PCOS occurs in women who have insensitivity to insulin. Females of reproductive age often suffer from PCOD. Find out how the condition can affect the skin of females.
Can PCOS Cause Acne?
PCOS leads to an overproduction of the hormone androgen in the body. Androgens cause the skin to produce sebum, an oily substance. Sebum and dead cells might build up inside hair follicles.
Therefore, bacteria get trapped under the skin. It causes inflammation and leads to the formation of pimples. People with PCOS might develop acne in the following areas:
- Face
- Upper back
- Chest
- neck
What Are Acanthosis Nigricans?
Women with PCOD often develop dark and velvety patches on the skin. The unsightly skin patches might appear on the face, neck, underarms, and inner thighs.
The patches appear around the lips, forehead, and under the eyes as well. Androgens affect the sweat gland units and lead to follicular and oily skin.
What is Hirsutism?
Another dermatological problem associated with PCOD is excessive hair growth in areas where it is usually absent or minimal.
Women with PCOS often observe excessive hair growth on the back, abdomen, chest, neck, and chin. Thinning of hair occurs on the scalp.
Both excessive hair growth and balding occur due to an overproduction of testosterone in the female body.
The Problem of Dry and Itchy Skin
Apart from the other skin conditions, PCOS also leads to dandruff and dry skin. The problem is more acute during winter. The cold air increases skin irritation.
Tips to Take Care of Your Skin When You Have PCOS
Some tips for women who suffer from PCOS are as follows:
1. Wash Your Face
Even if you don’t have PCOS, washing your face at least twice daily helps keep the skin clean. Wash your face after a workout session or any other activity that causes you to sweat.
2. Use a Non Abrasive Cleanser
Use a non-abrasive cleanser to clean your face. Use your fingertips instead of a sponge or washcloth.
3. Avoid Scrubbing
Exfoliating your face can help in removing blackheads. But too much scrubbing can trigger the growth of pimples.
4. Moisturize Your Skin
Investing in a good moisturizer will prevent your skin from becoming dry. Apply the moisturizer on your entire body after coming out of the shower.
You can keep applying it to your hands throughout the day if your hands are clean.
5. Avoid Alcohol Hand Rub and Fragrances
Alcohol-based sanitizers can make your hands dry. Choose a sanitizer that contains an emollient like aloe vera. Women with sensitive skin should avoid fragrances that can irritate the skin.
6. Avoid Hot Water
A warm shower is quite inviting, especially during the winter. But hot water can remove natural oils from your skin. Don’t spend too much time in saunas, hot baths, or hot tubs.
7. Visit a Dermatologist
Women with PCOS keep suffering from skin problems. Therefore, you should visit a dermatologist to get rid of the complicated skin issues. You can ask your dermatologist to recommend products to maintain a skincare regime.
Closing Thoughts
The best way to avoid dermatological problems related to PCOS is to manage the condition itself. Following a healthy diet and exercising regularly is quite beneficial for PCOS.
