Generally speaking, after puberty, the secretion of sex hormones tends to stabilize, and acne will no longer occur after the age of 25, or existing acne will self-heal. However, in recent years, it has been found that the troubles of adolescence continue in people over 25 years old, and some acne patients have been suffering from acne since adolescence and continue to have it until after the age of 25, without improvement for many years. Others only start to have acne after the age of 25. Investigations have found that the following factors may trigger or exacerbate post-adolescent acne.
1. Long-term chronic mental tension
Emotional stress is a stress response that can activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal cortex (HPA) axis and is a normal physiological response of the body. However, chronic stress can have many pathological effects. In clinical practice, we have found that most post-adolescent acne patients are career women, and many of them report high work or life stress, long-term tension and anxiety, bad mood, irritability, frequent temper outbursts, or chronic insomnia. Many patients did not have acne during adolescence.
Research has shown that long-term chronic mental tension can stimulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to excessive secretion of adrenal androgen, which in turn causes acne. Therefore, maintaining a good mental state is a necessary means to prevent and treat post-adolescent acne.
2. Use of cosmetics
Some patients experience worsening of their acne after using cosmetics, most of which are hormone-based cosmetics. These cosmetics can cause follicular reactions related to acne. They can slowly worsen existing acne and cause new pimples. In addition, certain compounds in cosmetics may cause mild folliculitis.
3. Dietary habits
Many research studies suggest that the occurrence of acne is related to the consumption of spicy and sweet foods. Some patients are sensitive to spicy and greasy foods and often report that their acne worsens or recurs after eating spicy food. At the same time, hyperinsulinemia caused by high-sugar and high-fat foods can cause a series of endocrine changes, that is, increased synthesis of androgens, which can trigger acne by increasing androgen levels and sebum secretion. Therefore, paying attention to a balanced diet can prevent and alleviate acne.
In addition, menstruation, pregnancy, prolonged computer use, and a family history of acne can all be triggering factors for post-adolescent acne. In conclusion, the development of acne is a result of multiple factors, with long-term chronic mental tension being the most significant factor.
