Acne is no longer a separate problem of puberty. Many people after 25 years old still experience persistent acne, recurring many times, affecting appearance and psychology. Besides hormonal disorders or inappropriate skin care, prolonged stress is assessed by experts as an important factor but often overlooked.
According to Dr. Ridhima Arora, dermatologist at Malik Radix Healthcare (India), acne in adults tends to be chronic, inflammatory and strongly affected by internal factors such as hormones, sleep, metabolism and especially stress.
What is acne in adults?
Acne in adults usually appears after the age of 25, can last from adolescence or begin in adulthood. This condition is more common in women, often concentrated in the chin, lower jaw and cheek areas, difficult to treat completely and easily relapse. Acne in adults is also associated with underlying diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders or lifestyle-related chronic inflammation.
How does stress make acne worse?
Stress is not only a psychological problem but has a clear biological mechanism. When stress is prolonged, the body increases the secretion of cortisol and androgens, stimulating sebaceous glands to function strongly, causing the skin to secrete more oil, easily closing pores and increasing inflammation. At the same time, stress also slows down the skin healing process and affects sleep quality, making acne easily become chronic.
Other factors contributing to acne in adults
According to experts, acne in adults is often caused by many combined factors, including hormonal fluctuations, genetic factors, skin protection barrier disorders due to cosmetic abuse or excessive skin exfoliation, a sugary diet, lack of sleep, smoking and a lack of exercise lifestyle.
In addition, external factors such as heavy makeup, oily hair care products, wearing a tight mask or helmet can also make acne worse.
Acne treatment and control requires comprehensive approach
Acne treatment in adults needs to be personalized, combined with appropriate topical medications, restore skin protection barriers and maintain a healthy lifestyle. In addition, stress control plays an important role, helping to balance hormones, reduce inflammation and support sustainable skin recovery.
