WHAT IS PCOS?

 Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is one of the most common endocrine system disorders affecting women and guess what... it's present in 10% of Caucasian women, but most prevalent in African American and Hispanic women at 15-20%.

PCOS is a complex disorder caused by hormone imbalances that create problems in the ovaries, with the primary symptom of PCOS being irregular periods. Other symptoms, such as excess facial or body hair, thinning hair, acne, and infertility are also common.

With PCOS being on the rise in the most recent years, it is mainly a direct result of lifestyle habits. Excessive consumption of unhealthy foods and drinks, the constant state of stress we live under, artificial hormones in food, loss of appropriate nutrition, irregular gut function, increasing medications, lack of movement, and alarming rates of obesity, are all taking a toll on our physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual health. 

The symptoms of PCOS are a direct result of hormone imbalances, such as insulin resistance and overproduction of androgen (male) hormones. While both men and women make androgen hormones, it produces higher than normal levels in women that disrupt the signals in the brain, resulting in ovulation causing menstrual cycles where the egg does not release or ovulation doesn't occur at all. These higher levels of androgen also cause enlarged follicles, excess hair and acne. 

LIFESTYLE 

 Clearing your skin never starts from a skincare product, it starts from your gut.

At Skinostics, we've always led with the mission of helping our community understand that balancing your hormones will stem from nutrition. We want you to not only have the best skin BUT we want you to understand how to maintain it for the long haul. 

Your body needs food to create hormones, they're responsible for everything..how your body functions and keep them balanced. When you cut corners with your food, your body notices, and responses with stress. Stress leads to inflammation, with this all resulting in increased sebum (oil) production, and welp...there goes the acne.

If something is not functioning internally, whether it's malnutrition, stress, hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, and/or toxin overload, our skin is usually the direct evidence of it all... (cues song) it's written all over your face, you don't have to say a word!

• Unusual rashes
• Embarrassing pimples
• Dull or lackluster skin

are all signs that something isn't functioning at its best.

Acne, Insulin, and Androgens

As mentioned earlier, insulin resistance is a symptom of PCOS. Would you believe it's triggered by eating too many carbohydrates with a high glycemic load? Glycemic load is measured by how much a certain food will increase the level of insulin in the blood. Increased insulin is androgenic (increases production of androgen), which increases sebum production, ultimately making sense for higher glycemic foods to trigger breakouts and acne.

Think about this...the word "diet"hasn't been mentioned up until now, it's a reason for that. When we hear that word, we automatically feel like it's something we have to be super disciplined to proceed with and we know at Skinostics...for the majority it's not happening. Just think about adjusting your food choices, as lifestyle improvements.

Three "diets" that are attainable and best for those diagnosed with PCOS are:

• Anti-Inflammatory Diet: eating an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, minimizing processed foods, and eating a variety of carbohydrates, protein, and fats
• Keto Diet: eating foods low in carbohydrates, high in fats 
• Mediterranean Diet: eating mostly plant based foods, replacing butter with oil, not using salt, eating fish twice weekly, and limiting meat
• Paleo Diet: eating vegetables and fruits with low glycemic load, plentiful wild fish, rich in anti inflammatory omega 3- fatty acids.

CHOOSING SKINCARE JUST FOR YOU

Reduce Oil. Remove Impurities. Fight Acne Causing Bacteria

Due to increased sebum (oil) production and the onset of acne, keeping your pores clean and reducing oil are essential product benefits you should look for when choosing the right skincare.

1. The Renew Cleanser was made with oily and acne prone skin in mind. Its gel texture lathers upon application to the face, gently sweeping away excessive oil, and impurities that contribute to acne causing bacteria, without drying out the skin.

Brighten Skin. Even Skin Tone. Improve Skin Texture

Acne often leaves behind discoloration from ruptured pimples and redness resulting in uneven skin tone and irregular texture. Uneven skin tone and irregular texture are two primary reasons we see excessive scrubbing with sugar scrubs and brushes in an attempt to rid the face of any imperfection. SAY NO TO SCRUBS (on your face and in your life). We have something better that won't cause red or sensitive skin, but will improve your skin's texture and tone.

2. Meet our #1 Best Seller, The Pigment Eraser.  This serum has been a staple product since the beginning of time at Skinostics, with complex benefits it provides the skin. While it brightens your skin, it also continues to strengthen your skin's barrier while constantly breaking up impurities throughout the day and night. 

Soothe Irritation. Nourish. Heal Skin

Did you think because your skin is oily or acne prone, that you didn't need a moisturizer? The excessive oil that leaves you shiny does not moisturize your skin, it's just direct evidence of the overproduction of sebum (oil) present. We get it, you don't want to feel more oily! Lightweight moisturizers (water based) are best for you. 

HydraCalm is the lightweight moisturizer that won't leave you greasy or feeling sticky but instead melts into your skin for the ultimate nourishment.

LET'S WRAP THIS UP

Up to 50% of women don't know they have PCOS. If you're experiencing any symptoms named above, contact your primary care physician. With the right lifestyle changes and improvements, you can manage your successfully manage your acne. Hope is not lost, Skinostics is here with you for the ride. Until next time...

XOXO-

Ja'Kelli Unique

Founder, L.E.