If you’ve been dealing with persistent acne and have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), you’re not alone. Many women come to our clinic feeling confused and frustrated wondering why their breakouts just won’t go away, no matter how many products they try.
The truth is, acne in PCOS is different. It’s not just about oily skin, skin routine or ointments – it’s about hormones. And once we understand this root cause, we can treat it much more effectively.
Many are unfortunately unwilling to address this! I always wonder why? I strongly feel the need to treat it because as a medical personnel, I understand the multitude of effects it has on the body and not just causing acne or hair loss.
Why Does PCOS Cause Acne?
PCOS causes a hormonal imbalance in the body especially an increase in androgens (male hormones like testosterone and other similar ones) or imbalance in the female hormones. These changes can-
Make your oil glands go into overdrive
Increase clogged pores
Trigger deep, painful breakouts (often on the jawline, chin extending to the upper neck, and cheeks) &
Lead to acne that’s stubborn, cystic, and often resistant to normal skincare routines
This kind of acne tends to flare before your period, last longer, and may leave marks or scars behind.
“Why isn’t my usual acne treatment working?”
Because when acne is hormonal, surface-level treatments aren’t always enough. Face washes and creams can help reduce oil and inflammation to give a temporary relief, but they won’t fix the hormonal imbalance driving the breakouts. So most of the time, they pop up again leaving us frustrated.
In a patient who is not responding to the expected level with the first line creams and ointments and few antibiotics, I don’t see the point of adding on further oral medications.
How We approach PCOS Acne/resistant acne at Our Clinic?
Common acne responds to standardized treatment protocols in less than 2 months. We at Reflect skin and hair clinic, start with less aggressive treatments to begin with in all acne cases. But once we see a resistance to the first line drugs, we go on to investigate (blood reports and scans) to look deeper, and not simply add more drugs as mentioned.
Also Read: Why PCOS should be treated
Most often, the acne is associated with other features of hormonal imbalance like sparse hair, black neck, and chin hair growth.
The evaluation often results in deciphering any one of the underlying causes like PCOS / Secondary PCOS. By treating both the hormonal imbalance and the skin barrier simultaneously, attaining a clear skin becomes a reality.
Consult Your dermatologist to guide you better in your acne journey!
