Skin reacts to medication or stress, while hormone levels can also trigger a change in adults. By Aliki Nassoufis.

Pimples and blackheads are common aggravations of puberty, but about 40 per cent of adults also get acne, experts say.

"Many people struggle with stress on a daily basis and don't eat nutritious foods. This is reflected in the condition of their skin," said cosmetician Gabriele Haeusler of Berlin. One of the most common problems is acne.

"It can have different causes," said Gisela Hubbes, a dermatologist from Düsseldorf. The skin reacts to the causes, for example, medications or stress, by breaking out in pimples and inflammation. In addition, fluctuations in hormone levels can also trigger acne in adults.

The exact cause of the so-called late acne is unknown.

"Scientists suspect that many women build up a certain level of stress hormones and male hormones while managing the split between family and career," said Andrea Hoppe, a medic for a health insurance company in Hamburg. The hormones activate the sebaceous glands, which play a role in the development of acne.

The sebaceous glands produce too much of a fatty substance called sebum, while the pores become overly hardened. The pores become clogged and blackheads develop on the face, back, neck and cleavage. One in four women aged 25 to 45 suffers from late acne, according to the health insurance company.

Regardless of the cause, treating late acne is time consuming.

"Many believe they can eliminate the pimples themselves and fumble around in front of the mirror," said Hubbes. "But that's actually very bad because it mostly makes the acne worse." Instead they should leave the acne alone and see a doctor, the dermatologist recommended. Usually, a cream with anti-bacterial additives is sufficient to clear it up.

In addition to late acne, some adults also are plagued by other skin impurities.

"People who are in the sun without protection for their skin and people who go regularly to a tanning salon, have big problems," Haeusler said.

"A person who sits in an office all day and then goes into the sun or into a tanning salon often has a reaction called Mallorca acne." This is an allergic-like reaction characterized by small, yellow pustules that are extremely itchy.

Another acne affliction that affects mostly men occurs in areas of the body that have a lot of hair. After sweating heavily, the pores on the back can become clogged, causing pimples to develop, said Haeusler.

"The affected areas should be professionally cleansed and treated so that the inflammation doesn't get worse."

Regardless of which skin affliction one has, it's important to pay special attention to nutrition.

"Sweets are not bad per se, but a balanced and healthy diet with a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables and plenty of liquids can promote pure skin," said Hubbes. The skin possibly could react to certain foods by breaking out in pimples.

March 2008 

[Copyright dpa]