PCOS and Your Skin: The Signs to Look For and How to Support It

September marks PCOS Awareness Month, shining a light on a condition that affects around 1 in 8 women worldwide – yet often goes undiagnosed for years.

PCOS (recently renamed to PMOS - Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome), can affect the body in many different ways, from menstrual cycles and fertility to hair growth, weight and skin. 

Despite the name, having ovarian cysts is not required for a PCOS diagnosis, hence the name change in May 2026.

For many women, it’s the changes to their skin that can be among the most visible and frustrating. Persistent breakouts, increased oiliness, congestion and lingering pigmentation are all commonly associated with PCOS, while others may also notice increased facial hair or thinning hair on the scalp.

These changes are often linked to higher levels or activity of androgens, which can stimulate the skin’s oil glands and contribute to excess sebum, clogged pores and acne.

Understanding how PCOS can show up in the skin is an important first step in knowing what to look for – and how to support your skin more effectively.

What are the most common skin symptoms of PCOS?

Because hormones can influence oil production, inflammation and hair growth, PCOS can show up in several visible ways.

Hormonal acne

One of the most common skin concerns associated with PCOS is persistent acne.

Breakouts often appear around the chin, jawline and lower face, although they may also affect the chest, shoulders and back. They can feel deeper and more inflamed than occasional blemishes and may repeatedly return in the same areas.

For some women, acne may also flare around their menstrual cycle or continue well beyond adolescence.

Increased oil production

Higher androgen activity can stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to increased oil production.

Skin may appear shinier through the day, become congested more easily or feel as though it needs constant cleansing.

It can be tempting to respond with harsh cleansers or aggressive exfoliation, but stripping the skin can compromise the barrier and leave it feeling both oily and dehydrated.

Congestion

Excess sebum can combine with dead skin cells and contribute to clogged pores, blackheads and whiteheads.

This is why PCOS-prone skin can often feel congested even when active breakouts are not especially severe.

Post-breakout pigmentation

Frequent inflammation can also leave behind visible marks after a blemish has healed.

These may appear red, brown or purple depending on your skin tone and can make the complexion look uneven long after active acne has subsided.

Increased facial or body hair

Some women with PCOS experience increased coarse or dark hair growth, particularly around the chin, upper lip, jawline, chest or abdomen.

This is known as hirsutism and is another common way increased androgen activity can present.

Thinning hair on the scalp

At the same time, PCOS can contribute to thinning hair on the scalp.

You may notice a widening part, reduced density around the hairline or more shedding than usual.

If you are experiencing several of these symptoms together, particularly alongside irregular periods or other hormonal changes, it may be worth speaking with your GP or healthcare practitioner.

What is the best skincare for PCOS?

There is no single skincare routine specifically for PCOS.

The most useful approach is to focus on what your skin is actually experiencing, whether that is excess oil, congestion, sensitivity, dehydration, inflammation or pigmentation.

For acne-prone skin in particular, a gentle, consistent and targeted routine is usually more supportive than trying to strip or aggressively exfoliate the skin.

Cleanse thoroughly, but gently

Cleansing helps remove excess oil, sunscreen, makeup and impurities that can contribute to congestion.

Look for a cleanser that leaves your skin feeling clean but comfortable, rather than tight or squeaky.

If you wear makeup or sunscreen, double cleansing in the evening can help remove buildup without relying on one overly harsh cleanse.

Use exfoliation strategically

Gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and support clearer-looking pores.

Salicylic acid is commonly used for oily and acne-prone skin because it can work within the pore, while other exfoliating acids may help improve skin texture and post-breakout marks.

The key is not to overdo it. Too much exfoliation can leave the skin barrier compromised, increasing redness, sensitivity and dehydration.

Prioritise hydration

Oily skin can still be dehydrated.

In fact, many breakout-prone routines rely so heavily on drying products that the skin ends up lacking water while continuing to produce excess oil.

Hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid can help replenish moisture without necessarily feeling heavy or occlusive.

Support the skin barrier

A strong skin barrier helps the skin retain moisture and better tolerate active ingredients.

Look for a routine that balances acne-targeting products with formulas that soothe, nourish and support the skin rather than making every step about controlling oil.

This becomes particularly important if your skin feels sensitive, tight or reactive alongside breakouts.

Address pigmentation gradually

If breakouts tend to leave lingering marks, ingredients that support skin renewal and even tone can be helpful over time.

Vitamin C, niacinamide and gentle exfoliating ingredients are commonly used to support brighter, more even-looking skin.

Consistency matters more than trying to fade pigmentation quickly.

Wear SPF every day

Daily sun protection is one of the most important steps for anyone dealing with post-breakout pigmentation.

UV exposure can make existing pigmentation appear darker and more persistent, so using a broad-spectrum sunscreen each morning helps protect the skin while supporting a more even-looking complexion over time.

A more considered approach to PCOS-prone skin

PCOS can present differently in every woman, and the same is true of the skin.

Rather than trying to fight oiliness or breakouts with an increasingly complicated routine, focus on the fundamentals: cleanse gently, keep congestion under control, replenish hydration, protect the skin barrier and wear SPF daily.

Most importantly, pay attention to patterns.

If your skin has changed significantly, your breakouts feel unusually persistent, or several seemingly unrelated symptoms are appearing at once, your skin may be giving you a reason to look a little deeper.