If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), you know it affects much more than hormones and cycles. For many women, one of the most visible and frustrating symptoms of PCOS is how it shows up on the skin: persistent breakouts, excess oil, dark patches, facial hair, and texture changes.
At Emogene & Co., we believe skin issues tied to PCOS deserve understanding, not judgment—and most importantly, a skincare routine that respects the skin as an organ, not a flaw. In this blog, we’ll walk through what’s going on under the surface, what makes PCOS-related skin concerns worse, and what your skin really needs to thrive.
What’s Happening Beneath the Surface?
PCOS is a hormonal disorder marked by an imbalance of androgens—particularly elevated testosterone levels. These hormonal shifts don’t just affect your cycles or energy levels—they also influence how your skin behaves.
Key Effects on Skin:
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Overproduction of oil (sebum) can lead to clogged pores and breakouts
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Overproduction of keratin can lead to sticky, congested pores
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Chronic, cyclical breakouts especially along the jawline and chin
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Skin inflammation and slower wound healing
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Hyperpigmentation especially post-acne
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Sensitivity or dryness especially if you’re taking hormone-regulation medications
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Hirsutism (facial hair growth)
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Acanthosis nigricans (dark, velvety patches often found on the neck, underarms, or inner thighs)
What Makes PCOS Skin Worse?
Your skin can’t be treated in isolation—it’s a reflection of what’s happening inside your body. These factors can worsen PCOS-related skin concerns:
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Harsh, drying skincare: Stripping the skin of oil often triggers more oil production; avoid products that contain alcohol
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Skipping moisturizer: Oily or acne-prone skin still needs hydration
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High-glycemic foods: Diets high in sugar and refined carbs can spike insulin and androgen levels
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Stress: Chronic stress drives hormonal imbalance and inflammation
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Pore-clogging products: Look for “non-comedogenic” on your skincare labels
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Surging testosterone levels: Often during ovulation or high-stress times
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Insulin resistance: Can trigger more androgen production
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Inflammatory diets: High in processed sugars or dairy
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Skipping proper cleansing: Can lead to buildup of makeup, oil, and bacteria
What Your Skin Actually Needs
The goal is to support your skin’s barrier, keep pores clean and clear, reduce inflammation, and balance oil production. Here's what your skin craves when navigating PCOS:
✅ A Thoughtful Cleanse
Over-cleansing and over-exfoliating may feel like you're fighting the oil, but they often make PCOS-related breakouts worse. Your skin needs gentle but effective cleansing that removes excess oil without stripping all of the oil from your face.
Double cleansing at night is essential. Start with a balm like our Fortiphy Facial Cleansing Balm to melt away sunscreen, makeup, and excess oil. Follow with Refresh Gel Cleanser to deeply purify without overdrying.
Why this matters: PCOS skin often has a buildup of oil and dead skin cells that trap bacteria. If not removed properly, this leads to more frequent and deeper breakouts.
✅ Pore-Supportive Actives
Your pores need help staying clean without getting irritated. These products can strip the skin and be harsh (if overused), but they do serve a purpose in hormonal acne related to PCOS. The key is a balanced, personalized routine for your unique skin by starting conservatively and increasing as needed/tolerated. We recommend:
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2% Salicylic Acid for active breakouts (Paula’s Choice 2% SA)
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that works by unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and keeping oil levels in check—perfect for hormone-driven breakouts.
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Emogene’s Renew Facial Toner (0.75% SA) for less frequent acne or sensitive skin types
This toner softens the skin and refines the appearance of pores for a healthy-looking complexion. It clears the skin of surface debris, pollution particles, and residual impurities.
✅ Gentle Cell Turnover Support
Cell turnover is the natural process by which the skin sheds dead cells and replaces them with new, healthy ones from deeper layers. Support healthy skin renewal with:
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Glow Vitamin C Serum – promotes cell turnover and has antioxidant support. It will help boost collagen, brighten, and reduce post-acne marks.
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Prime Niacinamide Facial Serum – calms redness, reduces pore appearance, and hydrates. It is anti-inflammatory and reduces oil production which reduces the number of breakouts directly. Vitamin C can be a game-changer, but if your skin is sensitive, niacinamide is a great alternative for cell turnover that is gentler for the skin.
✅ Barrier-Friendly Hydration
Hormonal skin is more prone to inflammation and slow healing. Hydrating, antioxidant-rich products help reinforce the skin barrier, reduce redness, and promote repair.
It’s tempting to skip moisturizer when your skin feels oily—but don’t! That only tells your skin to make more oil. Instead:
Hydrate Moisture Accelerator – delivers hydration without heaviness. It is an oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizer.
✅ Consider a Retinoid at Night
Retinoids are a gold standard in treating hormonal and PCOS-related acne. They help increase skin cell turnover, prevent clogged pores, and reduce the appearance of dark spots from past breakouts.
You can start with over-the-counter options like Differin Acne Treatment Gel, which is gentle but effective, or talk to your provider about prescription options if needed.
Pro Tip: Apply a pea-sized amount of your retinoid after your hydrating serum. Start with 2–3 nights per week and work up as tolerated.
✅ Protect Every Morning
Sunscreen is non-negotiable. It prevents post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and protects against premature aging, which can be accelerated in PCOS skin due to chronic inflammation.
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Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (with SPF 15) – hydrates, protects, and improves the appearance of pores, blemishes, redness, and wrinkles with every wear.
Radiant is a tinted, airbrushing moisturizer with SPF 15 that provides a sheer, radiant finish. While it offers light sun protection, dermatologists typically recommend using an SPF of 45 or higher daily for full coverage—especially during extended sun exposure. For best results, layer a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen over Radiant.
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Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36 – lightweight, tinted sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection while hydrating the skin and delivering a soft, radiant glow.
✅ Weekly Deep Cleanse
Use a detox mask no more than once a week to remove impurities trapped deep in the pores. Our Local Detox Facial Mask doubles as a spot treatment for active breakouts.
Bonus Care Tips for PCOS Skin:
💊 Talk to your doctor about internal support:
Managing insulin resistance and hormone levels through medication or supplements (like inositol or zinc) can drastically improve your skin from the inside out.
🥦 Support your skin with food:
Low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory diets rich in omega-3s, leafy greens, and fiber support hormonal balance and reduce breakouts.
😴 Prioritize rest and reduce stress:
Sleep and mindfulness aren’t just good for your mind—they regulate cortisol, the “stress hormone” that can worsen PCOS skin flare-ups.
Final Thoughts:
PCOS skin can fluctuate just like your hormones do. Some days you’ll glow effortlessly; others may feel like a step backwards. That’s okay. The key is consistency, support, and knowing you’re not alone in the process. It can feel overwhelming—but it’s not a life sentence. With a thoughtful skincare routine, internal balance, and the right support, your skin can heal and thrive. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
At Emogene & Co., we’re here to walk with you on your journey to calm, clear, healthy skin—PCOS and all.
