Since 2011 I had an obsession with investigating dermatological changes that occur to adult women and correlating factors involved in order to one day provide my patients with the most effective and efficient methods based on evidence-based research. Why? Simply because it was something that affected me in so many levels both physiologically and psychologically and I knew that I was not the only one with this challenge. My adult acne first emerged when I underwent Sophomore year of Nursing school. While undergoing the challenges and stress of a competitive nursing program, working to pay my tuition simultaneously, and dealing with my grandfather's battle with Lymphoma and melanoma; I decided to review many Evidence-Based Research articles throughout the years to understand this and help others.
According to an article published in International's Journal of Women's Dermatology in June 2021, almost 40% of women are affected who present to dermatology clinics with acne vulgaris. I based my Master's in Family Nurse Practitioner studies on dermatology & aesthetic medicine.
As per the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, adolescent acne is categorized in ages 12-25 years and adult acne is in ages > 25years. My acne initiated at 19 years of age up until being 29 years of age. Through years of research and coursework I was able to help manage this along with hundreds of patients. Factors that predispose adult women to acne vulgaris were the following:
Age
Family history of acne
Premenstrual flare
BMI
Dietary habits
Age is a factor in developing acne due to puberty changes in the body. Premenstrual flare had been linked to androgen hypersensitivity and increased severity of acne with hormonal imbalances. Since age and menstrual cycles are considered non-modifiable factors, we must do what we can to address the modifiable factors that result in acne vulgaris to rid this chronic condition in our patients.
Dietary habits affecting acne include diets high in glycemic content, high in dairy content, and low intake of water.
Adult acne pathogenesis involves several endogenous and exogenous factors. Examples of the former include endocrine disorders, the chronic stimulation of innate immunity, and genetic predispositions, those of the latter include cosmetics, stress, and tobacco.
Adult acne is a chronic condition that appears to impact the quality of life in adult patients more than in their younger counterparts, with considerable psychological, social, and emotional impacts and up to a 40-percent prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity.
Currently, adult acne treatment should be tailored to address the specific characteristics of this adult population, including other factors beyond acne severity.
This is why it is crucial for the dermatology practitioner involved in your care to tailor your treatment based on your individualized factors. Just utilizing topical and over-the counter medications may not be the right fit for you. This has to be handled with someone that has the knowledge and training.
As a patient is your responsibility to be compliant to the medication regimen and allow for at least 2-3 weeks dependent on the treatment to see results and crucial for you to follow up with your practitioner to see any changes that need to be made with your treatment regimen as they see fit. It will be worth it to have patience with this process because I have went through it myself and know what works!
At Beauty Luxe Skin & Body we offer medical facials, laser treatments, medication/home treatments, dietary supplements, modified diets and continuous follow-up with patients to see best results. Our patients receive 1:1 personalized follow-ups along with review of diet journals to assess and properly determine factors that may be affecting their acne. Please contact us at 516-712-4856 to book your appointment.
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