Australasia has not been spared and only one nation is bucking the trend.
Acne rates are rising globally, a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology shows.
The findings reveal a notable increase in the global age-standardised prevalence rate of acne vulgaris from 1990 to 2021, rising from 8563 to 9791 per 100,000 population.
In Australasia the number rose less dramatically from 9225 to 9792 per 100,000.
Using the Global Burden of Disease study model, the researchers examined detailed data about adolescents and young adults aged 10 to 24, collected over time from 1990 to 2021.
New Zealand was the only country in the world to see a decrease in the age-standardised incidence rate. The annual average percentage change of -0.04 represented a small but consistent reduction in cases over time.
India had the most cases with 30.7 million, followed by China with 26.3 million. Germany recorded the highest age-standardised prevalence rate at 16,000 per 100,000 population.
Lead author Dr Zhou Zhu, from Peking Union Medical College Hospital, said acne was a rising health challenge.
“Acne rates among adolescents and young adults have gradually increased in nearly all countries since the 1990s,” he said.
“Our research didn’t look at why this is, but it could be linked to lifestyle factors like diet, stress, obesity rates, increased exposure to pollution from urbanisation or simply a greater likelihood of seeking treatment.
“It is plausible that, as healthcare becomes more accessible in countries, reported acne rates increase. This is unlikely to be the only factor, though, as even in countries with good access to healthcare, cases have increased.
“We only looked at healthcare data, which would not include the many people who have acne but are managing the conditions themselves, so overall acne rates are actually higher.”
Professor Michael Arden-Jones, Academic Vice President of the British Association of Dermatologists said the study provided more evidence that the number of acne cases seen by doctors is increasing.
“Acne is a common condition, but it can be severe,” he said.
“Friends and family have an important role to play, as do health professionals in providing emotional support, as it can have a negative impact on mental health, especially for teenagers.
“As well as the psychological impact of untreated acne, some people suffer permanent scars. However, there are treatments to limit the impact of the condition. Ideally, this means ensuring they have access to medical advice and acting fast to treat those where it is becoming severe, to prevent scarring.”
