Female acne: a subtype different from teenager acne

According to the literature, female acne is becoming increasingly common. The objective of this paper was to give an overview of the update on female acne. The prevalence is of female acne is high, varying from 41 to 54%, depending on the study. Most often it is of a mild to moderate form that mainly affects the face. Two clinical forms can be identified: an inflammatory form, which is the most frequent and comprises papulopustules and nodules on the lower part of the face, and a retentional form comprising blackheads and microcysts with seborrhea.With regard to its evolution, it is characterized by two subtypes: the most frequent form called ‘persistent acne’ that persists from adolescence to adulthood, and the less frequent form called ‘late-onset acne’ that starts after 25 years of age. Several triggering or aggravating factors have been described in the literature. The two internal factors most frequently reported are peripheral hormonal hypersensitivity and genetic predisposition. The three most frequent external factors are inappropriate use of cosmetics, stress, and tobacco.With regard to physiopathology, female acne could be the result of both a peripheral hormonal hypersensitivity of the skin and a chronic stimulation of innate immunity. In conclusion, specific global assessment and a therapeutic algorithm would be necessary for female acne.