Could adult female acne be associated with modern life?

Abstract

In recent years, the prevalence of adult female acne has increased, but the reason for this increase remains unclear. Acne is one of the most common skin disorders. It can be triggered or worsened by endogenous and exogenous factors, including genetic predisposition, hormone concentrations, diet, smoke and stress; although the interaction with this last factor is not well understood. Modern life presents many stresses including urban noises, socioeconomic pressures and light stimuli. Women are especially affected by stress during daily routine. The recent insertion in the labor market is added to the duties of the mother and wife. Women also have a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. Sleep restriction is added to these factors, with several negative consequences on health, including on hormonal secretion and the immune system. This is further complicated by the natural variation in sleep architecture across the menstrual cycle. Recent studies have brought new data about the mechanisms and possible factors involved. This review aims to establish a connection between stress, sleep deprivation and adult female acne.

The influence of exposome on acne

“…Corticotropin‐releasing hormones and neuropeptides are present in the sebaceous glands, possibly activating pathways affecting immune and inflammatory processes leading to the development and stress‐ and neurologically induced exacerbation of acne . Short wavelength visible light emitted from smartphones and tablets has been reported to increase the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus thus unbalancing the skin microbiota and thus impacting on acne . Therefore, modern lifestyle, defined as stressful situations including urban noises, socioeconomic pressures and light exposure, may play a role in acne.…”

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

“…Additionally, there is a correlation between daily stress and acne severity [3, 23]. Important aggravating factors are sun exposure and smoking [20, 24]. There is a strong correlation between smoking and non-inflammatory adult female acne through an increase in the production of sebum induced by nicotine and a reduction in the production of vitamin E [25].…”

Treatment of adult female acne: a new challenge

“…14 This increasing prevalence of adult female acne has been postulated to be related to factors such as the stress of modern life and sleep deprivation. 15 The prevalence of adult female acne is different among different ethnic groups. A study into 2895 women of different ethnicities showed that acne was more prevalent in women of darker skin types (African American, 37%; Hispanic, 32%) than those with lighter skin types (Asian, 30%; Caucasian, 24%; Continental Indian, 23%).…”