PCOS Awareness Month
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. Those with PCOS have a hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems that may affect their overall health and appearance. Although the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, multiple factors play a role including genetics, environment and lifestyle, as well as how these factors interact with one another.
At Face the Future, we are well aware of how this condition can manifest itself, after treating many patients for oily skin, acne and excess hair growth over the years. In this blog we will take a closer look at the condition to mark PCOS Awareness Month, as well as the treatments available at our advanced skin clinic.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
- Irregular or absent periods
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
- Dark or thick facial and/or body hair (hirsutism)
- Acne or oily skin
- Hair loss from the scalp (alopecia)
- Having a higher body weight or having difficulty losing weight
- Depression and anxiety
PCOS symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people have very few mild symptoms, while others are affected more severely by a wider range of symptoms.
Women with PCOS often have increased levels of inflammation in the body and being overweight can also contribute to inflammation. Studies have also linked excess inflammation to higher androgen levels, which can be a contributing factor of acne.
Treatments for PCOS symptoms
Although there is no cure for PCOS, many of the symptoms can be treated. At Face the Future, we pride ourselves on helping our patients look and feel the best version of themselves. PCOS is a condition we see a lot in clinic, as the hormonal imbalance can cause skin concerns such as oily skin, acne and unwanted hair growth.
PCOS & Hirsutism
Women with PCOS may experience hirsutism, the abnormal growth of body and facial hair. Regular maintenance treatments are advised but some patients see a good reduction in hair growth following a course of treatments.
Electrolysis is a form of permanent hair removal where individual hairs are treated one at a time. A fine needle-like probe is inserted into the follicle where ionic substances are broken down into simpler substances when an electric current is passed through them. The hair is then released from the hair follicle and removed instantly. Electrolysis is a great treatment for those who are not suitable for laser hair removal and do not want to shave the area prior to treatment. Electrolysis also works on any hair colour as long as it is coarse in texture.
Laser hair removal is a form of permanent hair reduction that uses a laser beam to penetrate into the dermis where the hair follicle roots are situated. Depending if the hairs are in the active stage of growth, the hair will be destroyed at site. However, the laser can only detect and destroy the hair if it is dark brown or black coarse hair. Any other colours are too fair or not thick enough for the laser to detect.
A course of treatments is advised to begin with, which will then be reviewed to monitor progress in the area being treated and a plan agreed with each individual patient for ongoing maintenance treatments.
Both Electrolysis and Laser hair removal require a consultation and patch test before treatment in order to discuss the treatment requirements with each patient. Consultations are free of charge with a small cost for a patch test, do not hesitate to get in touch.
PCOS & Acne
Acne is often an identifying factor for PCOS. It’s frequently one of the first symptoms for sufferers and can be embarrassing and painful, as the acne tends to be present on the jawline, cheeks, upper neck and can appear as inflamed cysts or nodules.
Controlling the breakouts is important in order to minimise scarring. Here at Face the Future, we have just the products – and treatments – to aid in maintaining good skin that can deliver a true confidence boost.
We have been treating acne patients for over 15 years with Danne Montague-King treatments, created by the world-renowned leader and the creator of the innovative: Remove, Rebuild, Protect and Maintain system. This revolutionary system has changed the way skin concerns such as acne are treated.
DMK Enzyme Treatments are based on the principle that the cells of the skin respond positively to chemistry that skin recognises. The enzymes work to remove dead proteins and toxins from the epidermis using a process called ‘reverse osmosis’, which leads to a plasmatic effect where the freshly oxygenated blood rushes to the capillaries.
The treatment is perfect for those suffering from PCOS-induced acne.
How it works?
The in-clinic DMK Enzyme Treatments follow a 4-phase system that duplicates our own skin chemistry:
- Remove – The treatment starts by first removing the build-up of dead skin cells with a cleansing ritual, followed by a deeper exfoliation to brighten and lift off dead cells and proteins that can cause a dull complexion.
- Rebuild – After removing dead skin cells, our focus is on rebuilding the structures of skin to allow cells to function optimally. We do this by applying a hydration mist, a custom selection of serums are applied to suit the patients skin, which all contain Vitamin C and Beta-Glucan to calm inflamed skin, brighten and protect against free radicals.
- Protect – We then follow with a barrier cream and sun protection to protect against all UV and artificial lighting. As we know, skin should be protected every day with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or more, and we have a wide range of SPF options to suit everybody’s needs at Face the Future.
- Maintain – This is where we work to maintain the results achieved with DMK homecare prescriptive products and a continued course of treatments.
A consultation must be completed before any of these treatments are carried out. This allows our expert clinicians to assess your skin concerns and make the best possible treatment recommendations for your skin with the aim of achieving the best possible results.
DMK treatments can be tailored to help resolve a number of different skin complaints, but they are particularly effective in treating skin concerns that benefit from resurfacing techniques including acne.
If you have been diagnosed with PCOS and want to tackle your acne and excess hair symptoms, book your free consultation at Face the Future. Call 0113 282 7744 (option 2), email info@facethefuture.co.uk or enquire online.
Written for you by: Jess, Face the Future
Image source: freepik.com
