【Post-GW Skin Trouble Survey】78.3% Experience Skin Problems in May, Acne Risk 2.4 Times Higher with Less Than 6 Hours of Sleep

Press Release Information Title: 【Post-GW Skin Trouble Survey】78.3% Experience Skin Problems in May, Acne Risk 2.4 Times Higher with Less Than 6 Hours of Sleep Subtitle: Company Name: Industry: Main text (first 8000 characters): 【Conclusion】Key Points of This Survey

To conclude, post-May sickness skin roughness is caused by excessive secretion of stress hormones (cortisol) and imbalance of the autonomic nervous system, which increases sebum secretion and lowers the skin's barrier function. The sudden increase in acne after Golden Week is because disruptions in lifestyle during the holidays affect the autonomic nervous system, and the results appear as skin symptoms 1-2 weeks later. If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, dermatological treatment is effective.

・78.3% experienced some kind of skin trouble after GW, with “acne/pimples” being the most common symptom at 52.7%

・People who sleep less than 6 hours have a 2.4 times higher incidence of acne compared to those who sleep 7 hours or more

・83.6% of people who feel “fatigue” also experience skin roughness during the same period

Glossary

What is May Sickness Skin?

May sickness skin is a general term for skin troubles that tend to occur from after Golden Week until mid-May. It refers to a condition where stress from disrupted lifestyle rhythms and environmental changes affects the autonomic nervous system, leading to increased sebum secretion and disturbances in skin turnover, resulting in symptoms such as acne, skin roughness, and dullness.

What is Cortisol (Stress Hormone)?

Cortisol is a stress response hormone secreted from the adrenal cortex. Excessive secretion stimulates the sebaceous glands to increase sebum secretion and lowers the skin's barrier function, causing acne and skin roughness.

What is Adult Acne?

Adult acne is a general term for acne that occurs in people aged 20 and over. Unlike adolescent acne, it is primarily caused by hormonal imbalances, stress, lack of sleep, and dryness, and tends to appear on the chin and jawline.

Comparison of Main Symptoms and Countermeasures for May Sickness Skin

Symptoms | Main Cause | Self-care | Dermatological Treatment ---|---|---|--- Acne/Pimples | Excessive sebum secretion, clogged pores | Review cleansing, moisturize | Topical/oral medications, comedone extraction Dry/Flaky Skin | Impaired barrier function | Use moisturizer | Prescribed moisturizer, skincare guidance Dullness/Roughness | Disrupted skin turnover | Exfoliation | Chemical peeling Redness/Inflammation | Autonomic nervous system imbalance | Avoid irritation | Anti-inflammatory topical medication Enlarged Pores | Increased sebum secretion | Astringent toner | Laser treatment, topical medication

*This is a general guideline and individual differences exist. If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, we recommend consulting a dermatologist.

iClinic (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Omiya), operated by Medical Corporation Tetsuetsu Kai, conducted a "Survey on Skin Condition After Golden Week" targeting 300 men and women in their 20s-50s nationwide to understand the reality of skin troubles that increase after Golden Week. This survey analyzed the correlation between so-called "May sickness" symptoms and skin roughness from a medical perspective.

Background of the Survey

Every May, with the term "May sickness," the number of people complaining of physical and mental discomfort increases. At our clinic, the number of patients coming in mainly for acne and skin roughness tends to increase by about 1.5 times from after GW until mid-May each year. However, the connection between "May sickness" symptoms such as fatigue and lack of sleep and skin troubles is not widely recognized. This survey was conducted to clarify the impact of stress and disrupted lifestyle rhythms on the skin and to promote appropriate countermeasures.

Survey Overview

Target: Men and women aged 20-50 nationwide who are regularly concerned about their skin condition

Survey Period: April 13, 2026 – April 22, 2026

Survey Method: Internet survey

Number of Respondents: 300 people

Survey Results

【Survey Results】Approximately 80% experienced skin troubles after GW

Question: Do you annually experience skin problems from after Golden Week until mid-May?

It was found that 78.3% of people experience some kind of skin trouble after GW. Particularly, 34.7% answered "experience every year," revealing that it is recognized as a seasonal skin trouble.

【Survey Results】“Acne/Pimples” most common at 52.7%

Question: What is the most bothersome skin trouble you experience after GW? (Multiple answers allowed)

Acne/pimples were the most common, especially showing a high rate of 61.2% among those in their 20s-30s. This is thought to be caused by increased sebum secretion due to stress, consistent with the characteristics of so-called "adult acne."

【Survey Results】“Fatigue/Lethargy” most common at 67.3%

Question: Please select any physical and mental discomforts you feel after GW (Multiple answers allowed)

88.0% of people felt some kind of discomfort after GW, with fatigue and decreased sleep quality being the top issues. These symptoms suggest an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system, indicating a connection to skin troubles. Keyword: