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.
While there's no cure for PCOS, there are treatments to help alleviate its symptoms. In the end, the only thing that cleared my skin was a drug called Spironolactone—the one thing I hadn't heard of it until the day I started taking it.
Because hormonal imbalances cause acne in people with PCOS, doctors often prescribe treatments that act on hormones. Oral contraceptive pills and medications called spironolactone and flutamide can treat acne caused by PCOS, though the FDA have not approved the latter two for this use.
"Patients 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," Schlosser says. "They take time to go away."
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.
PCOS can create too-high levels of androgens, or hormones that help control processes like hair growth and muscle growth in the body (the most commonly known one is testosterone). When that happens, androgens can increase inflammation both in and outside of the body, which is what leads to cystic acne.
Whitney Bowe suggested a multi-modal treatment plan that includes washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser, applying a topical acne treatment after cleansing, and avoiding oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizers. Diet changes, exercise, and stress reduction are also part of the plan.
PCOS cystic acne is typical in appearance, presenting as large, red, and deep breakouts on your skin-a a severe form of acne resulting from hormonal imbalance. PCOS-related acne tends to be concentrated in “hormonally sensitive,” areas-especially the lower one-third part of the face.
Eating a diet rich in natural foods like seasonal fruits and vegetables and lean meats, can help combat inflammation that is related to acne development. These fruits typically include leafy greens and healthy fats. The former includes vegetables like spinach, kelp, mustard leaves, lettuce, arugula and collard.
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.
Hormonal acne is linked to the overproduction of sebum (an oily substance in skin glands), which clogs pores, leading to pimples. Though often unavoidable, hormonal acne can be treated to prevent future breakouts from forming.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be managed. Treatment options can vary because someone with PCOS may experience a range of symptoms, or just 1. The main treatment options are discussed in more detail below.
Omega-3 supplements, for example, have been shown to help lower testosterone levels and even regulate the menstrual cycle. Other supplements that may help to improve acne symptoms include Vitamin D, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, and Zinc.
Skincare for PCOS
Avoid rubbing or scrubbing your skin. After getting diagnosed and starting your PCOS treatment, you can also try skin-lightening ingredients like vitamin C, azelaic acid, kojic acid, benzoyl peroxide or niacinamide. In-office treatment options like peels and lasers are also available.
PCOS-related acne often flares on the lower face, including the jawline, chin, and upper neck. Although not a hard and fast rule, these areas are considered to be a hormonal pattern for acne. Women with PCOS may notice that acne lesions are deeper, larger, and slower to resolve.
Isotretinoin treatment may have beneficial effects on free testosterone, insulin, acne score, and Ferriman-Gallwey score. Solely isotretinoin administration may supply adequate healing in PCOS patients' symptoms complicated with severe cystic acne who is not eligible candidates for OCP use.
Results: Metformin treatment significantly reduced acne severity in patients with PCOS (p<0.001). Conclusion: Metformin reduces ovarian hyperandrogenism, leading to clinical improvement of acne in women with PCOS.
Acne commonly starts during puberty between the ages of 10 and 13 and tends to be worse in people with oily skin. Teenage acne usually lasts for five to 10 years, normally going away during the early 20s. It occurs in both sexes, although teenage boys tend to have the most severe cases.
Acne is most common in girls from the ages of 14 to 17, and in boys from the ages of 16 to 19. Most people have acne on and off for several years before their symptoms start to improve as they get older. Acne often disappears when a person is in their mid-20s. In some cases, acne can continue into adult life.
According to a study published in the Archives of Dermatology, 63% of acne-prone women experience these premenstrual flares. They usually strike about seven to 10 days before the onset of a woman's period and then subside as soon as bleeding begins.
While there isn't a cure-all, many women see results by managing their weight and balancing their blood sugar. In fact, one study reported 36.9% complete recovery from all features of PCOS with weight reduction, and only 15.4% had persistent PCOS features.