PCOS is a hormonal condition in women, but most of its symptoms show up on the skin. According to the National Institutes of Health, around 68% of people with PCOS have visible skin issues.
We are talking about acne, pigmentation, rough texture, facial hair, oily skin, and more. These symptoms feel worse when you are getting ready for big events or need your skin to look smooth under makeup.
The good news? You can easily manage these skin problems with the right routine and well-timed treatments.
And, since September is both PCOS Awareness Month and the start of London Fashion Week, we have created a practical and fashion-week-ready guide to help you deal with common PCOS skin concerns.
This guide is developed with input from Light Touch Clinic, a doctor-led skin clinic in Surrey. It covers what actually works – skincare routines, PCOS hair removal, and simple ways to fade post-acne marks and redness.
What Is PCOS and How It Affects Your Skin
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects how the body controls insulin and produces certain hormones like androgens – male hormones that women also have in smaller amounts.
When insulin levels are high, the ovaries often make more androgens. This hormonal imbalance is what leads to many of the visible symptoms on the skin.
According to the World Health Organization, PCOS affects about 6 to 13 out of every 100 women of reproductive age. And around 70% of them don’t even know they have it.
Here are the most common skin changes linked to PCOS:
Acne and oily skin
Higher androgen levels in PCOS can cause the oil glands to produce too much sebum. This makes the skin greasy and more prone to clogged pores and long-lasting breakouts – especially around the jawline and cheeks.
Unwanted facial hair (Hirsutism)
Excess hair growth is one of the most visible signs of PCOS. Dark and coarse hair may appear on the chin, upper lip, chest, or stomach. It can grow quickly and come back soon after shaving or waxing.
Scalp thinning
While facial hair increases, hair on the scalp may start thinning – especially along the parting line or crown. This is called androgenic alopecia and is more common than people think.
Pigmentation and dark patches
PCOS can cause dark marks to appear after breakouts. These are called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and they tend to fade more slowly in people with PCOS. Some also develop Acanthosis Nigricans. These are dark and thick patches on the neck, underarms, or groin, often linked to insulin resistance.
Rough or uneven texture
Chronic breakouts and inflammation leave the skin feeling bumpy or uneven. Even when acne clears, the texture doesn’t always return to normal right away.
Fashion-Week-Ready Guide for PCOS Skin
Here is a proven routine that helps with common PCOS skin concerns. It keeps your skin ready for makeup during busy days.
1. AM Routine – Start Your Day with Calm Skin
Morning care for PCOS skin should be simple and steady. The goal is to reduce oiliness, calm inflammation, and protect against sun damage.
Gentle cleanser
Start with a mild and non-foaming cleanser. It should clean without stripping the skin. Over-washing or using harsh scrubs often makes acne and oil worse.
Azelaic acid or niacinamide
Both are effective for PCOS-related skin problems.
- Azelaic acid helps reduce acne, calms redness, and lightens dark spots.
- Niacinamide controls excess oil, strengthens the skin barrier, and evens tone.
Use one of these after cleansing. Apply a thin layer over the whole face before moisturiser.
Moisturiser
Even oily skin needs hydration. Pick a lightweight and non-comedogenic moisturiser to prevent dryness and support skin healing.
Sunscreen – SPF 30 or higher
This step is very important. Sunscreen prevents new dark spots from forming and protects against premature ageing. Choose a broad-spectrum formula suited for oily or acne-prone skin.
2. Night Routine for PCOS Skin
Evening care is when your skin gets the most chance to heal. A steady night routine can reduce inflammation and fade marks over time.
Cleanser
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Avoid scrubs and harsh foaming gels
Retinoid or azelaic acid
Retinoids like adapalene or tretinoin help unclog pores and speed up cell turnover. Azelaic acid is a good alternative if retinoids feel too strong. It fights acne and lightens dark marks.
Here is how to use them:
- Pick one
- Retinoid two to three nights a week to start
- Azelaic acid on nights you skip the retinoid
- Apply a pea-sized amount to your skin at night
- Do not layer both on the same night
Moisturiser
Finish with a simple cream containing ceramides or hyaluronic acid to reduce dryness.
3. Shaving and Make-Up Tips – What to Do and How to Do It
PCOS skin often needs small adjustments for smoother makeup application. So, follow these PCOS hair removal and make-up tips:
Shave before makeup
Do this the night before using a clean razor and shaving gel.
Avoid waxing if you get PIH. Threading can also irritate. Shaving is often the best option for PCOS hair removal.
Base setup
Use a primer with niacinamide or green tint to setup the base for make-up. Make sure you pick a satin or semi-matte foundation, apply thin layers and press into the skin.
Finishing touches
Set your makeup with a fine silica powder to keep shine away. Add a cool-toned highlighter for glow, and keep contour soft to avoid drawing attention to uneven texture.
Focus on brows and hairline
If scalp thinning is a concern, use a brow pencil or powder to fill sparse areas. This creates balance and frames the face without drawing attention to hair loss.
4. Tips for PIH Care – Fading Dark Marks and Patches
PIH and dark patches take longer to fade in PCOS. So, here is what you can do to avoid and get rid of them:
Sun protection
Sunscreen is the first step. You should use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning.
Proven ingredients that help
Here are the ingredients you can use to help fade the spots.
- Retinoids and azelaic acid from your routine already help fade marks.
- For stubborn spots, look for niacinamide, alpha arbutin, or tranexamic acid.
Habits that help
- Do not pick spots
- Swap hot face waxing for shaving if you get marks
- Keep routines simple to avoid irritation
Professional options
For stubborn pigmentation, you can consider doctor-led treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, or laser at Light Touch Clinic.
PCOS Hair Removal – What Works and What to Avoid
Unwanted hair growth is one of the most stressful PCOS symptoms. But there are many options available to get rid of them. Here is what works best.
Before we start, here is a quick fact:
More than 80% of women who have excess facial or body hair are found to have PCOS.
Shaving
Shaving is safe for sensitive skin and less likely to cause ingrown hairs than waxing. But make sure you always use a clean razor and shave in the direction of hair growth. Also, do not forget to use a soothing gel or moisturiser after PCOS hair removal.
Waxing and threading
These methods pull hair from the root but may cause redness or even pigmentation if done often. For PCOS skin, waxing is not always a good option.
Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is one of the most effective long-term solutions for PCOS hair growth. It targets the hair follicle and reduces regrowth over time.
According to clinical research, laser hair removal can cut facial hair growth in PCOS patients by 37 to 72% after just three sessions.
At medical clinics like Light Touch Clinic, expert doctors supervise laser hair removal treatments. This makes them safer and more effective for hormonal hair growth.
Electrolysis
This method destroys individual hair follicles using heat or chemical energy. It works well for small areas like the chin or upper lip and is suitable for all skin tones.
Final thoughts
PCOS can make skin care feel like a constant struggle, but the right steps can change that. With simple routines and professional treatments, it is possible to manage breakouts and control hair growth.
Your skin deserves care that works for you, and every small step helps you feel more confident – on fashion week days and every other day too.
