Makeup-free Keke Palmer bravely reveals she has polycystic ovary syndrome
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Keke Palmer is opening up about an ongoing health challenge she’s faced for years.
The actress and singer has revealed she’s been struggling to control her acne her entire adult life and, only now, did she find out what was triggering her persistent breakouts.
By taking matters into her own hands — after a series of failed medications and treatments — the former “True Jackson VP” star discovered that she has polycystic ovary syndrome.
“Poly Cystic Ovarian [sic] Syndrome has been attacking me from the inside out my entire life and I had no idea,” the 27-year-old Olay spokesperson shared on Instagram, with a series of make-up-free images exposing scars on her forehead, cheeks and chin. “My acne has been so bad that people in my field offered to pay for me to get it fixed. I tried EVERYTHING.”
According to The Mayo Clinic, polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. While the exact cause is unknown, early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
The Chicago-area native divulged that she underwent treatments, which included two rounds of Accutane — a medication viewed among dermatologists as a last resort to cure severe acne due to the potential side effects, as well as dietary changes.
“I did all that, I ate all the ‘right’ things, my blood tests were fine,” Palmer explained. “But it took ME taking a personal look into my family that has a history of diabetes and obesity, to understand what was ACTUALLY happening with me.”
The “Akeelah and the Bee” actress also said she had to advocate for herself and convince doctors that her acne wasn’t an issue of vanity.
Palmer, who made Broadway history as the first Black person to portray Cinderella in 2014, discouraged fans from trusting everything they see on medical websites, but did stress the importance of doing independent research to find potential answers because “no one can help us like we can help ourselves.”
“The least harmful thing PCOS can bring is acne,” she added. “To all the people struggling with this please know you’re not alone. I’m not afraid to show myself to the world and you shouldn’t be either.”
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