Adult acne.
Is acne just a teenage disease?

Acne is an inflammatory skin disease that has traditionally been considered a disease of adolescence.However, in recent years, studies have shown that an increasing number of adults (~15-35%), especially adult women, are suffering from this condition.

There are three main subtypes of adult acne:

• Persistent acne: the most common type, found in 70-80% of cases, where acne appears in adolescence and continues into later life.

• Late-onset acne: affects 20-40% of women, with acne first appearing at the age of 25 or later.

• Recurrent acne: when acne appears in adolescence, goes away for a while and then flares up again at an older age. This subtype is the least described and thought to be the rarest.

Unlike teenage acne, adult acne has a “U” shape – on the lower jaw, chin and neck. Skin oiliness is less frequent, and sometimes there may be fewer (or no) comedones.

Although the mechanisms of disease development are similar to those of adolescent acne, adult acne is thought to be more influenced by factors such as:

 

• • Genetic predisposition
  • Diet
  • Tobacco use
  • Chronic stress
  • Cosmetics used
  • Medicines

Treatment of adult acne is usually longer and can be more complex. Adult patients tend to have drier, more sensitive skin, which is more easily irritated by topical medications. It is therefore particularly important to combine treatment with home skin care products. In addition, it must be taken into account that not all treatment methods can be used during pregnancy or lactation.

Regardless of the severity of acne, a good daily skincare routine is essential:

• • • Non-comedogenic and gentle cleanser (pH 4-6)
    • Moisturising cream
    • Sun protection

There is also a growing body of evidence on the importance of the skin barrier in balancing the skin microbiome.

It is therefore recommended to use moisturising creams to help rebuild the skin barrier and to avoid aggressive, irritating and drying substances.

Sources:
1. Bagatin E, Rocha M, Freitas T, Costa C. Treatment challenges in adult female acne and future directions. Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology. 2021;14(6):687-701.

2. Branisteanu D, Toader M, Porumb E, Serban I, Pinzariu A, Branisteanu C et al. Adult female acne: Clinical and therapeutic particularities (Review). Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine. 2021;23(2).

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