PCOS stands for a common, but not life threatening condition for females called polycystic ovary syndrome. The condition impacts how female ovaries function: PCOS can result in fertility problems, as well as irregular periods or absent periods, weight gain, thinning hair and female hair loss, acne, and it can also be linked to skin pigmentation (i.e., PCOS hyperpigmentation).
Most women discover they have PCOS when they try to become pregnant. Polycystic ovary syndrome tends to show up early in life for women, it often becomes apparent in the late teens or early 20s.
Since PCOS is not a commonly discussed skincare issue, we have pulled together information about polycystic ovary syndrome and how it can discolour the skin causing dark patches on the body.
PCOS Causes
According to the NHS, the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, yet most clinical evidence links it to abnormal hormone levels. Here are common causes of PCOS.
- Excess insulin
- Inflammation
- Heredity
- Excess androgen
Does PCOS cause pigmentation? Yes, it seems that skin pigmentation can be a symptom of PCOS, along with acne, excessive hair growth, and hair loss.
Talk to your GP if you are experiencing some of the typical symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. One thing they will probably advise is for you to have a hormone blood test.
Can PCOS cause skin pigmentation?
Considering that PCOS is something most people have never heard about, acne and skin pigmentation are the two most common symptoms.
For individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome, they may experience skin darkening in their armpits, on their neck, and in skinfolds. And it is also worth noting, since we are talking about skincare, that for many women PCOS can cause excessively dry or oily skin.
Este Medical has two proven and popular skincare treatments to address PCOS skin pigmentation and badly dry or oily PCOS skin:
To determine which skincare treatment is best suited to your PCOS skin condition, send us a message through our website to book an Este Visia Digital Skin Analysis.
How To Remove Pigmentation Due To PCOS
Here are ways you can address PCOS skin discoloration. If the extent of your PCOS hyperpigmentation is not great, you could try at-home products from the drugstore that contain ingredients like: vitamin C, azelaic acid, kojic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and niacinamide.
Topical lotions and creams that are formulated for skin lightening may help, but the results could take longer than you want.
Professional PCOS Skin Pigmentation Removal
If you are bothered by PCOS dark patches of skin, then there are cosmetic clinic treatments that will correct and even out your skin tone.
At Este Medical we strongly recommend the cosmelan peel for PCOS hyperpigmentation treatments. Cosmelan peel treatments will help to eliminate and control skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation on the face and body.
We have amazing Este client reviews about their cosmelan peel treatments. Este Medical Group has a 5-star reputation treating mild to extreme skin pigmentation.
Find out if a cosmelan peel is right for you!
Other effective treatments available at Este Medical UK that also address PCOS symptoms like skin pigmentation, acne and oily skin, and dryness include:
Contact us, and talk to a skincare expert about the best skin pigmentation PCOS treatment for you to reach your aesthetic and beauty goals.
If you are experiencing PCOS symptoms, we have several cosmetic face and body treatments to alleviate them, such as laser hair removal, mesotherapy for hair loss, and the highly effective cosmelan peel for skin pigmentation.
If this is something you are going through, let us help you feel better about your appearance. Find an Este Medical clinic near you and get in touch.
Last Updated:
June 22, 2023