Healthy Body
Why your PCOS skincare routine needs more than a two-step cleanse approach
Emma Harpham, Editor | 27 Aug 2024
Of all the PCOS symptoms, changes in our skin is often one of the most visible signs. But can a top-notch PCOS skin care routine really change the game?
The answer is yes, choosing the right products can absolutely support PCOS oily skin concerns.
However, taking a holistic approach – checking in with your healthcare provider first – and combining your routine with lifestyle tweaks to address underlying hormonal imbalances might be an even better way to keep up your glow, both inside and out.
Here’s what experts want you to know.
How does PCOS affect your skin?
The root cause lies in the hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS, particularly the elevated levels of androgens – male hormones that women also produce in smaller amounts – specifically raised testosterone and lower progesterone and estrogen levels.
When these androgen levels are imbalanced, oil production in the skin is stimulated, leading to oilier skin, clogged pores and acne breakouts.
A note on PCOS acne
Acne is thought to impact as many as 34% of women with PCOS. These breakouts can range from mild to severe and often appear along the jawline, chin, and cheeks – areas where androgen hormones have a greater influence.
The persistent nature of PCOS acne can make it hard to treat, leading many of us to struggle to find effective solutions.
Speaking to your healthcare provider or dermatologist is an important first step. They’ll be able to help determine the cause of your acne, suggest ways to regulate your hormones, and recommend tailored treatments like retinoids as part of your skincare routine.
The best skincare for PCOS – what experts recommend
So, what does an expert-approved PCOS skincare routine look like, once we’ve checked in with our healthcare provider?
On top of any topical treatments you’ve been prescribed, make trying specific products that can regulate oil production and reduce inflammation your key focus – whilst avoiding ingredients that could potentially worsen acne.
And, above all else, the advice is to keep testing skincare until you find a combo that looks and feels great with your skin. We’re all different, and what works for someone else might not always have the same results for you.
This said, here’s a rough blueprint, to help get you started.
1. Cleanse, gently
The foundation of any skincare routine is cleansing, but this step is especially crucial when you have PCOS.
You want to remove excess oil and impurities without stripping your skin of its natural moisture.
Look for a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that won’t irritate your skin or disrupt your skin barrier. Gel-based cleansers are particularly effective for oily skin because they clean without leaving a residue.
2. Exfoliate (but don’t overdo it)
Exfoliating is essential for keeping your pores clear and preventing breakouts, but over-exfoliating can lead to more harm than good.
For PCOS skin you’ll want to look for chemical exfoliants that incorporate salicylic acid, says team TRB fave, NHS doctor and skincare pro, Dr. Kemi Fabusiwa.
This ingredient helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, without the harshness and irritation of physical scrubs.
Start by aiming to exfoliate once or twice a week, depending on how your skin responds.
3. Use a balancing moisturizer
Even if you have oily skin, don’t skip moisturizer! It’ll help to balance your skin’s oil production and keep your skin barrier healthy.
Opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog your pores.
Gel-based or water-based moisturizers are often the best skincare for PCOS, because they provide hydration without feeling heavy or greasy.
4. Try topical treatments
If you’re dealing with active breakouts, you could try adding some targeted treatments into your routine here. This is also the step to incorporate any topical prescription treatments like retinoids.
Dr. Kemi recommends looking for products containing benzoyl peroxide – which is known for its acne-fighting properties. This ingredient works to reduce inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria, making it ideal for supporting PCOS acne.
If you struggle with ingrown facial hair, products containing benzoyl peroxide can also help soothe the skin. 1% hydrocortisone is also safe to use topically if inflamed and infected, says Dr. Kemi.
5. Stick with sun protection
Sun protection is a must for everyone, but it’s particularly important if you have PCOS. This is because many acne treatments, especially those containing acids or retinoids, can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Choose a light, non-greasy sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and make it the final step in the morning portion of your skincare routine.
Skincare products and practices to avoid with PCOS
If you’ve got PCOS, skincare products you might want to avoid include:
- peels and alcohol-based toners – both of which can dry out your skin an strip it of moisture
- harsh exfoliants and facial scrubs – these can irritate your skin and lead to more inflammation and breakouts
- heavy, pore-clogging ingredients – ingredients like mineral oil, lanolin, and certain silicones can clog your pores and lead to more breakouts
Be cautious with overly fragranced products, and skincare containing essential oils or artificial fragrances. Products like this can sometimes irritate the skin barrier, and make you more prone to redness and flare-ups.
Look at lifestyle, too
Ultimately, looking at lifestyle changes you can make to help settle the underlying hormonal imbalances that go hand in hand with PCOS can go a very long way to support your skin, as well as your other symptoms in general.
Here’s one fab at-a-glance toolkit, featuring team TRB fave, PCOS warrior and skincare oracle, Natalie O’Neill.
- Limit caffeine on an empty stomach – at least first thing in the morning
- Try eating carbs last – fibre, fat and protein intake before eating carbs might help to curb any blood sugar spikes
- Dessert as, well, dessert – having a meal before a sweet treat can also help with blood sugar control
- Practice good sleep hygiene – going to bed at the same time each night can help you get into the swing of this
- Stress-management is a must – figure out what that looks like for you, and stick to it
@natalie_oneillll One for ma PCOS ladies. There is so much info on daily habits, supplements, how to reduce hormonal acne by changing your diet, lifestyle etc – honestly it can be hard to just take action with ONE thing. These tips are tiny modifiers (and also free) to your everyday routine that will help control your pcos symptoms without buying anything or doing any research. #pcosawareness #pcoshacks #pcosskincare #pcosdiet #pcoslife #hormonalacne #hormonalimbalance #hirsutism #acnediet #acnefoods ♬ original sound – Natalie O’Neill
Managing PCOS oily skin and acne – the key takeaway
While PCOS may make your skin more prone to oiliness, acne and breakouts, working to find a skincare routine that works for you to help manage these symptoms will allow you to feel more confident and comfortable in your skin.
Looking after your skin with PCOS goes wider than a two-step cleanse approach though. Combining it with kick-ass lifestyle changes, and medical support where needed, is what the experts recommend.
And speaking of which – when it comes to specific concerns around PCOS, getting the expert perspective is key. Next, read up on our helpful library of content, for more support.
