The PCOS-Friendly Skincare Routine for Oil Control & Managing Excess Hair Growth

It’s about that time, you know when the majority of your skincare products are running low and you need to decide what gets replenished and what needs to be replaced. 

For me right now, I am concentrating on the goal of glowy, glass skin.

Yes, a buzz word in the beauty industry right now, but as a PCOS girlie who’s symptoms are oily skin and excessive hair growth that comes with ingrown hair and dark spots— when I can get rid of the hairs, I’m left with texture and thus, here we are.

PCOS– a hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with cysts.

While the cause of PCOS is still unknown, it is presumed that it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Symptoms include menstrual irregularity, excess hair growth, acne, obesity and even infertility.

PCOS affects from 6-12% of women of reproductive age, in the US. And is estimated that up to 70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed.

Mise-en-scène: I diagnosed myself in 2013, after countless gyno appointments that claimed "everything was normal". My PCOS was later confirmed by the very same doctor who ridiculed me for referring to WebMD for answers.

Back To Skincare

In this world of access that we live in, I referred to ChatGPT with the prompt of “Pretend you are a woman in her mid 30’s who suffers from PCOS with symptoms of oily skin and excessive hair growth around the chin and neck area and you are looking for an updated skincare routine that tackles dark spots, controls oil and gives glass skin what products should you be buying?”

Here’s what it said:

MORNING ROUTINE

1. Gentle Cleanser La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser

• Non-stripping, helps control oil without leaving the skin feeling dry.

2. Niacinamide Serum (Oil Control + Brightening) Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% + Zinc 2%

• Minimizes pores, regulates sebum, and fades dark spots over time.

3. Azelaic Acid (Acne + PIH Fighter) The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

• Fights inflammation from hair removal, reduces redness, fades hyperpigmentation, and evens tone.

4. Hydrating Gel Moisturizer COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap

• Lightweight but deeply hydrating — layers well under sunscreen.

5. Sunscreen (Non-Greasy) Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+

• Hydrating, brightening, and never oily — key to preventing new dark spots.

NIGHT-TIME ROUTINE

1. Double Cleanse Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (melts sunscreen and oil)

• Followed by same La Roche-Posay Cleanser.

2. Exfoliating Toner (2–3x/week) Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

• Penetrates pores, controls breakouts, and smooths skin texture.

3. Tranexamic Acid Serum (Fades Dark Spots) Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum

• Targets post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and brightens overall.

4. Retinoid (1–3x/week, build up) Avene RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream

• Gentler than traditional retinol, but effective for anti-aging and texture.

5. Barrier Repair Moisturizer Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream

• Soothes irritation from shaving/plucking, balances skin.

EXTRAS (1-2X PER WEEK)

Clay Mask Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2X (deep pore detox, gentle exfoliation and oil control)

Ingrown Hair Treatment Tend Skin Solution or Topicals Faded Serum (good for dark marks and inflammation from shaving or plucking)

Hydration and Glow Mediheal N.M.F Aquaring (intensely hydrating and moisturizing)

ChatGPT also went ahead and gave me some suggestions for lifestyle improvements while living with PCOS…

Lifestyle Notes (that help your skin too):

• Consider spearmint tea daily — some studies show it may reduce androgen levels and help with hirsutism.
• Stay hydrated and keep pillowcases clean — bacteria around your chin/neck area can worsen acne and breakouts.
• Try not to over-pluck or shave too frequently in the same area; use a clean razor or opt for dermaplaning blades.
• Stick with fragrance-free, non-comedogenic products.

Found these loose leaf tea bags that specifically support PCOS androgen relief (Nourished Androgen Relief Tea - 100% Certified Organic Spearmint Tea - Nourished Natural Health )

I don’t personally suffer with acne, more so hormonal break outs, ingrown hairs and dark spots around my chin and neck area. I do not shave! I have tried every hair removal strategy from laser hair removal to shaving, and I 100% advise: DO NOT SHAVE. The very thin hairs got thicker the moment I shaved (which is used a as prep for laser hair removal). Once I stopped with laser hair removal, the growth just got thicker and spread to wider surface area on my neck. 

I have found that buying a hot wax machine and doing it myself at home every 3/4 weeks or as needed has given me peace of mind and has saved me time and money. 

This is the machine I have and the wax I use.

I will be doing an update, and sharing over on threads and instagram to let you know what products I brought in, the lifestyle changes I've adopted and how it’s been working for me.

Ps a reminder that neither me or CHATgpt are licensed physicians and you should 100% talk to your GP first before adding any supplements to your diet. 

Here’s to having the balanced and glowy girl summer we all dream of. Until next time…

-Kondja 

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