Breaking out or glowing up? How gynaecological health affects your skin
But it's also an opportunity to have real conversations about the health battles we carry quietly, especially the ones that show up in places no one expects.
August is Women's Month in South Africa, a time to honour women's resilience, strength, and sacrifices.
From the transformative changes in puberty to the hormonal rollercoaster of menopause, women's bodies navigate a complex landscape of gynaecological health issues throughout their lives.
Unfortunately, many of these concerns, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, not only affect physical health but also have significant implications for skin health.
They're whole-body experiences. They affect how we feel and how we show up in the world. Yet, too often these changes are dismissed as vanity or chalked up to 'hormones' in a way that minimises the real struggles behind them.
Dr Judey Pretorius, a renowned biomedical scientist and founder of Biomedical Emporium skincare, discusses the various effects female gynaecological conditions can have on the skin.
Skin issues tied to women's health are often overlooked, even by healthcare professionals. But our skin is our biggest organ, and for many women, it's the first place their body starts sounding the alarm that something deeper is happening.
The connection between hormones and skin
When women struggle with gynaecological issues, skin concerns can feel like an additional burden that healthcare providers may overlook. We look at some of the gynaecological health conditions that affect the skin below:
PCOS is more than just a hormonal imbalance
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, affecting nearly one in ten women of reproductive age, is a prevalent hormonal disorder that can lead to a host of issues, including infertility, weight gain, and troubling skin conditions.
Women with PCOS often experience elevated androgen levels, which can increase oil production and lead to stubborn acne, especially along the jawline and neck. These breakouts can feel deeper and harder to treat than typical acne.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- The Citizen
Women with disabilities still shut out of jobs despite Women's Month celebrations
Women with disabilities still shut out of jobs despite Women's Month celebrations As South Africa marks Women's Month with tributes to trailblazing leaders, entrepreneurs, and historical icons, one group continues to be overlooked: women with disabilities are still left knocking on doors that remain firmly shut. Lungi Mkwani, 27, from a small township on the outskirts of Johannesburg, wakes up every morning to repeat the same routine: search, apply and hope. Despite holding a qualification in Public Relations (N4), call centre training, and experience in business and office administration, Mkwani has struggled to find stable employment, not due to a lack of skills, but because she lives with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, commonly known as brittle bone disease. 'Living with a disability as a woman in South Africa is challenging. Most of our cries are rarely heard,' she said. After volunteering at a local police station between 2022 and 2023, Mkwani hoped the experience would open the door to full-time employment. Instead, she was turned away. 'They used my disability as an excuse not to employ me. We're always told, 'We encourage persons with disabilities to apply,' but the follow-through never happens,' Mkwani said. According to Mkwani, many job opportunities for people with disabilities are limited to short-term learnerships, often with age restrictions and inadequate accessibility. 'These programmes only last 12 months, and once you're over 28, you're pushed out. Some buildings still have stairs, others don't cater for people who are blind or deaf or have other specific needs,' she added. Double disadvantage Lana Roy, Programme Lead for 360: Disability Inclusion at Afrika Tikkun, said that Mkwani's story is not unique and reflects a wider, systemic issue affecting thousands of women across South Africa. 'Women with disabilities face a double burden: gender and disability discrimination. They're often the last considered and the first ignored,' said Roy. Roy noted that when women with disabilities do secure employment, they are rarely offered leadership roles. 'Access and safety at work are major concerns, from restrooms and transportation to being taken seriously in male-dominated environments. They're also more vulnerable to discrimination, exploitation, and gender-based violence, not because of their impairments, but because of how society responds to them,' Roy said. Afrika Tikkun, which supports more than 1 200 children and young people with disabilities, runs a range of programmes from early childhood development to vocational training, work placements, and advocacy initiatives. But Roy said that systemic change is still urgently needed. A call for accountability Roy said that from a policy standpoint, there needs to be far stronger enforcement of inclusive hiring practices. 'Inclusion shouldn't be seen as charity or a box-ticking exercise for BBBEE points, but as a responsibility,' Roy argued. She added that one of the greatest issues is that discussions around disability often exclude the voices of disabled people themselves. We often speak about them, not with them. We must prioritise lived experience. The mantra 'Nothing for us, without us' exists for a reason,' she said. Roy warns that the widespread belief that disability equates to incapacity remains a major barrier. Investing in inclusion At the organisation, the disability inclusion team, made up of administrators, therapists, social workers, and nursing staff, works to ensure every child or young person in their care is included in cradle-to-career programmes. Children and youth with disabilities are engaged in everything from Saturday dance and acting classes to after-school learnerships in hospitality, farming, and vocational training. Afrika Tikkun also runs weekly support groups and an annual Disability Pageant to foster confidence and visibility. The organisation partners with families, schools, and communities to create an ecosystem of support and works closely with government departments to drive policy alignment and implementation. The road ahead Next month, Afrika Tikkun will host the Valuable 500 Summit, a landmark event bringing together government officials, corporate leaders, and civil society to tackle leadership, representation, and accountability around disability inclusion in the workplace. 'It's about job creation for people with disabilities, especially young women. They're often viewed as too vulnerable, too emotional, and too complicated. But these are not reasons; they are excuses rooted in bias,' Roy said. Mkwani echoes the call for action. 'We want to work. We want to contribute. We want to be seen as capable. I don't want to be a statistic but I just want a fair chance,' Mkwani expressed. As South Africa continues to celebrate women during this month of reflection and recognition, it's time to widen the spotlight to include those whose stories remain untold and whose potential remains untapped. For more information on Afrika Tikkun's disability programmes or the upcoming Valuable 500 Summit, visit
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Sip your way to wellness: how rooibos tea supports women at every age
What makes Rooibos stand out is its natural caffeine-free profile, low tannins, gentle effect on the stomach, and rich abundance of antioxidants all without additives. Image: Rahime Gül /pexels There's something deeply comforting about cradling a warm cup of tea, especially when it feels like life is moving a little too fast. And as we celebrate Women's Month in South Africa, it turns out that our go-to comfort drink, rooibos, is doing more than just calming nerves; it's quietly looking after women's health at every life stage. In a world of fancy supplements and wellness fads, rooibos is the low-key superhero sitting quietly in our kitchen cabinets. No hype, no additives, just a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea with proven health benefits, especially for women. The red brew with real benefits With over 22 million South Africans drinking tea daily, women remain the leading tea lovers, according to recent stats from Eighty20, a local data analytics firm. Rooibos, in particular, has grown in popularity as more women ditch high-caffeine, sugar-loaded drinks in favour of something gentler and more nourishing. 'Rooibos is more than just a traditional herbal tisane; it's a wellness companion for women at every stage of life,' says Professor Elmarie Terblanche of Stellenbosch University's Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine. 'It's natural, caffeine-free composition aligns with women's evolving health needs, whether they're in school, navigating motherhood or managing menopause.' And it's not just anecdotal. A 2023 study in the Journal of Public Health in Africa found rooibos significantly improved lipid profiles, antioxidant status, and blood glucose control across a wide age range (6 to 83 years), including high-risk individuals. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Research from prominent researchers highlights Rooibos' capacity to combat oxidative stress linked to chronic illnesses. Image: Nadin Sh/pexels From childhood to menopause Here's how rooibos supports women's health at every life stage: Girls (6–12 years) Rich in antioxidants for healthy development. Naturally sweet, no caffeine, low tannins, perfect for little ones. Doesn't interfere with iron absorption, which is vital during growth spurts. Teens and young women (13–25 years) Anti-inflammatory effects may ease menstrual discomfort. Helps with hydration and focus during exams or sports. Healthier swap for sugary sodas or hyper-caffeinated energy drinks. Women of reproductive age (26–40 years) Considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding (always check with your doctor). Supports heart health, blood sugar balance, and energy regulation. Caffeine-free means no spikes and crashes. Midlife and menopausal women (41–60+ years) Active compounds, such as aspalathin and nothofagin, assist in metabolic support. May reduce symptoms like hot flushes and fatigue. Supports cardiovascular wellness and helps reduce inflammation. Rooibos vs the world While South Africa celebrates its iconic rooibos, other cultures have their own wellness brews, and it's worth noting how they compare. Green tea in East Asia: Loved for centuries in China and Japan, green tea is known for its catechins, powerful antioxidants that promote fat burning and protect the brain. But green tea contains caffeine, which is not ideal for those sensitive to it. Masala Chai in India: This spiced tea blend combines black tea with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and cloves, all known for their digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits. However, it often comes with milk and sugar, which can outweigh its health perks if overdone. Black Tea in the UK: A staple in British culture, black tea contains antioxidants like theaflavins and thearubigins, which support heart health. But again, the caffeine content and frequent addition of sugar or milk can counteract its benefits. Matcha: This finely ground green tea is a powerhouse of antioxidants and L-theanine, which supports calm alertness. But it's potent and pricey and definitely not caffeine-free. This finely ground green tea serves as a potent source of antioxidants Image: Diana/pexels What makes rooibos stand out? It's naturally caffeine-free, low in tannins, gentle on the stomach, and packs a serious antioxidant punch all without needing any additives. Why rooibos is a wellness essential Experts across the country agree: rooibos is not just a trendy health tea; it's a functional drink with science-backed benefits. Professor Jeanine Marnewick of CPUT has shown that rooibos helps combat oxidative stress, a contributor to chronic illness. Professor Amanda Swart of Stellenbosch University identified aspalathin, a unique Rooibos compound, as a natural aid for blood sugar and adrenal health. Professor Christo Muller from the SAMRC highlighted rooibos' potential to support glucose metabolism and reduce inflammation, key factors in preventing or managing type 2 diabetes. 'These findings make Rooibos one of the few herbal drinks with evidence-based functional health claims,' says Terblanche. 'It's accessible, safe and locally grown, a true South African gem.' In a wellness world filled with green powders, collagen shots, and pills with hard-to-pronounce names, rooibos offers something refreshingly simple: a self-care moment that nourishes body and mind.
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Building without breaking: Rethinking wellness for women entrepreneurs
In entrepreneurship, mental health remains a taboo topic, says the author. Image: FreePik As South Africa celebrates Women's Month, our newsfeeds fill with praise for women who are breaking barriers, leading companies, and transforming communities. But behind many of these polished success stories lies a quieter truth: women entrepreneurs are burning out, that is emotionally, mentally, and physically. Burnout is often described as the cost of ambition. But for women in business, it's not just ambition; it's survival. The pressure to provide, lead, nurture, and hustle in a system that still doesn't fully support them, which is relentless and often exhausting. Women entrepreneurs wear multiple hats. They are CEOs, administrators, marketers, and, when the workday ends, they become caregivers, partners, and emotional anchors at home. Unlike many of their male counterparts, women often can't compartmentalise or simply separate personal and professional responsibilities. The result! Chronic fatigue, decision paralysis, anxiety, and in many cases, silent breakdowns. In entrepreneurship, mental health remains a taboo topic. For women, this silence is even louder. Expressing vulnerability is too often seen as a weakness, especially in spaces where they must constantly prove their legitimacy. This toxic productivity culture, where constant grinding is celebrated as a badge of honour — is silently eroding the well-being of many gifted and driven women. What makes this issue urgent is the lack of resources. Women-owned businesses often operate without access to mentorship, funding, or peer support. In township or rural economies, where many women entrepreneurs are building micro and small enterprises, they are even more isolated. Add to this the pressure of a sluggish economy, power outages, and red tape — and the conditions become ripe for mental and emotional collapse. We must urgently reimagine what support for women entrepreneurs looks like. Wellness must become part of enterprise development. Mental health services, coaching, peer support groups, and scheduled downtime should be built into the DNA of incubation and acceleration programmes. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Empowerment cannot just mean more workshops and hashtags. It must mean providing real rest, relevant resources, and recognising that burnout is not a personal failure but a symptom of systemic neglect. As we honour women this month, let us move beyond celebrating their profits and ask the more human question: How are you doing? Let's normalise rest in entrepreneurship. Let's fund support systems that allow women not just to survive but to lead sustainably. The truth is, South Africa needs its women entrepreneurs healthy, whole, and thriving — not silently suffering behind curated Instagram posts and business awards. Their well-being is not a luxury; it's a national economic priority. When women are mentally strong and emotionally supported, businesses thrive, communities grow, and the nation benefits from purpose-driven leadership. We cannot afford to let burnout steal our brightest minds. It's time we build ecosystems that value rest as much as resilience, where boardrooms meet vulnerability with support, not silence. Because when women rise with their health intact, they don't just run businesses; women build nations. Tsakani Nkombyane, Programme Officer at 22 On Sloane. Image: Supplied. Tsakani Nkombyane is the Programme Officer at 22 On Sloane. *** The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Independent Media or IOL. BUSINESS REPORT
