Acne has always been thought of as an adolescent disorder, but as many as 15% of women and 3% of men present this problem even in adulthood.
In the first case we talk about acne juvenile, in the second of late or late acne.
| Type of acne | Features |
|---|---|
| Juvenile acne | Appears at the time of sexual development, can heal after this period or persist in the adult |
| Late or late acne | Appears in adults even without having suffered from juvenile acne |
The lesions are very similar to adolescent ones (papules, pustules, nodules and cysts that can leave more or less conspicuous scars), but concentrated in narrower areas, especially on the chin and jaw.
Hormones in the dock
Acne in adulthood can be due to stress, pollution and any factor that does not allow the skin to breathe, but the main cause is an alteration in hormone levels.
In fact, in adolescents, acne appears following the increase in the level of hormones which, in general, returns to decrease after the phase of sexual development.
In adulthood there can be a new increase, especially in women, where hormonal balances are more complex. This is what happens, for example, in the premenstrual period, during pregnancy or if ovarian cysts are present; In all these cases to increase is the production of androgens, male hormones.
Even under stressful conditions, androgens, produced by the adrenal gland, always cause acne. In addition, the use of certain medications (corticosteroids, androgens, anticonvulsants and iodine, bromine or lithium products) can lead to the formation of pimples on the upper body, also involving the arms.
There are also forms of acne that are not directly caused by hormones, such as occupational acne. In these cases, exposure to environmental contaminants, such as dioxin or mineral oils, determines the formation of pustules.
Acne tropicalis, on the other hand, is typical of places with a hot humid climate. Finally, the use of oil-based cosmetics can occlude the pores and cause, thus, yet another form of acne.
This is how you care
Solving this type of problem in adulthood is more complex than in adolescents. The skin is more sensitive to local treatments, carried out with substances that, drying the skin, can cause redness and irritation.
In milder situations it is still possible to rely on topical products containing retinoids, but the best solution is to contact the dermatologist to choose the most suitable care for your skin type.
Healing can take from six weeks to three months, but in the most difficult cases it is necessary to switch to taking oral medication.
Products based on salicylic acid, sulphur, benzoyl peroxide, retinol and, in the most serious cases, isotretinoin are widely used. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to eliminate the bacteria .
In women, on the other hand, if the disorder is caused by an alteration in hormone levels due to the activity of the ovaries, the most effective remedies are hormonal therapies, such as taking the contraceptive pill .
Once healed, it is necessary to carry out preventive therapy, because the disorder is very likely to recur.
Finally, there are useful precautions to ensure the best possible recovery. During the treatment it is best to avoid make-up or to use non- greasy cosmetics that let the skin breathe and do not clog the pores.
It’s also good to use a delicate face cleanser and sebum-regulating or astringent products, don’t squeeze blackheads, eliminate drugs, cosmetics or pollutants that have caused the problem and try to limit sources of stress.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.