PCOS Acne: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments in Malaysia

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal condition that can cause irregular periods, weight changes, excess hair growth, and acne. PCOS acne is challenging because it does not respond well to regular skincare. It is acne driven by hormonal imbalances, particularly higher androgen levels that increase oil production and inflammation.

In Malaysia, PCOS acne is frequently seen among young women and adults who struggle with breakouts that flare during stress, before menstruation, or alongside symptoms like hair thinning, weight gain, or period irregularities. Understanding how PCOS acne works is the first step to managing it effectively and safely.

What Is PCOS Acne?

PCOS acne is a form of hormonal acne triggered by an androgen imbalance. When androgen levels rise, the skin produces more sebum, the pores become clogged easily, and inflammation increases. Unlike regular acne that may be linked to skincare habits or temporary triggers, PCOS acne tends to be deeper, more persistent, and more painful.

PCOS acne usually appears around the lower face, jawline, chin, and neck. These areas are more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations. The breakouts often present as deep cysts, painful nodules, and inflamed bumps that take longer to heal and may leave acne scars or pigmentation behind.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Women with PCOS acne may notice patterns or characteristics that distinguish it from typical breakouts. These include:

• Deep, painful cysts that linger for weeks
• Breakouts concentrated around the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks
• Pimples that flare before or during the menstrual cycle
• Oily skin with pori membesar
• Acne that persists despite good skincare habits
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that darkens easily
• Acne appearing alongside PCOS symptoms such as irregular periods, weight gain, hair thinning, or excess facial hair

PCOS acne often requires targeted, long-term management. Treating only the surface of the skin is usually not enough, because the root cause starts within the hormonal system.

What Causes PCOS Acne?

PCOS acne is driven by internal hormonal changes, but several factors can make it worse. Understanding these triggers can help create a more effective treatment plan and prevent recurring flare-ups.

1. Elevated Androgens (Male Hormones)

Women naturally produce androgens, but in PCOS, these hormones can be higher than normal. Elevated androgens stimulate excessive oil production, which leads to clogged pores, inflammation, and jerawat kistik. This hormonal imbalance is the primary reason PCOS acne tends to be more persistent and deep.

2. Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is common in PCOS and can trigger more androgen production. When insulin levels rise, the skin becomes oilier, breakouts worsen, and acne becomes more difficult to treat with topical products alone. Improving insulin sensitivity often leads to noticeable improvements in acne.

3. Stress and Cortisol Imbalance

Stress increases cortisol, another hormone that can worsen breakouts. PCOS acne often flares during stressful periods such as exams, busy work seasons, or major life changes. Managing stress is an important part of reducing hormonal fluctuations.

4. Inflammation

PCOS is associated with systemic inflammation. This causes acne to become redder, swollen, and painful. Inflammation also increases the likelihood of pigmentation after acne heals, especially in Asian skin tones. Reducing inflammation helps prevent long-term marks and scarring.

5. Using Harsh or Incorrect Skincare

People with PCOS acne sometimes use harsh scrubs, strong exfoliants, or drying products in an attempt to control oil and breakouts. Unfortunately, this can weaken the skin barrier and increase inflammation, leading to even more acne. Gentle, balanced routines are much safer for hormonally sensitive skin.

Is PCOS Acne the Same as Hormonal Acne?

PCOS acne is a type of hormonal acne, but not all hormonal acne comes from PCOS. What makes PCOS acne unique is that it tends to be more persistent and often occurs alongside other symptoms like irregular periods, excess hair growth, or difficulty losing weight.

Hormonal acne can appear in people without PCOS and may fluctuate only around the menstrual cycle. PCOS acne, however, can be present throughout the month and requires a more comprehensive management plan.

How to Manage PCOS Acne at Home

Managing PCOS acne at home involves gentle, consistent habits that help reduce inflammation and support long-term skin health. While professional treatment is often needed for deeper or persistent acne, these daily practices can minimise flare-ups and keep the skin balanced:

• Choose a gentle skincare routine: Use a mild cleanser, non-comedogenic moisturiser, and sunscreen daily. Cleansing twice a day is ideal to avoid overstimulating oil production.
  
• Avoid harsh scrubs or DIY treatments: Scrubbing cystic or hormonal acne can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of scarring.
  
