Early PCOS symptoms are visible on the skin. Here are some natural treatments that suit your skin type.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 5-10% of reproductive-aged females. Women who share common PCOS complications may not necessarily share a common skin type. You may have dry, oily, sensitive, or mixed skin type.
This is why your skin deserves a personalized skincare routine.
For better skin care, you should know-
- What is your skin like, which depends on your dosha constitution
- It helps you in figuring out which foods and remedies may work for you and which ones to avoid.
Read further to put a stop to your PCOS skin problems and get radiant skin naturally.
How does PCOS affect your skin?
Your skin can reveal a lot about your health and underlying conditions. The early markers of PCOS are clearly visible on the skin in multiple ways and can differ in severity for each woman. Some PCOS skin problems are:
1. Hirsutism
High levels of male hormones in PCOS are responsible for excessive hair growth on a woman’s body. They can appear on the lower face like sideburns, chin, or upper lips. You may also notice coarse hair on your arms and legs.
2. Oiliness
High androgen levels cause your skin to produce sebum in large quantities. Due to this, you may have oily skin. As per Ayurveda, an aggravated Kapha dosha in PCOS leads to oiliness.
3. Persistent acne
Oily skin and clogged pores can lead to acne problems. On top of that, hormonal changes can cause your skin to break out. PCOS acne is not limited to the face but can appear on the back, neck, and chest.
4. Dryness
In PCOS, there is a disturbance in Vata dosha which can manifest as skin dryness. This dryness affects your body’s insides also. A dryness in reproductive organs in PCOS is related to infertility issues.
Other factors responsible for skin damage
With PCOS, skin problems are very common but sometimes there could be other factors at work other than hormonal fluctuation. These are-
- Exposure to sun
- Pollution
- Stress
- Smoking/Drinking
- Inadequate sleep
- Bad eating habits
- Bad hygiene
PCOS skin care – 5 ayurvedic remedies
1. Alum (Fitkari)
For women who use facial razors, alum can be used as a natural antiseptic and astringent.
It is highly beneficial in preventing infection after cuts during the shave, but it also has other cosmetic advantages.
It is a natural product used to combat greasy skin, spots, and acne. It can also be used as a natural deodorant as alum does not smell so it is good for those who are allergic to perfume.
Directions for use:
After washing or shaving the face, rub an alum block on your wet skin for 15-20 seconds. Let the powdery residue sit on your skin for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Rinse it off with plain cool water.
Benefits:
- Skin tightening
- Reduces oil production
- Reduces spots
- Fights pimple-causing bacteria
- Reduces hair growth
Precautions:
For those who have a dry skin type, using alum too often can aggravate the dryness, so avoid overdoing it. You may feel minor stinging on the area of open cuts but if it is not bearable, rinse your face right away.
2. Turmeric (Haldi)
A widely popular herb across the world, turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that can fight off your PCOS skin problems.
You can eat turmeric as a spice in food or apply its paste to the affected area, in both ways it yields therapeutic benefits for your skin.
In a study, it was found that turmeric reduces androgenic hair growth which is common in PCOS.
Directions for use:
Take half a teaspoon of turmeric powder, mix it with one tablespoon of besan (gram flour), and unflavored buttermilk or curd. Apply this thick paste on your skin evenly and leave it to dry for 10 minutes. Rinse with normal water.
Benefits:
- Clear skin
- Fights acne
- Moisturises skin
- Suppresses hair growth
Precautions:
Using too much turmeric can temporarily give your skin a yellowish hue.
3. Aloe vera gel
PCOS acne can make your skin highly prone to inflammation causing symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, heat, and pain.
Naturally derived aloe vera gel is the cheapest and the most effective remedy to treat PCOS skin problems.
Its pulp can both be applied externally and swallowed to get the most of its wonderful benefits.
Directions for use:
Wash your face and pat dry. Extract fresh aloe vera pulp from the leaves and apply it to the affected skin. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with plain water.
Benefits:
- Reduces skin redness and rashes
- Prevents bacteria build-up
- Improves skin texture
- Hydrates dry skin
Precautions
Mild irritation is often reported. If it becomes intolerable, rinse the pulp with cool water.
4. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties that reduce skin inflammation and hormonal acne. It is also great for women with PCOS skin problems or dry skin types.
In a clinical trial on 124 patients, the use of tea tree oil mixed with 5% benzoyl peroxide usage was observed to lessen the acne outbreak in just three months.
Direction for use:
Wash your face and pat dry. Apply 2-3 drops of tea tree oil on your face and rub gently to spread it evenly. Leave it overnight. You can also use it during the day but avoid being in dusty areas and wash it off after 6-7 hours of use to prevent clogged pores.
Benefits:
- Supple skin
- Radiant glow
- Fights germ and acne
- Slows skin-ageing
Precautions:
It may cause itching, stinging, and skin redness for some people. Do not swallow as tea tree oil is toxic upon swallowing.
5. Spearmint Tea
Spearmint tea is an excellent remedy for PCOS and PCOS skin problems. This herb improves fertility and regulates mood swings during periods.
Moreover, it is known for its anti-androgenic effects. Androgens are responsible for facial hair growth in women with PCOS. Spearmint tea consumption can help in reducing hair growth.
Direction for use:
Boil half a teaspoon of spearmint dried leaves. Avoid adding sugar to it. You can also enjoy an iced spearmint tea.
Benefits:
- Lifts moods
- Cures hirsutism
Precautions:
High amounts of spearmint tea are not safe during pregnancy.
Some tips for all skin types
- Give your skin a break. Do not use too many skincare products at once.
- Avoid jumping to new products as herbal remedies may take some time to show results but are generally more holistic.
- Keep your skin clean, shower every day, and avoid touching your face too much.
- Hydrate yourself. When you drink enough water, you flush out toxins through urine and sweat.
- Do not pop acne as this may lead to inflammation and can leave dark spots.
- Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Your inner health ultimately reflects on your skin.
- Avoid sun exposure after the early morning.
- Get enough sleep.
- Reduce stress.
Want an expert’s help? We’re here for you!
If it is PCOS, skin problems are not the only thing you must be concerned about. PCOS skin can not be permanently cured if you do not pay attention to the underlying health disorders.
Moreover, the remedies and dosage can differ from woman to woman. What you need is personalized help to understand your body and its needs.
At HealMeRight, you get an all-natural cure for your PCOS skin problems without any further side effects.
- You get online consultations with our experienced ayurvedic doctors that analyze your skin and body type to prescribe herbal medications.
- Regular yoga sessions to help you cure PCOS in the comfort of your own home.
- Followed by a health coach to monitor your progress and help you in your journey.
We help you reach your goal at each step of your PCOS recovery.
Check out more about how you can cure PCOS naturally, here.
To sum up
PCOS skin problems affect most women of reproductive age. The main problem lies inward which manifests in the form of outer symptoms.
PCOS, the endocrine disorder, along with its skin complications can be cured with the help of Ayurvedic treatment and remedies.
All these above-listed remedies and dosages are to be taken after consulting an experienced Ayurveda doctor, depending on your body type to get the maximum results and avoid any possible side effects.
FAQs
How can I clear my skin with PCOS?
You can manage your PCOS skin problems with the help of natural remedies. Avoid eating highly processed foods, fats, sugary foods, and spices, to get clear skin. Keep your skin clean and hydrated. The right combination of diet and detoxifying herbs can help you get flawless skin with PCOS acne treatment natural ways.
How does PCOS affect your face?
PCOS skin may have such features
- Dryness or oiliness
- Acne on face, chest, and/or back
- Hair on upper lips, sideburns, and chin
- Red inflamed skin with pain
- Sensitive skin prone to sunburns
Does PCOS cause dark skin?
PCOS may cause skin darkening and pigmentation. This could be due to insulin resistance which leads to discoloration of the skin near the underarms, feet, or neck areas.
How serious is PCOS?
Even though PCOS is generally related to reproductive health disorders, it can be dangerous to your health even if fertility is not one of your concerns. Untreated PCOS side effects include obesity, skin disorders, cardiovascular risks, hypothyroidism, and type-2 diabetes. These are all major health problems that can make it difficult for you to survive. Despite being so serious, PCOS can be effectively managed by the right diet, lifestyle, exercise, and herbal medicines.