One of the most common (and frustrating) symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is acne. Because PCOS is a hormonal disorder, it affects far more than just your reproductive system. Many Cysters also deal with irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, excess hair growth, fatigue, stubborn cravings, and, yes, aggravating acne.
The key to healing these symptoms isn’t masking them. It’s about understanding the root hormone imbalances that drive them in the first place.
When acne flares up, it’s natural to head straight to a dermatologist or reach for acne medications. But PCOS acne is different. It’s not just a skin issue—it’s a signal from your hormones.
The biggest contributors to PCOS-related acne are insulin resistance, elevated androgen levels (like testosterone), chronic inflammation, and high cortisol levels. When you start bringing these hormone levels back into balance, your skin can finally begin to heal naturally.
Today, I’m sharing natural, lifestyle-based ways to treat PCOS acne at the root. And the best part? As your skin clears, you’ll also support your overall health and take powerful steps toward reversing PCOS for good.
Treating Acne from PCOS Naturally (No Birth Control Pills)
When Cysters first talk to their doctors about PCOS-related acne, many are told that oral contraceptives are the answer. While it may offer temporary relief, this approach is often a Band-Aid solution. It masks symptoms instead of addressing what’s really going on. And in the long run, it can actually make PCOS symptoms worse.
That’s why I truly believe the most effective way to heal hormonal acne is from the inside out. When you focus on balancing your hormones, rather than suppressing them, you give your body the chance to heal naturally. And when your hormones come back into balance, acne often improves right along with other PCOS symptoms.
In this post, I’m sharing practical, actionable ways to reverse PCOS acne naturally. This way, you can support your hormone balance and overall healing—at the same time.
What Does PCOS Acne Look Like?
PCOS acne tends to look different from typical breakouts—both in where it shows up and how it feels. Most Cysters experience hormonal acne along the chin, jawline, and neck, and sometimes on the chest or back.
These aren’t surface-level pimples either. PCOS acne is usually deep, cystic, and painful, sitting under the skin and often tender to the touch. Because of its depth and inflammation, it’s also more likely to leave behind dark marks or scars compared to regular acne.
This is your skin signaling a deeper hormonal imbalance, not a lack of skincare.
Does Acne from PCOS Go Away?
Yes, PCOS acne can go away. But it takes more than prescription creams or spot treatments. To truly clear hormonal acne, you have to heal PCOS from the inside out.
That means addressing the root cause: elevated androgens. When you learn how your hormones interact—and how to support them—your skin can finally start to heal. Clear skin isn’t about fighting your body. Instead, it’s about bringing your hormones back into balance so your body can do what it’s meant to.
How to Treat PCOS Acne
Work on balancing blood sugar levels.
Up to 80% of women with PCOS also deal with insulin resistance. This happens when your body struggles to use glucose for energy and instead stores it as fat. As a result, blood sugar levels spike and crash more easily. And when insulin stays high, it triggers an increase in androgens—the hormones that overstimulate oil glands. This then thickens the skin cells in your pores, leading to painful acne.
That’s why the first step to healing PCOS acne is balancing blood sugar. One of the most effective ways to do this is by following a gluten- and dairy-free anti-inflammatory diet that prioritizes protein, fiber, and healthy fats. This approach helps stabilize insulin levels, which allows androgen levels to come down. And that’s when acne finally starts to improve.
For extra blood sugar support, I recommend Berberine Advanced, a natural GLP-1 booster that helps regulate glucose levels and support weight loss.
Or, if you’re looking for a more comprehensive PCOS solution, Inositol Complete 40:1 is my favorite option. This myo- and D-chiro-inositol blend is designed to improve insulin sensitivity while addressing multiple PCOS symptoms at once.
And if you need PCOS-friendly meals that won’t spike your blood sugar, make sure to check out The Cysterhood app. You’ll find hundreds of your favorite recipes reimagined to support your hormones and help your skin heal from the inside out.
Drink 2-3 liters of water every day.
One powerful way to help lower excess androgen levels is by supporting your body’s natural detox pathways, especially through the liver. And one of the simplest (yet most overlooked) ways to do that? Staying well hydrated.
