Résumé
Acne vulgaris is a common cutaneous disease among teenagers. The prevalence of adult female acne has long been underestimated, ranging from 14 to 54% according to studies. Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit. Sebocytes express numerous receptors acting in particular on the proliferation of sebocytes as well as on the secretion and composition of sebum. Since sebaceous glands secrete lipid-rich sebum, sebaceous sites are dominated by propionibacterium acnes, a lipophilic bacteria. Sebocytes express numerous receptors as androgens, receptors. Some of the key mechanisms involved in the etiopathogenesis of adult female acne include disturbed sebaceous gland activity, alterations in sebum composition, dysregulation of the hormone microenvironment, follicular hyperkeratinization of the pilosebaceous unit, activity of Propionibacterium species,inflammation and dysfunction of immunity, which lead to comedones and inflammatory lesions. Risk factors as family history, hormonal statut, stress, diet, smoking, sun tanning, drugs and pollutants exposition can contribute to female adulte acne. Clinicalpresentation, severity, duration and pathogenesis of adult female acne may be somewhat different to that of adolescent acne and this may require a different treatment approach among topical and oral drugs: antibiotics, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxid, retinoids and hormonal therapy.