Why Does Acne Occur With PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a common hormone condition that affects many women. One of its frustrating symptoms is acne, which often shows up on the face, jawline, chest, and back. This acne is not just regular teenage breakouts. It happens because of changes deep inside the body linked to PCOS.
The main reason starts with hormones called androgens. These are male hormones like testosterone that everyone has a little of, but in PCOS, levels get too high. High androgens make oil glands in the skin grow bigger and produce more oil, or sebum. This extra oil clogs hair follicles, trapping dead skin cells and bacteria. The result is red, inflamed pimples.
Insulin plays a big role too. Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, where the body does not use insulin well. This causes higher insulin levels in the blood. High insulin tells the ovaries to make even more androgens, worsening the oil production and acne. It also ramps up inflammation in the skin, making breakouts more severe.
Inflammation is another key factor. PCOS often involves low-level ongoing inflammation throughout the body. This stirs up the skin, making it easier for acne to form and stick around. Sometimes, changes in skin bacteria add to the problem.
Genetics can make someone more likely to get PCOS and its acne. The exact way it all starts is not fully known, but family history matters. These factors work together: hormones, insulin, inflammation, and more. That is why PCOS acne feels tough to treat with just face washes. It needs a look at the whole body.
Sources
https://v6clinics.com/blogs/pcos-acne-treatment-wbgjy2t
https://v6clinics.com/blogs/pcos-hormonal-acne-treatment-wbgjy2c
https://www.asterdmhealthcare.com/health-library/hormonal-imbalances-in-pcos-role-of-estrogen-progesterone-and-androgens
https://www.clairepettitt.com/blog/polyphenols-and-pcos-a-natural-approach-to-wellness
https://www.k31.ru/en/service/ginekologiya/sindrom-polikistoznyh-yaichnikov.html
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41370421/?fc=None&ff=20251219153917&v=2.18.0.post22+67771e2