• Introduce acne-control ingredients gradually: Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, or azelaic acid can help, but should be introduced slowly to prevent irritation.
  
• Maintain a balanced diet: High-glycemic foods, sugary drinks, and dairy may worsen PCOS acne, so choosing balanced meals can support clearer skin.
  
• Manage stress: Techniques such as exercise, deep breathing, meditation, and good sleep can help stabilise hormone levels and reduce breakouts.

These steps cannot replace medical care, but they can make a meaningful difference in keeping PCOS-related acne under control and supporting healthier skin over time.

Professional PCOS Acne Treatments in Malaysia

For many women, PCOS acne does not respond fully to home care. Clinical treatments can reduce inflammation, unclog pores, fade pigmentation, and prevent scarring. These are commonly recommended options:

Pengelupasan Kimia

Kulit kimia help exfoliate dead skin cells, reduce clogged pores, and brighten dark marks left after acne. They also support smoother texture and help the skin absorb active ingredients better. This treatment is especially helpful for those struggling with lingering pigmentation from PCOS acne.

Laser Pico

Pico Laser is effective for fading pigmentation caused by acne and improving uneven skin tone. It can also help with mild acne scars without damaging the skin barrier. Many patients choose it because it delivers visible results with minimal downtime.

Sylfirm X

Sylfirm X is useful for redness, inflammation, and acne-induced sensitivity. It supports skin healing and helps strengthen the barrier, making it ideal for chronic hormonal acne. Its targeted energy delivery makes it suitable even for reactive or easily irritated skin.

Microneedling

Microneedling helps reduce acne scars, improve texture, and stimulate collagen production. It is often recommended after active acne has been controlled. Over time, it enhances skin firmness and smoothness for a more refined complexion.

Hydrafacial

Hydrafacial gently removes impurities, unclogs pores, and hydrates the skin. It is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin because it cleans deeply without irritation. The treatment also provides an instant glow, making it a popular choice for regular maintenance.

Medical-Grade Skincare

Dermatologists may recommend products with retinoids, azelaic acid, or other active ingredients that help regulate oil, reduce acne, and improve pigmentation. These formulations are more potent and stable than over-the-counter products. With consistent use, they help maintain long-term clarity and balance.

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

You should see a dermatologist if your acne is painful, cystic, concentrated around the jawline, leaves dark marks, or appears alongside irregular periods or other PCOS symptoms. If skincare products are not helping or acne is affecting your confidence, a specialist can determine whether PCOS is the cause and recommend effective treatments.

Clearer Skin Is Possible With the Right Care

PCOS acne can be challenging, but it is manageable with the right approach. Understanding your triggers and working with a skincare professional can significantly reduce breakouts, improve pigmentation, and prevent scarring. With proper care, many women achieve clearer, calmer, and healthier skin.

Pada Klinik Dr Chong, our LCP-certified dermatologists offer personalised treatment plans designed to target hormonal acne safely and effectively. Book a consultation today to start your journey toward smooth and confident skin.

Soalan Lazim (Soalan Lazim)

1. How do I know if my acne is caused by PCOS?

PCOS acne usually appears around the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks as deep, painful bumps. It often comes with other symptoms such as irregular periods, hair thinning, weight changes, or excess facial hair. A dermatologist can help confirm whether your acne is linked to PCOS through a detailed assessment.

2. Can skincare alone treat PCOS acne?

Skincare can help control symptoms, but it usually cannot treat PCOS acne on its own because the root cause is hormonal. Many patients need a combination of medical treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and personalised skincare to see long-term improvements.

3. Will PCOS acne leave scars?

PCOS acne often appears as deep cysts or nodules, which have a higher chance of causing acne scars and pigmentation. Early treatment is important to reduce inflammation and prevent long-term marks such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or pockmarks.

4. What is the most effective treatment for PCOS acne?

There is no single best treatment because PCOS acne varies from person to person. Chemical peels, Hydrafacial, Pico Laser, microneedling, and medical-grade skincare are often recommended based on the severity of acne, pigmentation, and skin sensitivity. A dermatologist will customise the approach for the best results.

*Semua imej yang digunakan dalam artikel ini adalah dijana AI.