THEThe news comes from these first months of the year. According to the Global Burden of Disease Studya study later also reported by British Journal of Dermatology, From 1990 to 2021 there has been a +14% increase in acne. However, the even more interesting fact is that this diffusion no longer only affected adolescents but also young adults, up to 24-25 years of age. With consequences also on a psychological level.
Acne, a problem on the rise in the last twenty years
Until now, acne was a problem typical of adolescence and relegated to that age group. According to the latest data from a recent global study, Acne has not only increased in the last twenty years but above all it now also affects young adults. Therefore becoming one of the most widespread dermatological conditions.
Specifically, the increase in acne is evident especially in the 10-14 age groupfollowed by that of full adolescence, 15-19 years. It was also highlighted that it is a problem that affects girls the most+25% compared to peers, and there are great disparities in the world. For example, Acne in Europe affects 9.7% of the population while in East Asia the percentage rises to 20.2% and even in Latin America we are at 23.9%. Less in Africa, “only” 18.5% and in the Middle East, 16.1%. A problem is therefore highlighted: in addition to the natural predisposition in some areas of the world, such as those in Asia, acne is not only a question of diet but also of rapid urban expansion and difficult access to truly effective dermatological treatments. To the situation itself we must also add a greater impact on emotional and social well-being not to be underestimated.
Much more behind acne
The reasons for these changes are various, from that climate which has caused an increase in pollution, as diet has changedoften fattier and made of ultra-processed foods, to the exaggerated use of digital devices. Without forgetting stress. For acne it is not just an aesthetic problem, on the contrary. In recent years Social media has also had an impact on self-perceptionespecially during adolescence and pre-adolescence, thus further increasing the social pressure on this blemish: «Acne is not only an aesthetic problem but can have also repercussions on quality of life, mood and social relationships. In adolescents, up to young adults, Acne represents one of the most impactful pathologies from a psychological point of view. The face is like a business card that symbolizes well-being, health and beauty and is a fundamental part of our body image” explains the Doctor Valeria Antinone, psychologist, psychotherapist and psycho-oncologist at the Dermopathic Institute of the Immacolata.
It is therefore inevitable to think that the idea of the appearance of papules, blackheads or marked inflammation on the face, before everyone’s eyes, creates discomfort in young people. A problem that translates, as the expert explains, also into one alteration of the perception of the young person’s self-image and which leads to discomfort which translates into emotional withdrawal, self-devaluation and internal discomfort.
Because acne affects the psyche of kids so much
A blemish that manifests itself not only on an aesthetic level but also on a psychological level, in the relationship with oneself and with others. How come? “Why at that moment in life it is easier to be able to structure part of our identity on the confirmation we receive from others; the exposure of our body, including those that can be recognized as “defects” not aesthetically accepted by current society, can contribute to the inability to gather consensus from others and this can lead to the building of low self-esteem» explains the psychologist.
Social media obviously adds to this. The widespread image of faces that are always perfect, bright at the right point, without ever any imperfections, “healthy” do nothing but increase the discomfort of those who suffer from blemishes. Thus leading to a increase in the use of beauty products and increasingly elaborate skincare. However, it may not give the guaranteed results on social media. So what happens in this case? «Anxiety and frustration get the better of you. But also mortification and embarrassment that are generated by comparison with an unattainable standard, not being part of a socially recognized beauty creates insecurity and shame. Anxiety can arise from wanting to control the progress of acne expression or from wanting to release the nervous tension generated by the pathology itself.”
The phenomenon of skin picking, i.e. dermatillomania
And how does anxiety manifest itself in these cases? With the «skin picking-dermatillomania, which is a compulsive-obsessive behavior that produces continuous pinching and picking at the pimple with the intention of limiting its manifestation or tormenting the skin unconsciously. Such behaviors can worsen skin inflammation and consequently intensify the person’s dysphoric experiences. This can lead to severe stress which can in turn contribute to a further worsening of acne manifestations.”
Living with acne can not be easy. So how to behave? «In these cases often an integrated approach is recommended when planning acne treatment. For example, during the visit it can help to resolve doubts and ensure that wrong beliefs regarding body perception do not take root. Doctor and psychologist can collaborate in managing acne treatment so as to be able to guarantee adequate support on multiple levels.”
