Adult acne is a condition that we are seeing more and more off in treatment rooms. Clinical studies indicate that between 40 and 55 percent of adult population age 20-40 are diagnosed with low grade, persistent acne and oily skin. According to the journal of American Academy of Dermatology, 54 percent of women older than 25 have some facial acne. Triggered by hormones, acne can occur at any stage in our lives, but there seems to be an increase in the percentage of people suffering from adult acne. So it begs the question, why is adult acne on the rise?
What is Acne?
Sebaceous and hair follicles are associated with sebaceous gland that produces sebum A complex mixture of lipids. In hair follicle, the hair acts as a wick transporting sebum and other cellular debris to the surface of the skin, where it is ultimately removed. Inflammation or infection is rarely associated with this type of follicle ,unless the hair becomes ingrown.
The sebaceous follicle, usually lacking a hair or containing only rudimentary fine hair is generally associated with acne. Activity of sebaceous gland is stimulated by many factors including puberty, stress pharmaceutical agents , heat, friction and humidity.
Why is Adult Acne on the Rise?
Triggered by hormones, acne can occur at any stage in our lives. The predominant aggravating factor leading to adult acne is chronic stress. We all know that acute stress can cause a breakout from time to time. But chronic stress stimulates the adrenal glands to over produce cortisol which increases inflammation and sebum production. Stress will also impede the healing process of existing lesions.
Research has showed that adults often have sensitized skin, or a combination of skin conditions in addition to their acne which makes treatment more challenging than the treatment of teens, who generally have more resilient, uniform and oily skin. Anoother research indicates that the rise of acne in the female population is because of additional responsibilities that have increased women's stress levels over the years. They noted that the pressure to work outside the home to maintain a steady income while maintaining a functioning household is unique to this generation of women in their 20s,30s,and 40s. This also ties in to the other noteworthy reason, diet. Our busy schedules often leads us to choosing unwisely. It is more convenient stopping by for fast food which is usually filled with unhealthy options ie high in sugar, dairy etc.
Combine the chronic stress, diet, with the use of cosmetics that contain known skin irritants and hormone fluctuations, is the perfect scenario for adult acne.
Some dermatologists choose to place female clients suffering with adult acne on oral contraceptives. This option while effective comes with it’s own side effects.
Dermatologists may also choose to put clients on specific type of steroid,to reduce stress related hormone reaction. However, steroids taken orally or applied topically can sometimes aggravate acne,not to mention that any kind of prolonged use of steroids can have a adverse effects on one's health.
CONTROLLING ADULT ACNE
As a skincare professional, we must it is our duty to help our clients come up with home care routines that help eradicate acne. We do this through training and educating our clients on how they can achieve healthy skin.
Make sure you see your professional skincare therapists. If you don't have one, send us an email and we will love to help