Acne

Despite the assertion that acne disappears after puberty, studies show that 25% of women age 25-40 also suffer from varying degrees of acne. The main causes of adult acne are hormonal disturbances and imbalances that mostly occur during menstruation, throughout or following pregnancy, or in periods of emotional stress. Adult acne can also stem from the use of cosmetic products that are not suited to skin type and condition.

Can a sedentary lifestyle cause acne? What about sexual intercourse? Does acne disappear after puberty? Is it hereditary? Do chocolate and fatty foods exacerbate acne?

Oily skin secretes excess sebum produced in the mammary glands from the skin’s deeper layer to its outer layer through hair follicles. In combination with excess sebum secreted from overactive mammary glands, enlarged pores, pimples and comedones (blackheads) make skin look oily and shiny.

In adolescence, mammary glands produce excess oil, making skin oily and shiny and causing an increased tendency to develop pimples. The key to basic skincare in adolescence is thorough, gentle cleansing and adequately moisturizing the skin.