Women have hair on their body, and it is a natural process. But when diagnosed with PCOS, the body hair is excessive, noticeable and there is growth on the face. Over years, PCOS may slowly result in excess hair growth, irregular periods, obesity, infertility and sometimes multiple cysts on the ovaries. Dealing with excess facial and body hair is a battle for many women with PCOS. If you prefer to tame your unwanted hair, there are several options available.
5 Things You Should Know About PCOS Acne
Nearly 30% of women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) struggle with acne. They are often found around your jaw, cheeks, chin and upper neck. And they are painful as the inflamed cysts or nodules which are formed can be hard and long-lasting. But what else do we know about PCOS acne? Here are 5 things you should know about PCOS Acne.
1. Excess Androgens lead to hormonal imbalance that causes PCOS acne
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)is a hormonal condition where there is an excess of androgens (male hormones) in the body. This disturbance in the hormonal milieu in the body of a female leads to hormonal acne of PCOS.
2. PCOS-induced breakout is tougher to treat than a standard breakout
The standard acne breakout has few salient features like premenstrual flare-up, acne around the cheeks, chin, nose and forehead. PCOS induced hormonal acne are usually more severe and stubborn to treat. They appear near the jaw and sometimes near the neck part of the jawline, rather than on the upper part of the face or cheeks.
3. Glycolic acid and salicylic acid can bring relief from PCOS acne along with DIY face packs
Glycolic acid and Salicylic acid based face washes, non-comedogenic face washes, creams containing Alpha and Beta Hydroxy acids and tea tree oil can decrease PCOS acne. Applying Multani mitti, turmeric and chandan face packs once a week also help. Scrubs should be avoided, in case the patient has active inflammatory acne.
4. Diet, weight loss & exercise are effective solutions for all PCOS related problems
Diet and lifestyle are the most important factors for having PCOS, and hence treating PCOS is incomplete without weight loss, diet and exercise. One must eat fibre rich foods like grains, millets, cereal, nuts. Their diets must also include loads of vitamins and minerals.
And they must avoid foods with no fibre or foods injected with hormones (dairy, eggs, meat, seafood). Ultra-processed and ultra-refined plant foods like maida, refined sugar, white rice should be switched with millets, single hand-pounded local varieties of rice, jaggery and dates.
5. Treating the root cause and prescribed medication, together, is an effective treatment plan against PCOS acne
PCOS Acne treatment needs two-pronged therapy. One is dealing with treating the root cause which is PCOS. The second is dealing with acne which needs courses of oral treatment (which can span from antioxidants, zinc, antibiotics and Isotretinoin) and topical creams (based on Benzoyl Peroxide, Tretinoin/ Adapalene) as per the treating dermatologist. With these, few fortnightly sessions of chemical peels using Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids and stronger formulations, help in clearing the acne faster with better treatment of post-acne pigmentation.