Unveiling the Nuances of Adult Female Acne: A Comprehensive Exploration of Epidemiology, Treatment Modalities, Dermocosmetics, and the Menopausal Influence

April 2024 in “ International journal of women's health ”

Marco Rocha, M. Saint Aroman, V. Mengeaud, F. Carballido, Gautier Doat, Ana Coutinho, Ediléia Bagatin

Studysummary This review explores adult female acne, focusing on its multifactorial causes, treatment options, and impact on quality of life, but reports no new clinical results. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

This document provides an extensive review of adult female acne (AFA), a condition that affects women's quality of life and can be exacerbated by menopause due to hormonal changes. AFA is a multifactorial disease involving genetic, hormonal, dietary, and environmental factors, with a study of 1,384 patients from 21 countries contributing to the understanding of its epidemiology. The review emphasizes the importance of a holistic treatment approach that addresses both the mental and physical aspects of the condition. Treatments range from topical therapies for mild cases to systemic therapies for more severe cases, with hormonal therapies being effective even without changes in serum hormone levels. Dermocosmetics are also highlighted for their role in managing AFA, with new products containing plant-derived bioactive agents being developed. The document underscores the need for treatments tailored to different life stages and the importance of maintaining the skin barrier, with ingredients like retinaldehyde, panthenol, ceramides, and glycerin being beneficial. Studies on postmenopausal women show that soy proteins and dermocosmetic products with antioxidants can improve skin health, and sunscreens are effective against blue light-induced skin damage.

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