Adult acne

Acne is a well-known skin disease among teenagers, but affects other groups too! Many adults are affected by acne, which can be a major inconvenience as the unpleasant appearance of the condition can have an impact on their relationships with their friends, their families and even their partners.

Defining adult acne

Most of the time, acne appears in adolescence and persists and/or reappears in adulthood; if acne was not present in adolescence and first appears in adulthood, it is called late-onset acne.

Adult acne mainly affects women aged 25 and over. Several forms of acne can develop: generalized acne, which is similar to juvenile acne, acne concentrated on the lower part of women’s faces, and acne concentrated on men’s backs. In addition to painful and embarrassing spots, residual marks and traces of pigmentary acne are also highly unattractive.

What causes adult acne?

Acne is strongly influenced by hormones, especially androgens; these are male hormones that also play an active role in women’s bodies. Events such as menstruation, pregnancy or a new pill disrupt the hormonal balance and can lead to a flare-up of spots. Some diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome lead to an excess of androgens, in turn causing acne.

Adult acne flare-ups can be induced by comedogenic cosmetics, professional products or medications. Stress is also an aggravating factor.

How do you fight adult acne?

Your general practitioner (GP) or dermatologist will help you to identify and act to rectify the causes of acne. If this proves insufficient, the prescribed treatment is local and/or general, and is sometimes supplemented by skin peels or laser treatment sessions. Oral isotretinoin must be combined with effective contraception in young girls and women of childbearing age. Hygiene and care are key to managing adult acne. There are treatments specifically formulated for adult acne skin, to help fight against both acne and the first signs of aging.