Hormonal acne
Deep, tender lesions along the jawline, chin and neck that flare before a period and shrug off the routines that work for teenage acne.
PCOS acne and hair treatment in Chennai
PCOS raises androgen levels, and skin and hair are where that usually shows first: jawline acne that resists ordinary treatment, coarse hair on the chin, upper lip or abdomen, a widening parting, and often irregular periods alongside. These are one problem with one driver, not three separate complaints — which is why treating them separately tends to disappoint.
Which type do you have?
Identifying the type matters, because each is treated differently.
Hirsutism
Coarse, dark hair on the chin, upper lip, chest or abdomen, growing in a male pattern. The sign women find hardest to raise, and the one most worth investigating.
Thinning at the parting
Female pattern hair loss — the parting widens and the ponytail thins while the front hairline holds. Driven by the same androgens.
Velvety darkening at the neck and underarms
Acanthosis nigricans: soft, dark, thickened skin in the folds. It is a visible sign of insulin resistance, not dirt and not ordinary pigmentation, and scrubbing it makes it worse.
What causes it
- Raised androgens, which drive sebum, coarse hair growth and follicle miniaturisation at the same time
- Insulin resistance, which pushes androgens higher — the loop behind a large share of cases
- Irregular or absent ovulation, which is why cycles are unpredictable
- A family tendency — PCOS commonly runs in families
- Weight change, which can make the hormonal picture harder or easier in some women, though many women with PCOS are not overweight at all
What actually helps
Get the diagnosis confirmed first
Cycle history, examination, and blood work for androgens, thyroid and prolactin, with a scan and metabolic screening where indicated. Skin and hair treatment layered on top of an unconfirmed diagnosis is the usual reason a plan stalls after three months.
Treat hormonal acne as hormonal
Prescribed medical therapy aimed at the driver, with peels and in-clinic work supporting it. Standard over-the-counter routines under-treat this type, which is why so many women arrive having tried everything and concluded their skin is the problem.
Laser for the hair, with the driver treated alongside
Laser reduces density and thickness over a course, and PCOS means more sessions plus ongoing maintenance, because the hormonal driver keeps stimulating follicles. It works poorly on fine, grey or white hair, and that is said before you book anything rather than after.
Weight, metabolism, and when to be seen
Where weight is part of the picture it is assessed and then managed under medical supervision, with the plan decided after the doctor sees you — never packaged beforehand. Come in if cycles are irregular or absent, if coarse hair appeared quickly, or if you are trying to conceive.
Treatments we use for this
Laser Hair RemovalPermanent reduction with technology calibrated for Indian skin tones.Medical Weight LossPhysician-led weight & inch-loss plansHair Loss TreatmentFind out why the hair is going before deciding what to do about it.Acne TreatmentBring active breakouts under control, with a plan built for the type of acne you have.
Common questions
Can PCOS acne be cured?
PCOS is a long-term condition, so the honest word is controlled rather than cured. Acne driven by it responds well when the hormonal driver is managed alongside the skin, and most plans include a maintenance stage, because stopping everything usually brings it back.
Will laser hair removal work if I have PCOS?
Usually yes, with two caveats: expect more sessions than someone without PCOS, and expect to need maintenance, because the hormone keeps stimulating the follicles. Treating the hormonal side in parallel is what makes a laser result hold longer.
Do I have to lose weight before my skin and hair can be treated?
No. Skin and hair treatment does not wait for anything, and many women with PCOS are not overweight. Where weight is part of the picture it is assessed and managed with a doctor, and that runs alongside the acne and hair plan rather than in front of it.
Which doctor should I see for PCOS?
Often more than one. A gynaecologist or endocrinologist leads the hormonal, metabolic and fertility side; a skin and hair clinic handles the acne, hirsutism, thinning and pigmentation. We will say plainly when what you need is the other one.
This page is educational and does not replace an in-person consultation. Medical disclaimer · How we write our content
Other concerns we treat
AcneAcne scarsPigmentation & melasmaHair lossThyroid & weightInsulin resistanceMenopause & weightUnwanted hairFine lines & ageing skinDull & tired skinSun tan & uneven toneDark circlesOpen poresFemale pattern hair lossMale pattern baldnessPostpartum hair lossDandruffAlopecia areataPremature greyingPCOS & weightStubborn belly fatPost-pregnancy changesFacial hair in womenBikini line hairMen's body hair