Drinking enough water helps your body flush out excess hormones more efficiently. Most experts recommend aiming for 2-3 liters per day to support hormone balance and overall detoxification. As androgen levels come down, your oil production can normalize. And that’s when PCOS acne often starts to calm, clear, and fade naturally.
Avoid inflammation triggers.
One of the biggest root issues behind PCOS is chronic low-grade inflammation—and acne is one of the side effects. And when you want to actively reduce inflammation? It starts with avoiding common triggers like seed oils, dairy, refined sugar, and white flour. These can all worsen hormone imbalance and skin flare-ups.
You can also support your body by adding anti-inflammatory supplements, like omega-3s and turmeric with black pepper. Even something as simple as sipping decaf green tea can help calm inflammation throughout your body.
When inflammation comes down, your hormones—and your skin—can finally start to heal.
Lower stress levels.
Many Cysters struggle with high cortisol (AKA your stress hormone), and it can have a ripple effect on your hormones. Elevated cortisol raises insulin levels and disrupts ovulation, which increases androgens, and ultimately shows up as stubborn acne.
The good news? Lowering cortisol doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few minutes of stress-regulating practices a day can make a difference. Try deep breathing, gentle yoga, or getting sunlight shortly after waking up to help calm your nervous system.
With this, sleep is just as important; aim for 7-9 hours per night. Lastly, avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach as it can spike cortisol even higher. When cortisol comes down, insulin sensitivity improves, inflammation decreases, and androgen levels begin to stabilize. And that’s when your skin (and hormones) can finally start to heal.
Use external skin support products.
As you heal your PCOS from the inside out, the right external skincare can help your breakouts calm down even faster. Two of the most helpful options are benzoyl peroxide wash (not the cream) and a salicylic acid toner. These work to clear excess oil and gently remove the buildup of dead skin cells that clog pores and fuel hormonal acne.
It’s also important to avoid heavy oils (like coconut oil) on your face, as well as pore-clogging makeup products. And be mindful not to over-exfoliate. Too much exfoliation can actually trigger your skin to produce more oil, worsening acne rather than improving it.
Think of skincare as support, not the solution. When you pair gentle products with hormone healing, that’s when the skin changes happen.
Reduce alcohol intake.
Reducing alcohol can be one of the most effective ways to calm hormonal acne. I generally recommend that Cysters avoid alcohol as much as possible. But I also understand that an occasional glass of wine happens.
Here’s the thing: alcohol raises androgen levels, which are the main driver behind PCOS acne. When you drink, your liver shifts its focus to detoxing the alcohol instead of clearing excess hormones. That means testosterone and estrogen stay in your system longer, and free testosterone can rise, making breakouts worse.
Alcohol can also worsen insulin resistance, which leads to even higher androgen levels and more acne. On top of that, it increases inflammation, resulting in more painful cysts, slower healing, and a higher risk of scarring.
Bottom line? Alcohol doesn’t support PCOS or acne healing. The less you drink, the easier it is for your hormones—and your skin—to find balance again.
Drink hormone-balancing teas.
While alcohol can worsen PCOS symptoms, the right teas can actually support hormone balance. Certain hormone balancing tea for women with PCOS, like my Testosterone Relief Tea, helps address the root issues behind hormonal acne.
Just one or two cups a day, paired with simple lifestyle changes, can gently support lower inflammation, balance androgens, and improve insulin sensitivity. And as your hormones start to fall back into rhythm, your skin can finally begin to clear. It’s an easy addition that allows you to feel more confident in your body again.
Treat your PCOS acne starting from the inside out with help from Ovafit and The Cysterhood.
If you’re ready to heal painful PCOS acne, it all starts with balancing your hormones. And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone. The first step toward healing is understanding the root causes behind your PCOS symptoms. And that’s exactly what Ovafit’s blog is here to help you do.
Ovafit’s NSF-certified PCOS supplements, hormone-supportive recipes, and gentle workouts inside The Cysterhood app can all help. You’ll have everything you need to support your body, clear your skin, and finally feel like yourself again.