[Post-Golden Week Skin Trouble Survey] 78.3% Experience Skin Problems in May, Acne Risk 2.4 Times Higher with Less Than 6 Hours of Sleep

## [Conclusion] Key Points of This Survey
In conclusion, skin problems caused by May Sickness occur due to excessive secretion of stress hormones (cortisol) and autonomic nervous system imbalance, which increase sebum secretion and reduce 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 2 weeks, dermatological treatment is effective.

- 78.3% experienced skin problems after Golden Week, with "acne/pimples" being the most common symptom at 52.7%.
- People sleeping less than 6 hours had a 2.4 times higher incidence of acne compared to those sleeping 7 hours or more.
- 83.6% of those feeling "fatigue" also experienced skin problems during the same period.

## Terminology Explanation

### What is May Sickness Skin?
May Sickness Skin is a general term for skin problems that tend to occur from after Golden Week to mid-May. It refers to a state where disruptions in lifestyle and stress due to environmental changes affect the autonomic nervous system, leading to increased sebum secretion and disturbed skin cell 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 also reduces 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 older. Unlike adolescent acne, its main causes are hormonal imbalances, stress, lack of sleep, and dryness, and it tends to appear on the chin and jawline.

## Comparison of Main Symptoms and Treatments for May Sickness Skin

| Symptoms | Main Causes | Self-Care | Dermatological Treatment |
| :----------------- | :-------------------------- | :----------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------- |
| Acne/Pimples | Excessive sebum/clogged pores | