Despite years of searching for a solution to her severe PCOS-related acne through over-the-counter and prescribed creams, Poko founder Justine O'Hanlon remained unsuccessful.
Fueled by frustration and a desire to help others with sensitive, hormonal skin, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Justine went on to create Poko, an innovative and award-winning skincare and supplements brand that has been making waves in the industry and turning heads in the pages of glossy magazines.
Justine's personal struggle since her teenage years inspired her to develop a range of products that addresses the needs of individuals with sensitive, hormonal skin from the inside out.
Justine's battle
At just 12 years old, Justine began to struggle with aggressive hormonal acne, dry patches, hormonal flare-ups, and oily T zones – all signs of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affecting her skin. Despite repeated visits to her GP, her condition continued to worsen over the years. It wasn't until she was 24 years old that she finally received a diagnosis of PCOS.
Inspired by her personal struggles, Justine created Poko, a cruelty-free and vegan skincare brand that offers solutions for individuals facing similar challenges. Poko's range of natural products is specifically tailored to address skin issues like those related to PCOS, including hormonal acne, as well as eczema, psoriasis, dryness, and signs of ageing. Justine explains: "Our products aren't going to cure your PCOS, but they are going to help ease the discomfort of skin issues that can come with it."
For women with PCOS, Justine emphasises that improving insulin sensitivity is critical. Poor insulin sensitivity, also known as insulin resistance, can cause hormones like testosterone to become elevated, leading to a variety of PCOS symptoms such as weight gain, dark patches on the skin, and breakouts. That's why Justine developed Poko's PCOS hero product, Inositol Balance, which contains Myo-Inositol to help support insulin sensitivity and reduce symptoms associated with PCOS.
Justine's personal journey with PCOS has led her to create a brand that is changing the way we approach skincare and self-care, empowering individuals to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. Through Poko, she's providing effective tools and resources to help people achieve healthy, glowing skin.
Justine teamed up with pharmacist and gut health advocate Jess Redden to create a line of four supplements designed to support women's health and well-being. For women with PCOS, they developed a unique blend of Myo-Inositol, folic acid, zinc, and other essential nutrients to reduce insulin resistance, support skin and hair health, and promote fertility with Inositol Balance.
Poko's skincare products are formulated with a variety of natural and active ingredients, including tea tree oil, AHAs, azelaic acid, cannabinoids, jojoba oil, sea buckthorn, niacinamide, and oatmeal. These ingredients work together to nourish and protect the skin, promoting a healthy, radiant complexion. With a commitment to natural, science-based solutions, Poko is helping women achieve healthy, glowing skin and overall well-being.
Justine has designed essential products for hormonal acne are the Soothing Serum and Azelaic Acid Spot Gel. Those with overactive sebaceous glands (excess oil production) should try Poko's Purifying Gel Cleanser as it has AHAs, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. If you suffer from acne scarring try the AHA Exfoliating Treatment and Azelaic Spot Gel is also ideal for clogged pores because of the properties of the Azelaic acid.
Psoriasis Flare-Ups and the Gut-Skin Connection
Justine was also aware of the effects of psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition that can present as itchy, inflamed and scaly skin. It can be caused by your genes or it can be triggered by hormonal changes, stress, alcohol and smoking.
As a result, Poko has used nourishing ingredients and developed a range of products suitable for psoriasis sufferers containing jojoba oil and other hydrating ingredients to help relieve symptoms. After using countless products, make-up artist and Poko brand ambassador Maria Murphy used Poko Hempsoriasis Balm for her psoriasis flare-up.
Amazed at the results and now a complete convert, she said: "I put the balm on twice before bed and I can't believe the difference. Loads of girls sent me messages saying they were struggling with similar on their eyes and honestly, I would highly recommend this balm.’’
Poko’s day and night skincare and supplements range to help with psoriasis offers products to fit into a daily routine and protect the skin barrier, calm inflammation and irritation and support skin through flare-ups.
Although a regular and effective skincare routine plays a vital role, what’s going on way below the surface may be just as – if not more – important. Supporting gut health could be a key part of achieving a radiant complexion. Poko’s supplement range is therefore designed to support women through different stages of their lives.
For healthier hair, stronger nails and more vibrant skin, the team developed Hair Skin and Nails with Irish sea moss to promote collagen production, selenium, coQ10 and vitamin A.
Ever heard of the gut-skin axis? Some studies have shown that there may be a link between gut health and skin health including one such study. So if you are suffering from skin inflammation, your gut is most likely inflamed too. Live Bacteria Daily was developed with two strains of probiotics, a prebiotic and magnesium to support your gut health and immune system. The entire supplement range includes your daily recommended dose of vitamin D which is essential in cloudier climates.
All stages of life
Poko also expanded to help women in different stages of their life. One of the major changes for women is menopause which has gone mainstream in recent years with the taboo subject now being embraced in the workplace with support and countless books, articles, champions and podcasts. And as a woman who has seen her skin age dramatically as a result of menopause, I’m a full-time cheerleader for this discussion.
During menopause, the skin is likely to be impacted by the drop in oestrogen levels that occurs during menopause, for which some women have hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
The skin's inability to retain moisture is reduced, leading to redness, dryness, spots and more pronounced signs of ageing. I know I’ve seen a dramatic change in my skin from my forties to my early fifties. Poko’s Regenerating Collagen Moisturiser is a super-rich moisturiser which smoothes the skin and keeps it supple, nourished and glowing. Poko's Soothing Serum calms inflammation and helps with redness and spots.
And because the team at Poko are firm believers that health and beauty come from within, they developed the Just Pause supplement which is ideal for women with perimenopause and menopause by pairing sage, magnesium and zinc with vitamins B12 and D to support concentration, memory function, fatigue and other common symptoms.
Where to buy Poko
Poko is stocked in more than 150 health stores and available online with Buy One Get One Free across the supplements range and 20% OFF EVERYTHING this week only on with code: okmag. The website will help you discover a wealth of information to make help you make informed choices for your skincare routine.
