Skincare Routine For PCOS Facial Hair:How to Treat Hirsutism

If you have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), you know that this hormonal disorder does more than cause cysts on the ovaries. There are a ton of PCOS symptoms from weight gain and irregular menstrual cycles to mood swings and excessive hair growth. Tackling the long list of side effects of this condition can feel completely overwhelming, which is one of the big reasons I started my blog and podcast to take Cysters like you step-by-step through the natural healing process. 

One of the symptoms that can really be frustrating is excessive facial hair growth. For many women, the dark, coarse facial hair that often comes with PCOS is annoying, time-consuming, and can be embarrassing. And, beyond its appearance, this type of facial hair in women often signals an underlying condition that contributes to many other common PCOS symptoms.

Thankfully, there is a way to get rid of PCOS facial hair naturally by treating the root cause. That’s what I’m going to be discussing today! 

Skincare Routine For PCOS Facial Hair: How to Treat Your Hirsutism Inside and Out 

In this post, I’ll explain what PCOS facial hair is, what it looks like, and the options you have to treat it! Of course, I’ll also get into a solid skincare routine for managing day-to-day PCOS facial hair. Let’s get into it:

What Is PCOS Facial Hair?

Hirsutism is a condition where women grow excessive, coarse, and dark hair in areas where it typically appears on men like the chin, upper lip, sideburns, and beard area (and sometimes the body, too).

It’s especially common in people with PCOS, because it’s linked to elevated levels of androgens male hormones like testosterone. Since one of the root issues in PCOS is a hormonal imbalance, hirsutism ends up being a pretty common symptom.

What Does PCOS Facial Hair Look Like?

PCOS facial hair is usually wiry, dark, and thick nothing like peach fuzz that’s barely visible and hardly has any texture. It’s usually longer, coarser, and more noticeable. And, if that wasn’t frustrating enough, PCOS facial hair also grows back fast even after shaving, plucking, or waxing, which can make it feel like a constant battle.

So, do you just have to accept a daily date with a razor and the bathroom mirror? No! There are lots of ways to get rid of PCOS facial hair. Here are some things you can try!

What Helps With PCOS Facial Hair?

Increase insulin sensitivity.

When managing PCOS facial hair, it’s important to get to the root causes of this symptom. One of the main culprits is insulin resistance, which is where your body isn’t able to process glucose properly, raising your insulin levels. However, it doesn’t just throw off insulin; it sends other hormones out of balance, too. 

These shifts contribute to PCOS facial hair and other skin issues like skin tags and acanthosis nigricans (skin darkening). Luckily, you can increase insulin sensitivity and improve these symptoms with an anti-inflammatory, gluten- and dairy-free diet, regular slow-weighted workouts, and supplements like Ovasitol and berberine. 

Lower androgen levels. 

As mentioned, another core issue leading to facial hair in women with PCOS is high androgen levels. Androgens are male sex hormones, and when they’re high in women, they lead to male-pattern facial hair growth as well as hormonal acne, head hair thinning, and other PCOS symptoms. 

Insulin resistance is actually part of the reason Cysters have high androgens, so addressing that will help with androgen levels, too. Other things you can do is manage stress levels, get high-quality sleep, remove endocrine disruptors, and drink Testosterone Relief Tea. The supplement Ovasitol will also really help with elevated androgens, but so does zinc, omega-3, and vitamin D. 

Reduce inflammation. 

Chronic inflammation interrupts normal hormone signalling, sending plenty of hormones out of whack, including insulin, cortisol, and androgens. Inflammation basically means your body is in constant survival mode, prioritizing only the essential process and ignoring things like hormone regulation and metabolic function. 

A gluten- and dairy-free diet, the slow weighted exercise, managing stress, and good sleep can be a big help! You also want to ensure you’re staying hydrated and taking omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, magnesium, vitamin D, and zinc! (Those can all be found in Ovafit’s Metabolism Plus bundle.) 

Address nutrient deficiencies. 

Any time we’re low on essential vitamins and minerals, it can disrupt normal bodily functions. So, consider getting labs done to identify potential nutrient deficiencies to set yourself up for success! Addressing inflammation, insulin resistance, and hormone imbalance, is much easier with the right support in place. Most of your nutrient needs can probably be addressed by taking what’s included in our Metabolism Plus bundle along with Ovasitol and Berberine Advanced! 

Improve gut health. 

Poor gut health can trigger chronic inflammation, worsen insulin resistance, and make it harder for your body to detox excess androgens so it needs to be addressed to get rid of PCOS facial hair! To support the gut, consider taking a probiotic and adding fermented foods to your diet, as well as implementing the lifestyle changes already mentioned above. 

