What’s the deal with adult acne?

“Adult acne sees 200% rise due to poor diets, stress and pollution”

According to a recent UK survey of 92 dermatology clinics, enquiries about acne treatments have risen by 214 per cent in the past year. Stress, pollution and diets rich in junk foods and sugary snacks are believed to help trigger the skin condition, seen mainly in teens.

Acne is a growing problem among adults and has been highlighted by celebrities including Katy Perry, Cameron Diaz and Emma Stone have all publicly spoken about their struggles with the condition. The survey found that the number of people seeking acne treatment has more than trebled over the past year. More than a third of those people affected were over the age of 35, with nine per cent coming in at over 55. Women make up a majority of patients, according to 84% of the dermatologists surveyed.

Research from the University of Pennsylvania has found that low-grade, persistent acne is common among women in their twenties, thirties, and forties (yep, that magical time when wrinkles start to appear). While acne may be nonexistent or dormant for years, certain factors like stress, hormones, and diet can eventually cause it to surface, with frustrating emotional side effects. “I’ve seen patients shy away from certain situations—they’ve canceled dates and rescheduled meetings at work—because they’re ashamed of their breakouts,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

More than one in four (27%) of dermatologists say stress, combined with hormones, is the primary cause of adult acne. Whatclinic.com Director, Emily Ross said “It doesn’t matter what age you are, acne can really impact on your confidence and self esteem. It is greatly encouraging to see a range of treatments available that are in reach of the average consumer.”

Whether brought on by lifestyle (stress, diet), PMS, pregnancy, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the result is the same—an increase in cortisol (also known as the stress hormone), which gets broken down into testosterone, a male hormone that pumps excess oil through your pores. “When your hormones are out of whack, your skin’s oil production may go into overdrive, causing ao acne flare-up,” says Zeichner.

And it doesn’t take a midlife crisis for it to happen. “Even a moderate amount of daily stress, like balancing a career and a social life, or coming home from work and having to cook dinner for your family is enough to trigger a breakout,” says Ava Shamban, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA and author of Heal Your Skin.

In addition to seeking treatment to control hormone fluctuations, dermatologists recommend using treatments which contain tried and tested ingredients such as Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree. Try our Spots + Blemish Face Mask which contains proven spot-fighting ingredients. Find out more about the Skin Republic Spots + Blemish Face Mask here.