Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is something that affects so many of us women, not only does it affect our fertility, but the hormonal imbalances it can cause have truly crushing kick on effects on our skin. This is a topic so near to my heart, so I wanted to break down some ingredients that can naturally help to alleviate the skin issues we PCOS ladies face.
First up, the dreaded hormonal acne!
This is one of the most common skin issues in women with PCOS. Elevated androgen levels can increase sebum production, leading to clogged pores and acne breakouts. These breakouts can be severe and often occur on the face, chest, and back.
Here’s how it happens:
- Increased Sebum Production
Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce more sebum. Excess sebum can mix with dead skin cells and clog hair follicles, creating an environment where bacteria thrive, leading to inflammation and acne formation.
2. Inflammation
The clogged pores then become inflamed, resulting in pimples, pustules, or cystic acne, which can be painful and difficult to treat.
3. Altered Skin Cell Turnover
Hormonal imbalances can also affect the rate at which skin cells are shed and replaced. This can lead to a buildup of dead skin cells on the skin's surface, contributing to clogged pores and acne.
Next up, that stubborn hyperpigmentation!
We may experience darkening of the skin in certain areas, including under the eyes and in the folds of the skin.
Here’s how it occurs:
1. Insulin Resistance
In PCOS, the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. To compensate, the body produces more insulin, leading to hyperinsulinemia (high levels of insulin in the blood).
2. Stimulation of Skin Cells
This excess insulin can stimulate skin cells to grow more rapidly, particularly in areas where the skin folds or creases. This rapid growth can cause the skin to thicken and darken.
3. Increased Melanin Production
Insulin resistance can also trigger an increase in melanin production, the pigment that gives skin its color. This results in dark patches on the skin.
Managing this frustrating acne and hyperpigmentation typically involves a multifaceted approach. Now I am aware, that most of us also have so many other things to be concerned with, so simplicity & effectiveness is key here. This is where using natural vitamins can really help!
My Perfect Skin Kit is a simple, straightforward, and most importantly, effective way to address acne & hyperpigmentation.
Here’s how it helps address the PCOS acne!
Vitamin A
This helps to decrease inflammation and limit oil production, helping to keep pores clear.
Zinc
The anti-inflammatory properties of Zinc helps to soothe acne flare-ups and promote skin healing.
White Willow Bark Extract
This is a natural form of salicylic acid, which helps to clear and unclog pores, reducing breakouts.
Burdock Root Extract
This natural compound possesses both antimicrobial & antibacterial properties that help kill acne causing bacteria on the skin and reduce inflammation.
Echinacea Purpurea Root
Not only is this fantastic for our immunity, but this natural compound helps soothe the redness & inflammation that comes along with acne.
Hyaluronic Acid
This compound gives your skin a big ole internal drink. This internal drink helps maintain skin hydration without clogging pores, supporting overall skin health.
Probiotics
Incorporating probiotics helps to balance our gut microbiome, which helps to reduce systemic inflammation, PLUS repair & strengthen our skin barrier, reducing acne flare-ups.
Now onto how it helps with hyperpigmentation!
Vitamin C
This wonder vitamin helps to brighten skin, fade dark spots, and reduce pigmentation.
Licorice Root
This is a total wonder compound for hyperpigmentation as it helps lighten pigmentation and reduce dark patches, marks, and spots.
Pomegranate Fruit Extract
This vibrant fruit is not only tasty, but it is phenomenal for our skin as it helps fade pigmentation and discoloration, promoting a smooth complexion.
Vitamin E
This vitamin is incredibly nourishing on our PCOS skin and it helps reduce hyperpigmentation, contributing to an even skin tone.
Dragon's Blood Powder
Improves skin tone and reduces discoloration.
Hyaluronic Acid:
By keeping the skin well-hydrated, hyaluronic acid can improve skin texture and appearance, making hyperpigmented areas less noticeable.
Probiotics:
Now in addition to their acne benefits, the improvement in our skin barrier function and inflammation reduction that probiotics deliver, really help mitigate post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation!
I made sure to include all of these ingredients in my Perfect Skin Kit as they work synergistically to address both acne and hyperpigmentation, helping to improve overall skin health and reduce the frustrating skin issues that PCOS can cause us.
Talk Soon,
K xx
