Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 1 in 10 women. While it’s often spoken about in relation to fertility, it can also bring frustrating skin and hair changes, from stubborn acne to unwanted hair growth, that impact confidence day to day. The good news? With the right support, these symptoms can be managed.
That’s why we’ve teamed up with Clare Goodwin, Registered Nutritionist at Ovie, to answer common questions about PCOS. From myths and misconceptions to skin changes, lifestyle shifts, and the role of treatments like laser hair removal, here’s what you need to know.
What is PCOS and how can it affect your skin and hair?
"PCOS occurs when the body produces more testosterone than usual. This hormone is important, but in higher amounts it can disrupt the skin and hair cycle. Extra testosterone stimulates oil glands, leading to more oil production, clogged pores, and acne. It can also act on fine “peach fuzz” hairs, turning them into coarse, dark terminal hairs.
Not everyone with PCOS experiences acne or hair growth, some notice one, some both, and others neither. But if you do, it isn’t your fault. These changes are linked to genetics and hormones, and the key is finding the right way to manage them both inside and out."
What's the most common misconception you hear about PCOS?
"One of the biggest misconceptions is that PCOS always looks the same. Many people imagine someone with PCOS will struggle with weight gain, acne, and irregular periods. In reality, PCOS is very individual. Some women are lean, others gain weight easily; some have obvious symptoms like acne or excess hair growth, while others may barely notice any outward changes. PCOS is really a spectrum condition, and that’s why management needs to be tailored to each person."
So if PCOS looks different for everyone, what skin changes should women actually look out for?
What skin changes might women with PCOS notice (beyond acne)?
"Acne is the most commonly recognised skin change, but PCOS can affect skin in several other ways:
- Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism): Driven by higher androgen (testosterone) levels.
- Thinning scalp hair: The same hormones can contribute to androgenic hair loss.
- Skin tags or pigmentation (acanthosis nigricans): Dark, velvety patches often linked to insulin resistance.
- Oilier skin: Increased sebum production can make skin shinier and more breakout-prone.
These changes can feel frustrating or even distressing, but knowing the cause helps in choosing the right treatments."
Among these changes, acne is often the most visible and persistent, but why is it so much harder to treat with PCOS?
Why is acne with PCOS often harder to treat?
"Acne related to PCOS tends to linger longer and look more inflamed. That’s because higher testosterone leads to more oil, higher insulin slows the skin’s healing process, and chronic inflammation makes pimples redder and angrier.
Managing PCOS acne means taking a two-sided approach: supporting the body internally by calming hormones and insulin, while also treating the skin externally to prevent clogged pores and speed up healing."
Alongside acne, another common symptom is unwanted hair growth, often in areas women don’t expect.
Why do women with PCOS sometimes grow hair in places like the chin or chest?
"When testosterone acts on certain hair follicles, fine, light hairs in areas such as the chin, chest, back, or around the nipples can become coarse, dark terminal hairs. Once that change happens, it can’t be reversed.
What can be done, however, is to permanently kill those hairs with laser hair removal. This treatment targets the follicle at its root, stopping it from producing hair again. To prevent new hairs from forming nearby, it’s also important to address the underlying hormonal drivers of PCOS."
So, how exactly does laser hair removal work, and why is it such a game-changer for women with PCOS?
What makes laser hair removal such an effective treatment for PCOS-related hair growth?
"Laser hair removal is widely recognised as the most effective treatment for unwanted hair linked to PCOS. It works by using concentrated light to target and destroy the follicle without damaging surrounding skin. Over a series of sessions, this significantly reduces regrowth and creates smoother results.
Because PCOS can continue to trigger new hairs to form, more treatment sessions may be needed compared to those without PCOS. However, laser remains the gold standard for long-term reduction and can make a huge difference to confidence and quality of life."
What research shows about laser hair removal
Studies have shown that laser hair removal is the most effective treatment for PCOS-related unwanted hair, with international evidence-based guidelines recommending it as the preferred option. The treatment is considered very safe when carried out by qualified professionals, with a low risk of adverse effects.
Laser works best when there’s contrast between skin and hair colour, as the light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle. And while women with PCOS often require a greater number of sessions to achieve the same reduction as those without PCOS, the results are long-lasting and clinically proven.
Of course, professional treatments are only one piece of the puzzle, lifestyle choices can make a big difference too.
Can lifestyle changes really make a difference for PCOS-related skin concerns?
"Yes, absolutely. While medical and cosmetic treatments are powerful tools, lifestyle shifts help address the root causes of PCOS. Balancing blood sugar, improving sleep, reducing stress, and eating a nutrient-rich diet can all improve hormone balance. Over time, this can mean fewer breakouts, less excess hair growth, and more predictable cycles. Think of lifestyle as the foundation, with professional treatments building on top for faster, longer-lasting results."
So what happens when you bring both sides, lifestyle and professional treatments — together?
How does managing hormones alongside treatments like laser make results better?
"Laser hair removal, skin treatments, and advanced facials can deliver fantastic improvements, but with PCOS, results are even better when hormones are supported too.
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If androgen levels remain high, hair may regrow more quickly after laser.
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If insulin resistance is managed, pigmentation and breakouts often improve alongside skin treatments.
By combining internal management with external treatments, women with PCOS usually see better, longer-lasting results. It’s about treating both the “cause” and the “symptom.”
Does everyone with PCOS struggle with fertility?
"Not at all. While PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility, it does not mean everyone with PCOS will struggle. Many women conceive naturally, sometimes even without realising they have PCOS. Others may need support to regulate ovulation, and that doesn’t just mean fertility treatment — lifestyle changes are also very effective. With the right strategies, fertility outcomes are often very positive. PCOS doesn’t mean infertility, it simply means your hormones might need a bit of extra support to get back in balance."
What small step can someone with PCOS take today to feel better in their skin?
"One of the simplest but most powerful steps is to start balancing blood sugar. Try beginning your day with a protein and fibre-rich breakfast, such as a smoothie with protein powder and flax or chia seeds for extra fibre. This helps stabilise hormones and reduces the insulin spikes that can worsen acne and oiliness. Paired with consistent skincare and, when needed, professional treatments, this one small change can make a noticeable difference in both how your skin looks and how you feel."
PCOS can affect skin and hair in many different ways, but with the right support, you can feel confident and in control. Treatments like laser hair removal are proven to make a real difference for unwanted hair linked to PCOS, especially when combined with care for your overall health and hormones.
Let’s get started on helping you feel your best. Begin your journey today with a free consultation at your local Caci.
