Acne in Adult Women: Treatment Options

Acne usually subsides after adolescence, but dermatologists are seeing more and more acne in adulthood, especially in women. In 80% of cases it is persistent acne that persists from adolescence.

We usually observe two patterns of presentation in adult women:

  • With predominance of comedones, papules (red pimples) and seborrhea (sebaceous hyperplasia).
  • With a predominance of pustules (pimples with pus) and nodule-cystic lesions.

Mainly sex hormones, genetics and skin microbiota are involved in its development.

In addition, it is usually aggravated by external factors such as:

  • Stress
  • Excessive sun
  • Oily cosmetics
  • Alcohol
  • Some medications
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Insomnia

What are the characteristics of acne in adult women?

Acne in adult women has special characteristics. It tends to be located more frequently on the chin and jaw area. It tends to worsen with menstruation (appearance of pustules). It is likely to leave pigmented marks without treatment (favored by the action of sex hormones). It settles on a more sensitive and intolerant skin than in adolescence.

Acne can cause feelings of inferiority, shame and low self-esteem.

Many patients tend to repeatedly excoriate their lesions in an attempt to eliminate them, which leads to the appearance of pigmented marks that are difficult to repair.

How can we treat adult acne?

The treatment includes several measures: daily hygiene care, moisturizing and photoprotection, always advocating mild oil-free cosmetic products with anti-aging properties if possible. The use of non-comedogenic corrective makeup is highly recommended to camouflage unsightly lesions.

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It is essential to treat acne early to avoid scarring in the future. The “star” therapeutic combination to combat adult female acne is:

  • Topical medication: antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, keratolytics, depigmenters, etc.
  • Oral drugs: isotretinoin in microdoses or full doses is the drug of choice.
  • Dermocosmetic techniques: fillers, laser, peeling, mesotherapy.

It is also helpful to use different adjuvant dermosurgical techniques such as drainage, subcision, and electrosurgery. We use them to eliminate superficial (milliums, closed comedones) and deep (nodules, cysts…) encysted lesions.