Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a hormonal condition that affects about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age*. It’s caused by an imbalance in reproductive hormones, which can lead to a range of symptoms, from irregular periods to stubborn weight gain, hair thinning, and yes—those dreaded breakouts.

But that’s not all. PCOS can also come with side effects like insulin resistance, which can make managing your weight a challenge, and those pesky androgen hormones (the ones responsible for excess hair growth and acne) can really make you feel like your body is working against you. And while these physical symptoms are tough to deal with, the emotional impact can be even harder.

Let’s talk about acne for a sec. For many women with PCOS, acne isn’t just an occasional breakout—it can be a constant battle. Those elevated androgens we mentioned earlier cause your skin to produce extra oil, which can clog your pores and lead to breakouts that just won’t quit. Combine that with the inflammation caused by insulin resistance, and you’ve got a recipe for some seriously stubborn acne.

But acne isn’t just skin-deep—it can really mess with your head, too. Our Skin Deep Survey found that over 65% of you feel self-conscious about your skin, and nearly half of you have skipped social events because of it.

That’s huge! We know how a bad skin day can turn into a bad everything day. And for those of you dealing with PCOS, it’s not just acne—there’s a whole cocktail of symptoms that can leave you feeling less than your best.

The emotional toll of PCOS is real. When you’re battling symptoms like weight gain, hair loss, and acne, it’s easy to feel like your body is betraying you. And the impact on your mental health can be significant, with increased risks of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem*. It’s not just about how you look—it’s about how you feel.

To deepen our understanding of the link between PCOS, hormones, and skin confidence, we turned to Beatrice Thorne, Co-Founder of Eve Wellness. Beatrice shared her personal journey with hormonal imbalances, stating, “After coming off the pill I went on a tough hormonal journey that took me to rock bottom and back again. I remember thinking I couldn’t be the only one experiencing these issues, and that more needed to be done to empower menstruators with knowledge and solutions for hormonal issues.”

When discussing how hormonal skin challenges can affect confidence, Beatrice added, “I’m lucky to not have experienced severe hormonal acne, however, I have absolutely had my fair share of hormonal breakouts. We put so much pressure on ourselves to look perfect and have clear blemish-free skin, which is made ever heavier by filters, social media, and now AI-generated faces that aren’t even real! These perceived societal pressures have definitely impacted my confidence during breakouts.”

Beatrice’s insights remind us that skin health is closely tied to emotional well-being. At Eve Wellness, she frequently hears from women about how hormonal skin challenges can deeply impact their confidence. “Skin challenges impact people deeply, with low confidence holding them back from feeling like they can hold their head high, show up and be seen in their careers, love lives, social lives, or simply stepping out of the house each day,” she explained.

Before we dive in, a quick heads-up: PCOS is a complex condition, and everyone’s experience is different. It’s super important to chat with your doctor or healthcare provider to get advice tailored to your unique needs. 

But if you’re looking for some general tips to help manage those tricky symptoms, we’ve got you covered with these three key steps:

 The emotional toll of PCOS is real. When you’re battling symptoms like weight gain, hair loss, and acne, it’s easy to feel like your body is betraying you. And the impact on your mental health can be significant, with increased risks of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem*. It’s not just about how you look—it’s about how you feel.

1. Balance Your Diet and Exercise:

Eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise can help manage insulin resistance, which is a big part of PCOS. Focus on whole foods, plenty of veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Regular physical activity can also help regulate your hormones and reduce inflammation, which may help with acne, too.

2. Manage Stress and Prioritise Sleep

Stress can wreak havoc on your hormones, so finding ways to relax is crucial. Whether it’s yoga, meditation, or just binge-watching your favourite show, do what helps you unwind. And don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep! Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep to help keep your hormones in check and give your skin time to repair itself.

3. Acne-Fighting Skincare Routine

When it comes to tackling acne head-on, a consistent skincare routine is your best friend. Start with a gentle cleanser to keep your skin fresh and clean without stripping it of its natural oils. Then, treat those pesky pimples with Hey Bud’s Blemish Bud Pimple Patches—perfect for zapping zits fast and discreetly. Finally, pamper your skin with our Clear as Clay Hemp and Clay Mask a couple of times a week. It’ll help detoxify, balance oil production, and keep breakouts under control. Stick to this routine, and you’ll be well on your way to clearer, happier skin!

We get it—dealing with PCOS and acne can be really tough, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The challenges you face aren’t just skin-deep; they can affect how you feel about yourself every day.

But remember, if you’ve spoken with a professional and recently been diagnosed – that’s not the end of your conversation and you don’t have to go through the next steps alone. Whether it’s finding the right skincare routine, making lifestyle changes, or just talking to someone who understands, support is out there. Take it one step at a time, and know that brighter days—and clearer skin—are out there!