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 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 situationsâthey’ve canceled dates and rescheduled meetings at workâbecause 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.
Whether brought on by lifestyle (stress, diet), PMS, pregnancy, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the result is the sameâan 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 an 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.
Skin Republic Spots + Blemish Face Mask
The Skin Republic Spots + Blemish Face Mask was formulated to combat problem skin. The hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested formulation contains spot fighting ingredients Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree and Witch Hazel. This mask cleanses the skinâs pores and prevents future breakouts whilst simultaneously tightening pores and stabilising the barrier function of the skin, helping to prevent spot causing bacteria from entering the dermis. In addition, key ingredient Salicylic Acids helps regulate the skin’s oil production without over drying. Sheet masks are one of the most effective delivery systems of nutrients to the skin. Combining the latest advances in mask technology with nature’s restorative properties the
Skin Republic Spots + Blemish Face Mask treats problem skin, fast. When applied the Skin Republic Spots + Blemish Face Mask acts as a âsecond skinâ, providing a continuous and concentrated dose of ingredients. This helps the skin absorb the serum faster and more efficiently than traditional face masks and creams. Sheet masks also prevent spot causing bacteria and dirt being passed onto your skin which could be the case when applying cream masks.
How does Adult Acne differ from Teen Acne?
When dirt, excess oil, and dead skin cells mingle, they plug the openings of your pores. This allows an army of Propionibacteria living in your sebaceous glands to set up camp, multiply, and create trouble for your skin. Although this pore-clogging process is the same whether you’re 13 or 35, adult acne pops up in different places than the teen kind: “It typically appears on the jawline, chin, and neck, as opposed to the forehead, cheeks, and nose,” says Zeichner. As the skin has a four-week regeneration period, Skin Republicâs Face Masks are most
effective when used twice a week for the first month and then as required. An application takes between 15-20 minutes.
Skin Republic Spots and Blemish Masks have a three-year shelf life and are available from Spinneyâs, Boots the Pharmacy and United Pharmacy across the UAE retailing for 22 AED
Image and Data source: Official press release