How To Treat PCOS Acne & Foods To Avoid If You Have It

If you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), you may also experience PCOS acne. It is a classic symptom of this serious hormonal and reproductive condition. PCOS affects around 7% of adults worldwide and causes weight gain, excessive hair growth, in male pattern, irregular menstrual cycles, and ovarian cysts (1).

If you have PCOS acne, you know how difficult it is to manage them. But we are here to help you. This article explains everything about PCOS acne and how to manage it. Keep reading!

Why Do People With PCOS Have Acne?

PCOS acne is caused by hormonal imbalance. This endocrine disorder affects the body’s hormonal equilibrium and leads to high levels of androgens (male sex hormones).

The data, based on a sample of 2,000 U.S. adult citizens, indicates that 17% of individuals experience acne during or around their menstrual period. It also reports that 12% are personally affected or have friends or family members affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

The thecal cells (endocrine cells associated with ovarian follicles) produce high amounts of testosterone that stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce excess oil (1). Excess sebum combined with dead skin cells, dirt, and debris can clog the pores, increasing the risk of acne breakouts.

PCOS acne can show up in body parts with the highest concentration of sebaceous glands. They include:

• Face
• Neck
• Chest
• Upper Back

Since various internal and external factors trigger PCOS acne, it is important to know how to differentiate between normal acne and PCOS acne for the right treatment.

Signs Of PCOS Acne

If you notice persistent and widespread breakouts on your face, chest, or back, they may be indicators of PCOS. These blemishes may be deep and cystic, resisting typical acne treatments. They make the skin oilier, leading to blackheads. Symptoms may worsen during your menstrual period, and severe inflammation may increase the risk of scarring. Irregular periods or hair thinning along with these acne formations can be additional signs of polycystic ovary syndrome.

When it comes to treatments, the doctor may recommend combination therapy, including oral and topical treatments and lifestyle changes. Scroll down to learn ways to manage PCOS acne.

How To Treat PCOS Acne

1. Retinoids

Topical retinoids are beneficial in acne management. They have anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce comedones and microcomedones (2). The doctor may prescribe topical or oral retinoids (isotretinoin). However, the strength of the retinoids may depend on the severity of your condition. So, avoid self-medication. Also, it may make your skin susceptible to UV damage. So, always use sunscreen when on retinoids.

Quick Tip

If you are using it for the first time, apply it every other day for the first couple of weeks to avoid irritation.

2. OTC Medicines

The doctor may recommend OTC topical medicines containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Both ingredients are first-line treatments for acne and work by exfoliating the skin, killing acne-causing bacteria, and reducing excess sebum production (3 ),(4). They also reduce skin irritation and inflammation and speed up the healing process.

3. Birth Control Pills

Estrogen and progestin birth control pills are usually recommended to manage hormonal skin changes and PCOS acne. However, it is a temporary solution and should be balanced with other medications and lifestyle changes (5).

4. Laser Therapy

Laser-based therapies target acne and may also help reduce acne scarring

(6). Lasers remove dead skin cells and reduce excess oil production to control acne.

Pro Tip

You may experience redness, scarring, or stinging of the skin after the treatment. However, they are mild and may disappear in a day or two.

5. Spironolactone

Spironolactone is primarily used as a diuretic or water pill to treat high blood pressure. However, it is also prescribed off-label for various conditions, including the management of hormonal issues. In PCOS, it helps in reducing the production of oil in your skin. When it is taken as prescribed, typically at a low dose in the beginning, it may take a few months to show results (7).

6. Lifestyle Management

Lifestyle management is a critical aspect of PCOS acne management. Since PCOS may also affect metabolic factors, which may contribute to acne, you must maintain a healthy lifestyle. Talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes you may need, exercise regularly, consume a balanced diet, and maintain a healthy weight.

The treatment options for PCOS acne are quite similar to how they treat hormonal acne. But while the medications work internally to maintain hormonal imbalance, you can accelerate the healing process through your diet. Read on to find out what food you should avoid if you have PCOS acne.

Foods To Avoid  If You Have PCOS Acne

Several food items may aggravate acne, especially if you have PCOS. They include (8), (9) :

• Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, and dairy-based chocolates)
• High-calorie foods like sugary beverages, baked goodies (cakes and cookies), processed and junk food (pizza, burger, and fried foods)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PCOS acne look like?

PCOS acne is considered a severe form of acne and is characterized by large, painful, and red pimples on your face, neck, and chest.

What foods are good for PCOS acne?

A high-fiber and low-glycemic diet may help manage PCOS acne (10).

How can I treat PCOS acne without birth control?

You can follow a specific skin care routine, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and cope with stress effectively to manage PCOS acne.

Get practical tips to manage PCOS acne from this informative video. From skincare routines to lifestyle changes, discover why these painful boils appear on your skin to help control breakout symptoms for a more confident appearance. Click play to learn!

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Somodyuti ChandraMBBS, MD DVL & DNB

 

Dr. Somodyuti is a board-certified dermatologist with 9 years of experience, who specializes in skin, hair, and nail problems, laser surgery, and esthetic procedures. After completing her MBBS and MD DVL and DNB, she went on to do DNB Dermatology from the National Board (New Delhi) and MRCP - SCE Dermatology, from the Royal College of Physicians, UK.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

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Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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