PCOS is short for Polycystic ovary syndrome. It is a metabolic disorder that causes the ovaries to overproduce androgens. These hormones are present in more significant amounts among people with testes but smaller amounts in people with ovaries. The presence of androgens can lead to several symptoms, including acne, oily skin, and more.
Fortunately, we’ve compiled what should be in your PCOS skincare routine.
The Skincare Routine
Scrubbing acne away with washing is not the way to go. Sure, it might be tempting to unclog the pores by washing the face a lot, but it is counterproductive and does more harm than good. Marketing messaging has convinced many that a good skincare routine means having an elaborate routine. The truth, however, is that the more we wash, scrub, and slather on the chemicals, the more our faces’ natural oils and protective barriers get stripped off. It’s terrible for the skin. Unfortunately, another pitfall of PCOS is excess oil, but stripping the skin and irritating it won’t do any good for the excess oil. Instead, hydrate and stick to a basic skincare routine. You can get some from French Beauty Co, which carries premiere skincare brands like Avene.
Keep your skincare routine basic and should contain these at least:
- Oil Cleanser
- Facial Cleanser
- Toner
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
The Importance of Sunscreen
Moreover, another crucial step is sunscreen. It remains essential for everyone, not just those who have POCS. It protects the skin from sunburns and UV rays. By protecting the skin, you also safeguard your menstrual cycle. Go for a sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Exercise
Exercise is crucial in PCOS. Walking after a meal, etc., and other forms of exercise can help with insulin sensitivity, making the cells more responsive to insulin. Moreover, strength training can help with body mass and impact metabolism, helping lower androgens. Furthermore, exercise can help improve mood, stress, and sleep, promoting overall wellness—and, of course, the skin.
Whenever we exercise, we work our heart muscles, blood and oxygen. All body cells are nurtured and nourished by this flow of blood. This means cellular repair and repair is more effective. This means better skin after a workout. However, sweat can make you get pimples,, so we recommend using a cleanser with salicylic acid after a workout.
Cleanse
Cleansing is the name of the game. Be wise in choosing your cleanser; you need something mild to remove grime, oil, and makeup without being too harsh on your delicate skin. Gentle cleansing can help maintain the hormonal balance of your menstrual cycle and keep your skin fresh and clean.
Rest Enough
Beauty sleep is called beauty sleep for a good reason. You need 6-9 hours of sleep to make it quality. With good sleep, your body can repair and prevent skin cell damage. For those who have PCOS, the benefits of good sleep are endless. Healthy sleep patterns help with mental health, hormone levels, healthy blood sugar, and immune health. Meanwhile, poor sleep can lead to increased insulin resistance, higher cortisol (stress levels), and unhealthy eating habits.
Wrapping Up
PCOS is a disorder that can massively impact one’s physical health, appearance, and even mental health. Therefore, handling it should be holistic and sustainable – and start from the root level. Diet plays a crucial role – and so does self-care.
