Think natural is safe? These skincare ingredients can backfire if you have PCOS

PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which is more than just another hormonal imbalance. It is mainly influenced by what you eat, how you move, and what you’re applying to your skin.

While most of the PCOS symptoms revolve around fitness and food, you now need to put the spotlight on your beauty shelf as well. But it is more than what face wash you’re applying or moisturiser you prefer.




We often think that natural products or DIY tricks can never cause any harm, which is a common mistake. Never underestimate the power of natural ingredients, as there are some substances that can be too harsh on your PCOS skin. We have listed some natural tricks and products that are commonly used by many but are not an option for women with PCOS. Let’s take a look at some.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is usually high in citric acid, which can trigger irritation, cause post-acne pigmentation, and cause photosensitisation, which is something PCOS-prone skin is already vulnerable to.

Coconut oil on face

Coconut oil is a great cure for many things, but as it is highly comedogenic, it can clog pores and worsen the hormonal acne situation, with closed comedones in action.




Undiluted essential oils

Essential oils can interfere with your hormone-sensitive skin if applied directly, which can lead to sudden irritation, flare-ups, and obviously barrier damage.

Coffee scrubs and DIY sugar tricks

Physical exfoliation should be completely avoided, as it can lead to inflamed PCOD skin, causing redness, intense breakouts, and micro-tears as well.

Raw aloe vera gel

Raw aloe vera can cause dermatitis and even fungal acne in some PCOD cases, especially if you’re using it every day.



Bottom line

So, if you’re having PCOD skin, then understand that your barrier repair is weak, you need gentle actives, and overall hormonal awareness. Harsh natural fixes should also be your concern, as not everything natural always suits your skin. Start with patch testing and always opt for dermatologically approved formulations, rather than going for DIY trends.