The relationship between PCOS and Acne in Women

The Relationship Between PCOS and Acne in Women

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine condition and some of its symptoms include enlarged ovaries and acne. In women suffering from PCOS, the outer edges of their ovaries may also develop small cysts. Besides affecting fertility in women, PCOS can result in a variety of skin issues due to hormonal imbalance, and acne is one of the most prominent ones.

What is PCOS and How It Can Cause Acne?

PCOS is a common hormonal condition usually experienced by women of childbearing age. According to a study, nearly 10 percent of young women including teens are suffering from PCOS. Although most people are more concerned with the non-cancerous growths that PCOS tends to cause in women, hormonal imbalance is at the core of this condition.

Your pituitary gland is responsible for the production of estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone in your body. In ideal conditions, it gives signals to produce just the right amount of these hormones. However, PCOS can play havoc with your pituitary gland and disrupt its signals. As a result, in women with PCOS, their progesterone and estrogen levels decrease while the testosterone levels rise. 

Besides preventing ovulation, this can lead to the following symptoms:

  • Acne
  • Dark Skin Patches (Acanthosis Nigricans)
  • Excess Oil Production
  • Trapped dead skin cells in the pores
  • Propionibacterium Acnes And Bacteria 
  • Excess production of hormones

Your lifestyle and daily habits may also affect your acne. These include

  • Not Drinking Adequate Water
  • Not Washing Your Face Thoroughly
  • Comedogenic Makeup Or Skin Care Products

How to Improve Your Skin Problems Resulting From PCOS?

Oily skin and acne are primarily caused by hormonal disorders especially androgens. As women suffering from PCOS have imbalanced hormone levels that result in the overproduction of testosterone (a male hormone), it’s no wonder that oily skin and acne are the most common symptoms in this condition. 

Trusted products that contain sufficient amounts of AHAs, BHAs, and effective natural ingredients like Kalanchoe extract are your best and safest option for treating PCOS-induced acne. These ingredients can be a great addition to your skincare regimen to significantly reduce post-acne marks. They are considered safe and effective for women suffering from PCOS.

How to Treat PCOS-induced Hormonal Acne?

To treat PCOS-induced acne, you’ll need a mild but effective skincare regimen that will keep the oil or sebum production in your skin in control. However, this in no way means that you should buy every chemical exfoliant out there. Instead, opt for soothing and healing ones that can help repair irritated skin and reduce acne without any harmful side effects.

Top Products That Can Help You Fight PCOS related Acne

Cleanser

Zali’s Deep Facial Foaming Cleanser is gentle and effective. Formulated with a range of AHAs and BHAs, it penetrates deep into your skin and removes excess oil or sebum and even blackheads without harming your skin in any way. Meanwhile, Kalanchoe daigremontiana leaf extract is included to heal and moisturize dry skin and reduce pigmentation. This healing and soothing cleanser can help balance PCOS-related acne-prone skin and reduce acne naturally.

The best part is that it does all of this without drying out essential oils in your skin. Make sure to avoid all types of harmful, chemical-filled cleaners available on the market. They may make your skin extraordinarily clean right after use, but such products usually trigger our skin glands to produce more sebum eventually.  

Toner

Once you’ve thoroughly cleansed your face, use a high-quality toner like the Zali’s AHA & BHA Daily Clean Toner. This toner is a boon for people with dull and lifeless skin because it can hydrate, clean, and brighten your skin better than anything else. It contains concentrated Kalanchoe extract and proven AHAs and BHAs to even and brighten your complexion instantly. 

Bottom Line:

Acne is a complicated skin issue, and it can get even more complex with PCOS. That’s why it’s crucial to follow a well-designed routine that can help you hydrate, soothe, and treat your skin daily.

We hope that this brief guide will help you choose the best products for long-lasting acne relief. Be sure to check our range of skincare products here

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