The Tribune

By Sarah Beek

Is acne a prevalent pang of adolescence, or a life-long skin health challenge? Turns out it can be both.

While acne is associated with teenage years filled with raging hormones and the struggle for social acceptance, many adults are finding themselves caught in the middle of an acne epidemic. Skin care professionals and dermatologists alike are also reporting adult acne is on the rise.

Clinical studies indicate between 40 and 55 per cent of the adult population in the 20 to 40 age group has been diagnosed with low grade, persistent acne and oily skin, with the primary catalyst identified as chronic stress.

Balancing personal and professional responsibilities makes this generation of adults the most time-compressed generation in history, which contributes to chronic stress: the constant, continued and heightened level of stress that throws our adrenal glands into overdrive, which in turn can boost sebum production, setting the stage for acne development.

Once there’s a boost in sebum production, the cascade of events leading to breakouts begins: oil spills onto skin’s surface and acts as a binder, creating a mixture of oil and cells that blocks oxygen from entering the pores.

The lack of oxygen creates the ultimate breeding ground for bacteria, which leads to the swelling, redness, and inflammation around the follicle, resulting in acne.

Adult cases of acne are often more persistent and more inflammatory than teenage cases. Adult acne is also often accompanied by skin sensitisation, or a combination of skin conditions, which makes treatment more challenging. To successfully treat, clear and prevent acne, the cascade of events leading to acne development must be controlled; but don’t turn to popular teen-centric treatments that may be too harsh and irritating.

MediBac Clearing is Dermalogica’s answer to the adult acne epidemic. To learn more about this 24-hour treatment system formulated specifically to treat, clear and prevent adult acne, visit your Dermalogica professional skin therapist for your Face Mapping skin analysis and customised product prescription.

• This information was taken from www.dermalogicacaribbean.com. Sarah Beek is a professional skin therapist at the Dermalogica Skin Centre in the Old Fort Town Centre.

For more information or to make an appointment call 377-SKIN (7546), e-mail appointments@dermalogicaskincentre.com, or visit www.dermalogicaskincentre.com.