Key Takeaways
- PCOS can cause recurring acne.
- Hormonal changes can increase skin oil.
- PCOS acne may need medical treatment.
- Gentle skincare can help protect your skin.
- Persistent or painful acne needs medical advice.
PCOS acne is a common skin concern. It is linked to hormonal changes in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Higher androgen activity can increase oil production in the skin, which may lead to blocked pores, pimples and recurring breakouts. You may notice these breakouts around the chin, jawline, face, neck, chest or back. If you have PCOS and keep getting breakouts, we suggest looking beyond your skincare routine. Let us look at why PCOS causes acne, what hormonal acne may look like and what can help you manage it.
Can PCOS cause Acne?
Yes, PCOS can cause acne. Hormonal changes in PCOS can increase androgen activity, which may make your skin produce more oil. Extra oil can mix with dead skin cells and block your pores, leading to pimples and repeated breakouts.
PCOS-related acne is often seen in women with other PCOS symptoms, such as irregular periods, excess facial hair or scalp hair thinning. However, acne by itself does not mean you have PCOS. A doctor will look at your other symptoms and health history before identifying the cause. [NIH information on PCOS symptoms]
Why Does PCOS cause Acne?
Hormones play a big role in how your skin behaves. In PCOS, androgen levels can be higher than usual for some women. These hormones can make the oil glands more active, leaving more oil on the skin.
When oil, dead skin cells and bacteria build up inside a pore, the pore can become blocked. This can lead to inflammation and different types of acne, including painful or deeper pimples.
PCOS can also involve insulin resistance. If you want to understand the condition in more detail, our guide to PCOS causes, symptoms and treatment covers the wider picture.
How Hormones Affect Your Skin
Hormones can change how much oil your skin produces. In PCOS, higher androgen activity can make the oil glands work harder, which may set the stage for acne.
Here is the process in simple terms:
- More androgen activity: Oil glands may become more active.
- More skin oil: Extra oil can collect inside pores.
- Blocked pores: Oil and dead skin cells can clog the pores.
- Inflammation: A blocked pore can become red, swollen or painful.
- Repeated breakouts: New pimples may keep appearing when the hormonal changes continue.
This is why PCOS acne can be stubborn for some women. Treating the skin alone may not address the hormonal factors involved.
Common Signs of PCOS Acne
PCOS acne can look like other forms of hormonal acne, so the skin alone cannot confirm that PCOS is the cause. You may notice breakouts that keep returning, oily skin, red or inflamed pimples, or deeper spots that feel sore. Some women also find that their acne continues well into adulthood or becomes more noticeable around the chin and jawline. If acne comes along with irregular periods, excess facial hair or scalp hair thinning, it is worth discussing the pattern with your doctor.
How Is PCOS Acne Different from Regular Acne?
PCOS acne can look much like regular acne, so you cannot tell the cause from the pimples alone. The main difference is the hormonal pattern behind the breakouts. PCOS-related acne may keep returning because of hormonal changes linked to the condition.
Look at the bigger picture rather than the acne alone. PCOS may also cause:
- Irregular or missed periods
- Excess facial or body hair
- Scalp hair thinning
- Weight changes
If acne appears along with these signs, speak with your doctor. They can assess your symptoms and decide whether PCOS or another hormonal issue may be involved.
Treat the PCOS and the Acne
Treating PCOS acne usually means looking at both the skin and the hormonal factors behind it. Your doctor may suggest acne medicines, hormonal treatment or other PCOS treatment based on your symptoms and whether you are planning a pregnancy. Your overall PCOS care can include regular physical activity and a balanced eating pattern. Our PCOD diet chart can give you more ideas for planning your meals.
Some treatments used for PCOS-related acne include:
- Topical acne medicines: These are applied directly to the skin.
- Hormonal treatment: Certain medicines may help control androgen-related symptoms.
- Anti-androgen medicines: These may be prescribed for some women when appropriate.
Can PCOS Acne Go Away?
Yes, PCOS acne can improve with the right care. Some women notice fewer breakouts when their PCOS is managed and acne treatment is started. For others, acne may return from time to time, so ongoing care may be needed. [AAD guidelines]
Give your skin some time to respond to treatment rather than changing products every few days. If your acne remains painful, keeps returning or is leaving dark marks or scars, speak with your dermatologist. If you are noticing acne along with other changes in your body, our guide to PCOS symptoms and early signs may help you understand what to look for.
When should you consult a doctor?
If your acne keeps coming back or does not improve with basic skin care, talk to your doctor. You should also get medical advice if your pimples are painful, deep or leaving scars.
It is a good idea to talk to your doctor if acne comes with irregular periods, extra facial hair or hair thinning on your scalp. These signs may point to a hormonal problem such as PCOS.
Your doctor can check your symptoms and suggest the right treatment for your skin and PCOS.
Summary
PCOS can be one reason behind recurring acne, mainly because of hormonal changes that affect your skin. The breakouts may improve when you manage PCOS and use suitable acne treatment. We suggest keeping your skincare routine gentle and giving treatment enough time to work. If your acne is painful, keeps returning or comes with irregular periods, excess facial hair or scalp hair thinning, speak with your doctor.
References
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (n.d.). What are the symptoms of PCOS? National Institutes of Health. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pcos/conditioninfo/symptoms
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (n.d.). What causes PCOS? National Institutes of Health. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pcos/conditioninfo/causes
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2024). Acne clinical guideline. https://www.aad.org/member/clinical-quality/guidelines/acne
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