I this post, I’d like to share with you how I cured my PCOS acne which I had since a very early age. The skin on my face was always super oily, textured and covered with acne. And only when I started balancing my hormones and implemented a solid skincare routine for my skin type, I saw real results.
Simply relying on topical treatments and skin medication to treat hormonal acne is not the best approach.
Therefore, it’s essential to focus on healing the body from within by making dietary and lifestyle changes that target hormonal imbalances. This approach involves incorporating nutrient-dense foods, stress management techniques, natural supplements that support hormonal balance, and some skincare products.
*
REASONS OF PCOS ACNE
Before I share how I cured my PCOS acne, I want that you fully understand the root causes of it. When you know the enemy, it’s easier to fight it, right? Here are some of the main reasons why women with PCOS are very prone to having acne:
- Excess Androgen Production
PCOS can cause an excess production of androgens, which are male hormones that are also present in women. Androgens cause the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce more oil, which leads to clogged pores and acne. Following the diet tips I share later in this post can really help to reduce the levels of androgens.
- Insulin Resistance
Many women with PCOS also have insulin resistance, which means that their bodies have trouble using insulin effectively. Insulin resistance can lead to high insulin levels, which can stimulate the production of androgens and contribute to acne.
- Inflammation
Inflammation is a common feature of PCOS, and it can contribute to the development of acne. Inflammation can cause the skin to become more sensitive to bacteria and other irritants, which can lead to breakouts.
- Stress
Stress is a common trigger for acne, and many women with PCOS experience high levels of stress. Stress can lead to an increase in androgen production, as well as inflammation, both of which can contribute to acne.
To sum up, PCOS can contribute to acne in a number of ways, including excess androgen production, insulin resistance, inflammation, and stress. Understanding these underlying factors can help us create a strategy on how to cure PCOS acne for good.
*
PCOS ACNE DIET
I believe that most effective way to treat PCOS acne is through diet. Choosing right foods and drinks can really help beat the reasons behind acne such as excess androgens, insulin resistance and inflammation.
Here’s what you need to know about the PCOS acne diet:
1) Focus on Low-Glycemic Index Foods
Foods that are high on the glycemic index (GI) can cause spikes in insulin levels, which can worsen PCOS acne. Therefore, it’s important to focus on low-GI foods that are slowly digested and absorbed. These include vegetables, whole grains, berries, nuts and legumes.
2) Choose Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Inflammation can also contribute to PCOS acne, so it’s important to choose foods that have anti-inflammatory properties. These include omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, nuts, and seeds, as well as fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants.
3) Avoid Inflammatory Foods
Processed foods, such as sugary snacks, white bread, and pasta, can cause spikes in insulin levels and contribute to inflammation, both of which can worsen PCOS acne. Avoid these foods and opt for whole, unprocessed foods instead.
I also highly recommend to ditch dairy products and alcohol. When you balance your hormones and your acne will go way, you may have occasional drinks or cheese but until then I would avoid it at all costs because these two things always made my acne worse.
For many people it’s super beneficial to reduce or completely cut out gluten. The thing is that gluten can cause inflammation in some people, particularly those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity. When someone with gluten intolerance or sensitivity consumes gluten-containing foods, their immune system may mount an inflammatory response that can cause damage to the intestinal lining and trigger systemic inflammation throughout the body. So if you know for sure that you are sensitive to gluten, definitely ditch it from your diet. Otherwise, try to reduce the amount you consume and see how you feel.
4) Add herbal teas
Certain herbal remedies can be very beneficial for you if you have PCOS acne. For example, spearmint tea has been shown to reduce androgen levels in women with PCOS. Other herbal teas such as licorice root, white peony, and ashwagandha may also be helpful in regulating hormone levels.
*
VITAMINS FOR PCOS ACNE
- Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in skin health. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce acne severity and frequency. Zinc also helps regulate hormone levels and supports immune function, which can be beneficial for women with PCOS.
- Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for bone health, immune function, and hormone regulation. Research has shown that low levels of vitamin D are associated with a higher risk of acne. Vitamin D also has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce acne severity and frequency.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that are found in oily fish, nuts, and seeds. They have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce acne severity and frequency. Omega-3 fatty acids also help regulate hormone levels and support immune function, which can be beneficial for women with PCOS.
- Inositol
Inositol is a B vitamin-like compound that plays a role in insulin signaling and hormone regulation. Research has shown that inositol may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce androgen levels in women with PCOS, which can be beneficial for managing acne.
- N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)
N-acetyl cysteine is an amino acid that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce androgen levels in women with PCOS, which can be beneficial for managing acne.
- Good probiotic supplement
Probiotics help balance your gut microbiome which improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. Check my blog post with the Best Probiotics for PCOS.
It’s important to note that while these vitamins and supplements may be beneficial for managing PCOS-related acne, they should not be used as a replacement for a healthy diet and lifestyle. Before taking any new vitamins or supplements, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
*
PCOS ACNE SKINCARE TIPS
To combat inflammation and to get rid of PCOS acne, it’s important to choose skincare products that contain ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the best ingredients to look for include soy, licorice, turmeric, oats, aloe vera, centella, green tea, chamomile, niacinamide, witch hazel, sea buckthorn oil, and vitamins C, D, and E.
Soy is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that contains essential fatty acids that create a protective barrier for reactive skin.
Licorice is an antioxidant that can reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin.
Turmeric is known for its wound-healing properties as it reduces inflammation and oxidation while lowering the body’s response to cutaneous wounds.
Oats are also great for binding to the skin and creating a protective barrier to soothe it. Additionally, oats can help to hold in moisture and ease inflammation. Aloe vera is another ingredient with anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe rashes and reduce redness.
Centella is rich in triterpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. It can help soothe and calm irritated skin, making it an ideal ingredient for those with sensitive or reactive skin.
Green tea is especially high in antioxidants, which can reduce free radicals and combat inflammation.
Chamomile is another ingredient that can help block signals in the body known as prostaglandins, which cause inflammation.
Lastly, niacinamide is a popular ingredient that can reduce inflammation and help ease redness from eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
*
STRESS REDUCTION
Stress can trigger the release of hormones that increase androgen levels. Practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help reduce stress and lower androgen levels.
AS A TAKEAWAY
To sum up all the tips from this post on “How do I get rid of PCOS acne”, I would recommend focusing on changing your diet in order to reduce inflammation, avoiding things that increase inflammation, adding PCOS supplements and managing your stress levels.
If you find this post useful, please share it using the social media links below.
xo,
Jane
Leave a Reply