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acne associated with pcos?

samlegend300
samlegend300 Posts: 1
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I have recently developed acne on my upper arms and back and i assume it is to do with pcos since it is one of the symptoms. I've been diagnosed with pcos quite recently but ive known for a while that i had it. The acne it's too bad at the moment but with summer on its way i feel i need to treat my skin soon...does anyone have any tips? any creams, ointments etc?

Replies

  • saraha789
    saraha789 Posts: 15
    Hello friend! I struggle with acne because of PCOS as well. I'm not really sure if my advice will help you, but I'll give it a go :) I use the Dove soap bars to cleanse my skin and sometimes the Babyganics body wash for eczema, cuz I have really sensitive skin. It seems to have helped my acne a lot and my eczema. Birth control meds have helped my acne as well. It was getting to the point where I couldn't take it anymore. Clean and Clear acne cream helps the spots on my face to. I hope this helps, everybody's skin is different so it may take some time to find what's best for you. Good luck!
  • jstout365
    jstout365 Posts: 1,686 Member
    I have moderate acne on my body all related to the hormone imbalance of PCOS and have had it since I was in my teens. I use both a salicylic acid wash and a benzoyl peroxide wash every day to help reduce the acne. I will use one in the morning when I shower and then the other at night. Each target different types of acne so I like to use them both (just not at the same time). I also use a benzoyl peroxide cream on new spots until they appear to be reducing.

    With the recent start to this for you, have you just started working out more? I ask this because I notice an increase in acne when I spend extra time in sweaty gym clothes.

    One thing you should consider doing is seeing a dermatologist if you can. Getting it under control early on can help with the long term.
  • getfitgal123
    getfitgal123 Posts: 267 Member
    Yes I developed some acne on my back and neck/jaw. Also oddly enough on the back of my thighs. I use proactiv products. They have a good salicylic acid body wash that comes in a large container. Also I found that using a back scrubber helps to cleanse all areas completely. (Like that hard to reach spot in the middle of the back!)

    Good luck, I know it sucks, especially in the summer.
  • RenaTX
    RenaTX Posts: 345 Member
    HI there getfitgal123 -

    Yes acne is an unfortunate fact with PCOS. For years I had cystic acne ( the type that is a big boil that rarely goes to head) on my chin. Supposedly this is commonly considered hormonal acne.

    The supposed reason for this is due to testosterone being converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This is also the cause for women with PCOS to have thinning hair.

    Back in 2011 I was placed on birthcontrol reclipsen which completely stopped all cystic acne. I was thrilled. I had been on birthcontrol before in the past and didn't have the same results. In May of 2013 I was put on a off brand of reclipsen and my cystic acne came back at full force. I had cystic pimples under my breast, my thighs, stomach, buttocks, just about everywhere but my chin this time lol.

    After researching what could possible help I tried a few things. I got off gluten and I started taking Hemp oil. Gluten is thought of to be one cause for PCOS. Hemp oil has GLA which helps to balance hormones and it supposedly helps to block DHT. I've had some really great success controlling the acne this way.

    This month I started taking Saw Palmetto which is also a DHT blocker and have seen some results. I've also had a few days with gluten , did develop an additional cystic acne under my breast but it went away rather easily with some tea tree oil.

    I haven't been really consistent with taking the Hemp oil since I started the Saw Palmetto but I'm going to eventually experiment with seeing how things are after I re-introduce gluten and sticking to the Hemp and Saw Palmetto.

    Just some additional information. Evening Primrose oil and Borage Oil both also have GLA but Hemp is the highest source of GLA I've found.

    2 tsp of it has 300 mg where EVO has 240mg in 3 tblspoons and Borage has 240mg in 2 tblspoons. You can find hemp at Cost Co for $9.99 for a 24ml bottle right now.

    For Saw Palmetto I use Nature's Way brand which has the 585mg of it per capsule which is the highest amount I've found so far.

    Best of Luck!

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