Large‐scale international study enhances understanding of an emerging acne population: adult females

Abstract

This study represents the first objective assessment of the facial distribution of acne lesions in adult women presenting to the dermatology office. The data surprisingly indicate that the acne distribution in almost 90% of cases is similar to that seen in adolescent acne. The stereotype of adult female acne being due to hormonal disturbances presenting as inflammatory acne localized only to the mandibular area was not found in the majority of this large group. The large majority (93.7%) of women had facial comedones. We recommend that the general treatment approach for adult acne should include agents that target each of the acne lesion subtypes. Subgroup analyses of recent large-scale controlled clinical trials have shown that many adult women respond well to standard first-line acne therapy.

The possible role of diet in the pathogenesis of adult female acne

“…Typical features are nodules, usually painful, sometimes indolent, of long duration, which result in residual hyperpigmentation, localized typically on U-zone: cheeks, peri-oral and lower chin area [7, 15, 16]. Nodules can be present in the upper face as well and may be present without other inflammatory lesions [3, 7]. The isolated mandibular localization is not the most frequent, affecting only 11.2% of women.…”

“…The isolated mandibular localization is not the most frequent, affecting only 11.2% of women. This pattern of acne increases with age, after 40 years old [3]. According to last studies most women have both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions [7].…”

“…It is very probable that acne is an inherited disease. In a multicenter, observational, non-interventional study of 384 women, 56.8% of them reported first-degree family members with acne [3]. Although sebum excretion is influenced by genetic factors, the development of clinical disease is mediated by environmental factors [22].…”

“…Acne affects 64% of adults in their 20s and 43% in their 30s [2]. It is affecting an increasing number of adults, especially females and it is observed in up to 54% of women [1, 3]. Acne in adult women, in different age categories, has a significantly higher prevalence than acne in adult men [4].…”

A skincare combined with combination of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide provides a significant adjunctive efficacy and local tolerance benefit in adult women with mild acne

“…A combination of benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids is proposed in the recent guidelines as the first‐line treatment in women with acne 3, 4, 5, 6…”