Many women struggle with acne well beyond their teenage years. When breakouts persist into adulthood — particularly around the jawline, chin, or lower face — hormones are often involved.
One of the most common underlying conditions linked to hormonal acne is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS affects many aspects of health, including hormones, metabolism, and skin. Understanding how PCOS influences the skin can help women find more effective solutions rather than repeatedly treating symptoms alone.
At Skinfresh Clinic in Milford on Auckland’s North Shore, Dr Frances Pitsilis takes a holistic approach to skin health, recognising that conditions such as PCOS require an understanding of hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory influences on the skin.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects many women during their reproductive years.
It is associated with hormonal imbalance, particularly elevated levels of insulin which results in increased androgens, sometimes called “male hormones.”
These hormonal changes can influence many systems in the body, including:
One of the most common skin-related symptoms of PCOS is persistent hormonal acne.
Hormonal acne occurs when increased androgen levels stimulate the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin.
This leads to:
PCOS-related acne often appears in the lower face, including:
Unlike teenage acne, hormonal acne tends to be deeper, more inflamed, and slower to resolve.
PCOS is not only a hormonal condition. It can also involve metabolic factors such as insulin resistance, which can further stimulate androgen production.
This hormonal and metabolic interaction can create a cycle that encourages acne development.
Inflammation can also play a role, contributing to redness, sensitivity, and slower healing of the skin.
PCOS can also be associated with an underactive thyroid which in itself can cause acne - think of this is the acne is not responding to other treatment.
Because these internal factors influence the skin, effective treatment often requires looking beyond topical skincare alone.
At Skinfresh, Dr Frances Pitsilis approaches PCOS-related skin concerns by considering the whole picture of skin health.
This may involve discussing factors such as:
Addressing these factors can often help support clearer, healthier skin, even before considering clinic treatments.
While managing internal factors is important, certain skin treatments can also support improvement in acne and skin texture.
At Skinfresh, these may include treatments such as:
Laser Genesis
Laser Genesis helps reduce inflammation, improve redness, and stimulate collagen production, which can support healthier skin.
Dermapen4 Microneedling
Microneedling can help improve acne scarring and support skin regeneration.
PRP Regenerative Treatments
PRP treatments use the body’s own growth factors to support tissue repair and improve skin quality.
These treatments are selected carefully to support the skin without causing unnecessary irritation.
Hydrafacial
Clears pores and sucks out impurities
Hormonal acne can be frustrating, particularly when it persists into adulthood.
However, with the right understanding of hormonal and metabolic influences on the skin, many women are able to achieve significant improvement.
By combining thoughtful medical guidance with treatments that support the skin’s natural regenerative processes, it is possible to work toward clearer, healthier skin over time.
Located in Milford on Auckland’s North Shore, Skinfresh Clinic offers personalised consultations where patients can discuss concerns about acne, hormonal skin changes, and overall skin health.
Dr Frances Pitsilis combines medical insight with advanced skin treatments to help patients develop treatment plans suited to their individual needs.
If you are experiencing persistent acne or suspect hormonal factors such as PCOS may be influencing your skin, a consultation can help identify the most appropriate approach.
At Skinfresh Clinic, we aim to support skin health in a thoughtful and holistic way.
Book a consultation today to explore how a personalised treatment plan can help improve your skin and confidence.
0800SKINHEALTH
https://www.skinfresh.co.nz/book-an-appointment