stimulate that excess production of pore-clogging sebum, particularly if you already have acne-prone skin.
No. Although hormonal acne is challenging to remedy, there are tried-and-true solutions for getting the skin on the path to clear. Just remember that while you can treat acne, there isn't an actual cure, and once you find something that works for you, it's imperative to stick with it.
What causes hormonal acne? Hormonal acne is acne that occurs when a person's hormone level fluctuates. Fluctuations of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone can cause zits and pimples to pop up. Typically, these fluctuations happen mostly during menstruation cycles, pregnancy and menopause.
Unfortunately, hormonal acne can still show up much later in your life (and just in time to crash that wedding you were invited to). In fact, hormonal acne is most common in adult women between the ages of 20 and 40. You might assume you're in the clear once you hit your 40s, but that's not always the case, Cherise M.
Share on Pinterest A person with PCOS may experience acne because of the release of hormones called androgens. One of the key features of PCOS is high levels of hormones called androgens. Doctors call this hyperandrogenism. Androgens play an important role in the development of acne.
Treating the underlying hormonal imbalance is the only way to clear PCOS-related acne. If you think your acne is related to PCOS, talk to your doctor or dermatologist. They may prescribe one or more of the following medications.
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.
You're using too little and/or not often enough. You're using it as a spot treatment instead of applying it everywhere that's acne-prone, which is key to preventing acne. You might need your Curology provider to adjust the ingredients in your custom formula to find the right combination for your unique skin.
How long does it take for Curology to work? Some members see results in the first few weeks, while others don't notice changes for up to 6 weeks, or go through growing pains as they adjust to their medication (such as dryness, mild irritation, or temporarily worsened breakouts).
It usually starts 1-2 weeks after beginning treatment with one of these ingredients, and it can last up to 8 weeks, but not to worry — once your skin adjusts, you should start seeing improvement! As this can take time, patience is key.
At Curology, we use only dermatologist-approved ingredients in our products—some of which are only available by prescription, like tretinoin (the vitamin A derivative that's an acne fighting and anti-aging hero), azelaic acid (another acne-buster), and clindamycin (a topical antibiotic that targets bacteria).
It's hassle-free. You can cancel your account on your own at any time. To begin the cancellation process, click 'I want to cancel' at the bottom of your payment page. (You can access your payment page via the dropdown menu when logged in to your Curology account).
Most Curology formulas should be used every night (and morning, if you have the dark spot formula). Follow your Curology provider's instructions to help minimize any potential irritation. If you do experience irritation, you can check out our tips here or reach out to your medical provider—they'll be happy to help!
After washing the day away, apply 1-2 pumps to your fingertips, dab on the affected areas, and rub in gently with your fingertips. It's that simple!
Help prevent acne scars by preventing breakouts
Topical treatments like your personalized prescription formula can help keep acne under control. If you're dealing with breakouts, sign up for Curology, upload some selfies, and get checked out by one of our medical providers.
PCOS-related acne tends to be concentrated in “hormonally sensitive,” areas-especially the lower one-third part of the face. This includes cheeks, jawline, chin, and upper neck.
An anti-inflammatory diet including lots of healthy omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, sardines, mackerel, flax seeds, walnuts, olive oil) can have a positive effect on PCOS and acne. Limiting our carbohydrates and increasing our protein consumption can level out the insulin in our body and reduce metabolic symptoms of PCOS.