Close-up of a woman with radiant, clear skin and sleek hair looking to the side, representing the results of advanced skincare and LED light therapy treatments on a neutral background.

How to Manage PCOS-Related Skin and Hair Issues

Written by: Echelonn Team

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Time to read 3 min

THE-GLO-GUIDE [05-05-2025]
by LED SCIENCE

How to Manage PCOS-Related Skin and Hair Issues


Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. While its root causes lie in hormone imbalance, its symptoms often show up on your skin and in your hair. From stubborn acne and unwanted facial hair to scalp thinning and increased oiliness, PCOS can be as much a skincare concern as it is a medical one.

The good news? There are safe, non-invasive treatments that can help you manage these symptoms, especially when supported by consistent routines and smart devices like LED light therapy face masks . In this guide, we explore the most common PCOS-related skin and hair concerns and practical, research-backed ways to manage them effectively.

PCOS and Hormonal Acne


Persistent acne is one of the most visible and frustrating symptoms of PCOS. It typically appears along the jawline, cheeks, or chin, and doesn’t always respond to traditional acne treatments.

This is because PCOS-related breakouts are driven by excess androgens, which overstimulate sebaceous glands. More sebum means more clogged pores, creating a perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive.

Here’s what helps calm PCOS acne:

  • Blue light therapy: Penetrates the upper layers of skin to kill P. acnes bacteria. Regular use can visibly reduce breakouts.

  • Red light therapy: Calms inflammation and speeds up healing.

  • Targeted skincare: Ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, and azelaic acid work well alongside light-based devices.

  • Lifestyle support: Managing insulin levels through diet and movement can also regulate hormone activity.

Devices like LED Esthetics’ GloTech™ LED Face Mask combine red and blue light to target acne at the source, soothing inflammation and helping prevent future breakouts.

Side profile of a woman with inflamed hormonal acne on the jawline and chin, commonly associated with PCOS or menopause-related breakouts.

PCOS and Hair Thinning (Androgenic Alopecia)


Not all hair loss is created equal and when it comes to PCOS, thinning is typically due to androgenic alopecia. Elevated dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels shorten the hair growth cycle and shrink follicles, leading to thinner, weaker strands over time.

Women often notice widening parts, a more visible scalp, and slower regrowth, especially near the crown and temples.

Red light therapy offers a natural solution. It boosts blood circulation to the scalp, encouraging oxygen and nutrient delivery directly to hair follicles. Over time, this supports stronger hair regrowth and can delay the impact of DHT.

LED Esthetics’ GloTech™ Red Light Hair Growth Cap uses medical-grade red and infrared light to support follicle health. Users report increased hair density, better volume, and thicker regrowth after 3–4 months of consistent use.

Man wearing a black LED Esthetics cap to discreetly cover hair thinning while using red light therapy for hair regrowth and scalp revitalization.

PCOS and Excess Hair Growth (Hirsutism)


PCOS can cause increased facial or body hair growth, particularly in places where hair typically grows finer—like the chin, upper lip, or chest. This happens when excess androgens overstimulate hair follicles in these areas.

For many, this unwanted growth can be both emotionally and physically distressing. While in-office laser hair removal is one option, at-home solutions now make consistent care more accessible and affordable.

At-home hair removal device offers:

  • Large surface coverage for fast sessions

  • Safe use on face and body

  • Long-term reduction in regrowth with continued use

PCOS and Skin Inflammation


Inflammation is another side effect of PCOS-related hormonal shifts. From rosacea-like flare-ups to general sensitivity and reactive skin, many women with PCOS struggle with redness, irritation, and uneven tone.

Red and yellow LED light can help restore balance.

  • Red light (630–660nm): Penetrates deep to reduce inflammation, promote collagen production, and support healing.

  • Yellow light (around 590nm): Soothes surface sensitivity, enhances circulation, and calms redness.

The GloTech™ LED Mask is also an excellent device for skin inflammation and sensitivity. This is because the medical-grade LEDs penetrate the skin to reduce inflammation, stimulate collagen production , and accelerate the skin’s natural repair processes.

How to Build a PCOS-Safe Skincare and Hair Routine


Morning:

  • Gentle cleanser

  • Niacinamide or azelaic acid serum

  • Lightweight moisturizer

  • SPF

Evening:

  • Cleanse thoroughly

  • LED light therapy session (red/blue/yellow)

  • Hydrating or treatment-based serum

  • Moisturizer to seal in benefits

Hair routine (3x per week):

  • Scalp massage + red light helmet treatment

  • DHT-blocking shampoo

  • Leave-in peptide serum

Incorporate stress reduction, balanced meals, and professional guidance for a full-body approach.

Final Thoughts: Managing PCOS Skin and Hair Symptoms at Home


PCOS affects more than hormones, it impacts how we feel in our own skin. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, tools like blue and red light therapy offer drug-free ways to manage common symptoms like breakouts, inflammation, and hair thinning.

Whether you're targeting acne or rebuilding hair strength, clinically-backed devices like the GloTech Pro™ LED Face Mask and GloTech Pro™ Red Light Hair Growth Cap can empower you to take control.

Want results you can see and feel? Support your skin and hair from the inside out with a holistic PCOS routine and science-backed LED devices from LED Esthetics.