Factors Affecting the Course and Severity of Adult Acne: Observational Cohort Study

The observational cohort study conducted on 111 patients over the age of 25 with adult acne (AA) identified several factors that influence the severity and progression of the condition. The study revealed that the severity of AA was significantly lower in adulthood compared to adolescence, with patients using more acne therapies as adults. Stress, particularly from lifestyle changes, was linked to AA exacerbations and the development of scars in adulthood. Sensitive skin, stopping oral contraceptives, and using full-coverage foundations were associated with increased AA severity. Additionally, 37% of females with AA displayed androgenous traits, which increased to 88% when including seborrhea. Discontinuation of oral contraceptives led to acne worsening in 47% of patients within six months. The study emphasized the need for female-specific AA treatment guidelines and concluded that factors such as sensitive erythema-prone skin, certain makeup products, stopping oral contraceptives, and stress due to lifestyle changes significantly affect AA.