Acne late, that means also "post-adolescent" acne is acne that mainly women, show after age 25. They are more likely to be affected.
The frequency of acne late, between 25 and 40 years, gradually increasing. Some studies have announced a 40% prevalence among adults. Women are more affected with a female / male ratio of 3.2.
This is not necessarily a continuation of adolescent acne in adulthood. Even if it is 60 to 70% of women who suffer from adult acne, it is estimated that over 35% of women, acne appeared so late, after 25 years without them have never had acne during adolescence.
Another characteristic of post-adolescent acne is that it is mild in severity in 80% of cases. Note however that smoking and stress are aggravating factors.
In women, acne predominates on the lower parts of the cheeks and chin. Otherwise, outside of the face buttons are also frequent on the neckline and back. A quarter of acne patients are met at both places.
In the vast majority of cases, the buttons are handled and in particular hurry, often leaving scars.
The nature of the skin of women with acne late varies: combination skin in two thirds of cases, oily skin in one third of cases and dry in 7% of cases.
Upsurge of premenstrual acne
Most women (70-78%) show an increase in premenstrual acne. Inflammatory lesions and the buttons will increase to 25% on average.
Note also that the pill-type androgen is also a predisposing factor for adult acne.
Acne late, a family history
50% of those involved have a first-degree relative who is or has been, too, hit a post-adolescent acne.
Significant impact on quality of life
It has been shown that adult acne had an impact even higher quality of life than acne in adolescence, regardless of severity. The problem apparently is the most negative, even if sleep disorders and medication are more important in this population.
But ultimately, over 90% of women with acne late wear makeup to hide their acne, consult for very little benefit from treatment. It must be said that they are improving but still insufficient, except isotretinoin (Roaccutane ®) which gives very satisfactory results in some patients.