ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Acne is not just for teenagers anymore. In a survey from the University of Alabama, Birmingham, 35 percent of women and 20 percent of men said they had trouble with acne in their 30s. Even 15 percent of women said they struggled with acne in their 50s. Research now shows it is taking a toll on their mental health. Ivanhoe has details on what people can do to help with adult acne.
Acne and a teen’s self-esteem can sometimes go hand-in-hand. But a recent study from the University of Pennsylvania has found adult women can also experience problems with depression, anxiety and social isolation. So, what can people do to get the help they need for treating their acne?
Jesleen Ahluwalia, MD, a dermatologist at OASIS Dermatologist said, “There’s a lot of confusion because there is so much information out there.”
There’s debate whether diet plays a role in contributing to acne, but recent research shows milk and foods rich in added sugars and refined starches increase insulin growth factors and these hormones can encourage acne development. Also, stress doesn’t necessarily cause acne, but it can make it worse. Calming activities such as yoga, tai chi and meditation can lower your stress. Finally, expensive does not always mean better.
Dr. Ahluwalia explains, “Price does not always, for the most part it doesn’t really matter.”
Patients can first try over-the-counter products that contain topical retinoids from a local drug store, which can treat mild or sporadic outbreaks. But if no improvements are made in six to eight weeks, prescribed treatment under the care of a dermatologist may be necessary.
Some acne treatments do have side effects, including topical retinols which can make the skin more prone to sunburns.
Contributors to this news report include: Milvionne Chery, Producer; Roque Correa, Editor.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17945383/
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/2782440
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/25/well/live/adult-acne.html
ADULTS AGONIZE WITH ACNE ALSO!
REPORT #2935
BACKGROUND: Adults can get acne well into their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. It is most common among women likely due to fluctuating hormone levels around their periods, during pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, and after starting or discontinuing birth control pills. Researchers have found a relationship between stress and acne flare-ups. In response to stress, bodies produce more androgens, which is a type of hormone. These hormones stimulate the oil glands and hair follicles in the skin, which can lead to acne. Findings from research studies suggest that some people may have a genetic predisposition for acne. Therefore, you should read the labels on your skin care and hair care products looking for non-comedogenic; non-acnegenic; oil-free; and won’t clog pores. Finally, acne can be a side effect of some medicines.
(Source: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/really-acne/adult-acne)
THE EFFECTS OF ACNE: Acne affects not only physical appearance, but emotional health. Researchers have found in numerous studies that people with acne can develop depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, poor self-image, decreased quality of life, and a feeling of being all alone. Even mild acne can affect one’s emotional health. This is specifically true for teenage girls. In studies, teen girls often say that acne makes them feel unattractive. And, the longer acne lasts, the more likely it is to affect one’s emotions. Without treatment, acne can worsen, and if it becomes severe enough, scars can appear as the acne clears. However, with early treatment these problems can be prevented. It can clear the skin and prevent acne from worsening. Some people need to continue treating their skin to prevent breakouts, and for most people that’s a lot easier than dealing with the emotional distress and permanent acne scars.
(Source: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/acne-emotional-effects)
FDA APPROVES NEW ACNE TREATMENT: The FDA approved a new acne treatment known as Winlevi (clascoterone cream 1%). Winlevi is the first acne drug with a new mechanism of action. It is a first-in-class topical androgen receptor inhibitor that tackles the androgen hormone component in both males and females. Androgen receptor inhibitors act by limiting the effects of these hormones in acne on increasing sebum production and inflammation. In clinical trials, Winlevi showed treatment success and reductions in acne lesions and inhibited lipid production from oil producing cells, and reduced proinflammatory cytokines, or mediators influenced by androgens. Winlevi was well tolerated when used twice a day. “The approval of Winlevi represents a major milestone for the tens of millions who suffer from acne. We are enthused to have a new first-in-class topical product with a unique, complementary mechanism of action to treat acne,” Mark Jackson, president of the American Acne & Rosacea Society said.
* For More Information, Contact:
Jesleen Ahluwalia
mail.oasisdermatology@gmail.com
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