How To Manage PCOS Facial Hair With Skincare

Remember that skin health starts within. 

Though you maybe came here for a good skincare routine, remember that the root of all good skincare starts within! You can find resources including PCOS-friendly recipes and workout guides on The Cysterhood app that can help you make the lifestyle changes needed to get to the root of your PCOS facial hair. 

Use products that are strategic and gentle. 

Skincare products can be packed with active ingredients each one targeting different skin concerns. If you’re dealing with PCOS facial hair, it’s important to choose products that not only soothe the skin after hair removal but also help balance the effects of excess oil (that clogs pores) and inflammation caused by high androgen levels. Look for ingredients that gently support skin recovery, prevent breakouts, and keep your skin hydrated and calm.

Here are ingredients to look for:

• Niacinamide: balances oil production, calms inflammation, and supports skin barrier
• Salicylic acid: unclogs pores, prevents clogging, and helps prevent acne 
• Azelaic acid: reduces redness, evens skin tone, and may help with post-shave bumps
• Benzoyl Peroxide: targets acne-causing bacteria and reduces breakouts, especially around shaved or waxed areas
• Retinols: boost cell turnover, prevent clogged pores, and fade dark spots from repeated hair removal
• Squalane: lightweight, non-comedogenic hydrator that helps support the skin barrier

Establish a sustainable, intentional routine. 

If you really want your skincare to have an effect, it’s important that you have a solid skincare routine that you do every day. Not only should your routine address PCOS facial hair, but other PCOS skin issues, too!

Example PCOS Morning Skincare Routine:

• Step 1: Gentle Cleanser – Use a non-foaming, hydrating formula with salicylic acid or azelaic acid to balance oil and prevent breakouts.
• Step 2: Toner – Choose one with niacinamide or green tea extract to soothe and prep the skin.
• Step 3: Serum – Apply a niacinamide (5–10%) serum to reduce oil, calm inflammation, and minimize pores; add azelaic acid for bumps or redness.
• Step 4: Moisturizer – Go for a lightweight, non-comedogenic cream with ceramides or squalane to hydrate and support the skin barrier.
• Step 5: Sunscreen – Use SPF 30+, preferably mineral-based (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) to protect from sun damage and post-shave sensitivity.

Example PCOS Evening Skincare Routine:

• Step 1: Cleanser – Repeat your gentle cleanser or switch to a richer one if your skin feels dry or tight.
• Step 2: Treatment (rotate every other night) – Use retinol, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide depending on your skin’s needs (avoid on freshly shaved skin).
• Step 3: Soothing Serum – Apply one with Centella Asiatica, panthenol, or licorice root to calm and heal irritated areas or dry skin.
• Step 4: Moisturizer – Use a richer non-comedogenic moisturizer to lock in hydration and repair overnight.

Don’t feel shame about shaving!

You should never feel shame about shaving if you have PCOS facial hair. It’s a completely normal way to manage unwanted hair, and contrary to old myths, shaving doesn’t make hair grow back darker, thicker, or faster.

In fact, shaving gently exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin cells, which can help brighten your complexion and prevent clogged pores. It may also support lymphatic drainage by stimulating circulation, promoting healthier, glowing skin. Plus, a smooth surface lets your skincare products absorb better, making your routine more effective. So, don’t stress shave away!

Remember: laser hair removal works best with hormonal support!

Laser hair removal can be a helpful tool for managing facial hair with PCOS—it can lighten the hair, reduce coarseness, and slow regrowth. However, because PCOS is driven by hormonal imbalances, new hair may continue to grow unless the root cause is addressed. That’s why combining laser treatments with a holistic approach to managing your hormones can lead to better, longer-lasting results. If you’re looking for a natural way to support your body and tackle hirsutism from within, check out my essential guide to managing PCOS naturally!

You don’t have to live with PCOS facial hair, reverse it naturally!

Dealing with PCOS facial hair can feel frustrating, but remember: it’s more than just a cosmetic issue it’s a sign of deeper hormonal imbalances that you can work on naturally. By focusing on your overall health and reversing PCOS, nourishing your skin with gentle, targeted products, and building a consistent routine, you’re giving yourself the best chance to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. 

It can be a long process, but it’s absolutely worth it to feel better and reverse your PCOS symptoms for good! Find more Cysters going through the same healing journey (and lots of support and resources) on The Cysterhood app! We can’t wait to see you there.