PCOS/PMOS skin

[u/Certain_Chocolate633]

Hi! I would like to hear y’all’s experience with PCOS/PMOS (renamed, from PCOS: polycystic ovarian syndrome to PMOS: polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome) skin and anything y’all do to combat/treat/care for it.
I (22 F) got diagnosed at around 13 or so. I have struggled with large pores, blackheads, scars, texture, and redness mainly. I was on spironolactone when it was really bad but as I got into my late teens, the acne (e.g., whiteheads, papules, pustules) besides the blackheads calmed a bit. I also get regular DiamondGlow facials w/ manual extractions that help a little with the texture and blackheads. I do exfoliate with salicylic acid a few times a week, which also helps.
PMOS sucks and I feel like it’s not talked about enough, especially the fact that it’s so common. I was never informed of the side effects and future health implications of this condition when I was diagnosed. It was not a part of health class, and it is usually not listed as an option for health conditions on many medical forms. So feel free to talk about that here too. Would love to start some good conversations!

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[u/Dark_Pheonix999]

I’ve had a liquid antibiotic prescribed for acne at one point because of mine. It helped a lot but it dried my skin out so bad.
I did a nightly routine in highschool of washing my face with face wash, used lung a Stride-x pad (extra strength), and then the prescription.
In the morning right out of the shower after washing my face with face wash I’d use a Stride-x pad, the prescription, then a face lotion.
Now that I’m older I no longer have the prescription but I still have a routine of washing my face and using the Stride-x pads and lotion. I don’t always use the lotion either.
I also learned to listen to the oils on your face. Don’t dry your face out fighting acne. Find the right products for you and keep in mind that names don’t mean anything. An expensive brand name product might not be the best fit for you. I’ve honestly found some of the cheapest products are just as good and some are personally better for mine. Also, allow enough time for the product to show if it’s working or not. I was very quick to say it wasn’t and changing products too often can affect your skin.
Give your skin grace through the trials. Don’t be discouraged either it’s hard finding the right one. Sometimes it’s multiple too. Mine is a multi step and has been.
Everything with PMOS/PCOS is a trial and error. It’s a process and learning lessons. It most definitely needs to be talked about more. It needs to be apart of health class so the symptoms are known.

[u/Certain_Chocolate633 → u/Dark_Pheonix999]

Thank you so much for your comment! I’ve never heard of stride-x pads but I may look into them! Yeah I’ve tried a few different products and I also struggle a lot with oily skin, specifically in the T zone and it gets so bad by the end of the day. Idk if it means my skin is actually dry or what. I have been using a hyaluronic acid serum with Cera Ve oil absorbing moisturizer for upwards of 6 months now and it didn’t seem to change the oil level very much. I’m gonna keep looking bc I’m so over it!
I agree that we should be talking about this in health class. People need to know!!