Adult acne, stress and cosmetics are also among the suspects

A typical adolescence disorder, the onset of acne, can go beyond puberty and appear, or reoccur, beyond the age of twenty-five or beyond. Adults can therefore also suffer from acne. What can we do to deal with this dermatological problem and for the well-being of the skin? We asked the doctor Alessandra Narcisi, Humanitas dermatologist.

Because pimples form

Acne is generally formed when the pores of the skin are obstructed due to the accumulation of dead skin cells. These are compact inside the pores due to overproduction of sebum, the grease that lubricates the skin. In addition, excess sebum can change the activity of harmless bacteria living on the skin causing inflammation. Acne can appear on the face but also elsewhere, from back to chest, and its manifestations can be of different types: pimples or pimples, blackheads, white spots, for example.

In acne occurring in adulthood, black spots, white and small cysts are often formed, particularly on the face. Women are the most affected, especially around twenty-thirty and over. For women, in fact, a critical moment could be the perimenopausal period, with approaching and leaving the menopause. Those affected, both women and men, may also not have been affected by acne in adolescence.

As the American Academy of Dermatologists recalls, adult acne is an increasingly widespread disorder. According to the UK National Health Service, about 5% of women and 1% of men suffer from acne after the age of 25 years.

Causes and remedies

Adult acne is associated with a form of familiarity that predisposes individuals to the onset of this dermatological disorder. An "external" factor that can favour the formation of cysts, blackheads and furuncles is instead stress. In response to stress, the body tends to produce more androgenic hormones in the skin that stimulate the sebaceous glands and follicles.

The use of beauty products or medication may also be associated with adult acne:"There are products used both for topical and oral use that can result in the birth or worsening of adult acne. In recent years, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has been focusing on cosmetic surveillance as cases of adverse reactions or allergies from cosmetics are increasing, including acneiform reactions or the onset of an actual acne. We must therefore always rely on the prescription of the dermatologist to understand which products to use on our skin,"recalls Dr. Narcisi.

For adult acne - continues the specialist - the treatments are multiple and should be differentiated, on a case-by-case basis, also in relation to the general health condition of the patient, concomitant pathologies, pharmacological therapies taken and the study of factors predisposing the appearance of acne. However, there are good hygiene rules to follow in all acne patients: cleansing the face twice a day with specific products, moisturizing the skin with non-comedogenic products, maintaining a balanced diet, not using "wrong" cosmetics, trying to reduce stress. For the rest, you have to rely on competent staff who can follow the patient completely,"concludes Dr Narcisi.