Everyone dreads hair loss and acne, but for over a 100 million women in India, this is a reality because of an increasingly common endocrinal disorder. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is a chronic condition that strikes women who are in their reproductive age, causing various unpleasant symptoms and greatly increasing the risk of infertility. However, PCOS hair loss and acne can be easily dealt with if you know what to do.
In PCOS, insulin resistance leads to the production of higher-than-normal levels of androgens (male hormones) in the body, causing hair thinning and hair loss in women. Similarly, these hormonal imbalances also cause severe acne outbreaks, as a result of sensitivity to the male hormones – androgen. In fact, persistent acne after the age of 25 is regarded as a warning sign of PCOS.
Scientifically Proven Natural Remedies For Acne
As acne and hair loss in PCOS afflicted women is caused by hormonal imbalances, for a permanent solution, you need to address the underlying cause. This means treating PCOS specifically with medications, diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes. However, in the meantime, you can also use a number of natural solutions to address PCOS-related acne and hair fall.
Aloe Vera
Perhaps the most popular of all medicinal herbs, aloe is often touted as a remedy for a variety of health conditions. In the case of acne, these claims have been verified, with several studies suggesting that including aloe in acne skin treatments can enhance treatment efficacy and reduce inflammatory lesions.
Cucumber
We tend to regard cucumbers as nothing more than a refreshing summer food, but they can also help in the treatment of skin conditions like acne. Cucumbers contain antioxidants and flavonoids with anti-inflammatory properties, as well as bioactive compounds like lutein and cucumerin. These unique properties make it effective for dealing with PCOS acne, as well as conditions like skin inflammation and under eye bags.
Neem
The neem tree is ascribed with almost divine properties because of its tremendous medicinal value, which has been used in Ayurveda and South Indian Siddha medicine. Research that appeared in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine highlights its effect on chronic skin conditions. Researchers state that conditions like acne and psoriasis clear quickly with the application of neem oil.
Natural Treatments For Hair Loss
Coconut Oil
Undoubtedly, the most popular of all hair oils in India, coconut oil is a triglyceride of lauric acid, with an affinity for hair protein and ability to penetrate hair shafts. A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Science found that application of coconut oil to hair significantly reduced protein loss in both damaged and undamaged hair.
Almond Oil
With its high nutritional value, almond oil is particularly nourishing for the scalp and helps to strengthen your hair. The oil contains a variety of nutrients that are essential for healthy hair growth, such as omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids, vitamin E, and magnesium.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is popular hair oil because of its content of essential hair vitamins like B-complex vitamins and vitamin E, as well as zinc and protein. It is believed to help nourish the hair, while also giving it added protection because of its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
Our Advice
Although natural oils and herbal extracts can be extremely helpful in dealing with PCOS symptoms like hair fall and recurring acne, the best results can be obtained through creating your own blend of natural ingredients. This is because certain ingredients enhance the efficacy of others, giving you even better results. Keeping this in mind, it may be a good idea to use pre-formulated Ayurvedic and herbal oils or facepacks, but just make sure to opt for high quality brands with a reputation within the natural health market.
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