4 Ways PCOS Affects Your Appearance — And How We Can Help

Up to 13% of reproductive-aged women have PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome. That turns out to be 5-6 million women in the United States.

Not only does this condition cause irregular periods, cysts on your ovaries, imbalanced hormones, and infertility, but it can also impact your overall health and your appearance, from hair issues to skin issues.

At Skin Med Spa, we understand the aesthetic problems PCOS can cause. Here are four ways PCOS affects your appearance — and how we can help.

1. Unwanted hair growth

PCOS can cause the growth of dark, coarse hair on your upper lip, chin, abdomen, and other spots. Also called hirsutism, this problem affects up to 70% of women with PCOS.

Rather than a short-term fix like shaving (which just makes the problem worse), laser hair removal is a great option to permanently remove the unwanted hair and return your skin to its natural, smooth condition. 

2. Acne and skin irregularities

The hormonal imbalances caused by PCOS can lead to increased oil production in your skin, which, in turn, clogs pores, leading to acne. 

As we work to reduce the appearance of acne, we can use medical-grade peels to improve skin texture, minimize scars, and smooth out skin irregularities. Skin resurfacing can give you smoother, younger-looking skin as well, and IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy can also help treat your skin to reduce the appearance of active acne and scars that have formed over time.

3. Thinning hair

Though you may be dealing with hair in places you don’t want it, the hair on your head may be fading out as well, thanks again to the high androgen levels caused by PCOS. This includes thinning scalp hair and a receding hairline.

If this is the case for you, ask about PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy to stimulate the growth of new hair follicles in your scalp. PRP therapy with microneedling can bring good results in regrowing hair as well.

4. Hyperpigmentation

Some women who have PCOS develop dark, velvety patches on their skin. This can happen especially easily in the folds of your skin — such as around your neck or in your armpit. 

Chemical peels and microneedling can lighten the pigmentation and give your skin a more even tone while also making it appear smoother and younger. 

Everyone’s PCOS story and condition are unique. If you’re ready to reclaim some of what this condition has taken from you, our expert, caring team at Skin Med Spa is here to guide you. 

Call our Downers Grove office to schedule an appointment, or book your own time with our online scheduler.