PCOS Hormone Imbalances and Skin Health
Nutrition Support for Hormonal Acne and PCOS Breakouts
Nutritionist advice for hormonal skin problems and acne in Manchester & online
If you’re dealing with stubborn spots around your jawline or chin, oily or inflamed skin, or breakouts that flare up in cycles, it’s not just “bad skin”.
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Many women with hormone imbalances or PCOS experience ongoing skin problems that don’t respond to typical treatments. You might have tried antibiotics, topical creams, or even hormonal contraceptives, only to see results fade or symptoms return when you stop.
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That’s because these skin issues are often driven by internal imbalances, not just clogged pores.
Personalised Nutrition Plans for PCOS Hormonal Breakouts & Acne
Skin Health
Gut Health Support
Blood Sugar Balance
Energy Balance
How Hormones & PCOS Affect Your Skin
Hormones and skin are closely linked
Hormonal acne and oily skin are common signs of androgen excess, a key feature of PCOS. This means your body may be producing more testosterone or DHEA, which increases sebum (oil) production and makes pores more prone to blockage and inflammation.
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At the same time, PCOS often involves:
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Insulin resistance – which can worsen androgens and increase skin pigmentation
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Chronic inflammation – leading to red, irritated or reactive skin
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Nutrient deficiencies – especially zinc, vitamin A, omega-3s and antioxidants needed for skin repair
When left unaddressed, these underlying issues can keep your skin stuck in a cycle of breakouts, even if you’re eating well and using a good skincare routine.
Common Skin Symptoms in PCOS
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Hormonal acne (especially chin, jaw, cheeks)
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Oily or shiny skin
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Red, inflamed or cystic breakouts
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Dark patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans)
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Skin tags
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Slow healing or post-inflammatory marks
These are more than surface-level problems, they’re clues that your body is asking for deeper support.
How Nutrition Can Support Clearer Skin
Results you can expect with a healthy skin nutrition plan
In my 12-week Hormone Shift Method, we don’t treat the skin directly — instead, we look at what’s driving the inflammation and imbalance from within.
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Depending on your symptoms and history, we may focus on:
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Balancing blood sugar and insulin to reduce excess androgens
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Anti-inflammatory nutrition to calm the skin and support healing
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Key nutrients for skin and hormone health (zinc, vitamin A, omega-3s, B vitamins)
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Supporting liver detox pathways involved in hormone clearance
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Identifying potential gut or histamine triggers, where relevant
Every plan is tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle and goals — no restrictive diets or expensive supplements.
Book a PCOS Strategy Call
Wondering if your hormones could be behind your skin flare-ups?
Persistent breakouts, oily skin or pigmentation can feel exhausting, especially when they affect your confidence and you’ve already tried to “fix it” from the outside.
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There’s another way to support your skin: by working with your hormones, not against them.
If you suspect your skin issues could be linked to hormonal imbalances and PCOS, or you’re not sure where to start, let’s talk.
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I work online with women across Manchester and the UK who want to feel more in control of their skin, hormones and health, with realistic, evidence-based support.
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Book a call or download your Free Hormone Health Snapshot to learn how nutrition could help address the root causes of skin symptoms.
Online Nutritionist FAQ's
Your Skin Health Nutrition Questions Answered
How can nutrition improve my skin?
Your skin is influenced by what you eat. Nutrient-rich foods provide the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your skin needs to stay healthy. A diet that balances blood sugar, reduces inflammation, and supports gut health can improve common concerns like acne, dryness, and redness.
What’s the link between gut health and skin?
Your gut and skin are closely connected. An imbalanced gut can trigger inflammation, worsen conditions like acne or eczema, and reduce nutrient absorption — all of which affect your skin. Supporting gut health with fibre, probiotics, and anti-inflammatory foods can have a powerful impact on skin clarity and texture.
Can hormones really affect my skin?
Yes, hormones play a major role in skin health. Imbalances in oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol can lead to breakouts, dryness, and sensitivity. Balancing your hormones with the right nutrition and lifestyle support can help improve these issues.
What foods are good for thyroid health?
Supporting thyroid health with the right foods is crucial. Some of the best foods for thyroid health include: Iodine-rich foods: Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production. Foods like seaweed, fish, and dairy products are great sources. Selenium: This mineral helps convert thyroid hormones into their active form. Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, and fish like tuna and sardines are excellent sources. Zinc: Zinc helps regulate thyroid function. Foods like oysters, pumpkin seeds, and lentils are rich in zinc. Vitamin D: Low vitamin D levels can affect thyroid function. Include foods like fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products. Healthy fats: Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish (like salmon) and flaxseeds can help reduce inflammation and support thyroid health. However, it’s also important to be cautious with certain foods that may interfere with thyroid function, such as soy, cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and cauliflower), and gluten, especially if you have an autoimmune thyroid condition.
What foods are best for healthy skin?
Focus on foods rich in: Omega-3 fats (e.g., salmon, flaxseeds) to reduce inflammation Antioxidants (e.g., berries, leafy greens) to protect skin cells Zinc and Vitamin C to support healing and collagen production Fibre-rich foods to promote gut health
Are there foods I should avoid for better skin?
Certain foods can worsen skin issues, particularly those that spike blood sugar or increase inflammation. Limiting refined sugars, processed foods, and excess dairy can often help improve skin health.
How long does it take to see improvements in my skin?
Results vary, but most people notice positive changes within 6-8 weeks of adopting a targeted nutrition and lifestyle plan. Consistency is key for lasting results.
Can your programme help with stubborn acne or eczema?
Yes, my personalised nutrition programmes are designed to address the root causes of skin issues. By focusing on hormone balance, gut health, and inflammation, we can create a tailored plan to help calm your skin and improve its overall appearance.
I’ve tried so many skincare products — how is this different?
Topical treatments can help, but if your skin issues are linked to internal imbalances, skincare alone won’t solve the problem. My approach addresses the root cause, helping you achieve healthier skin from within.
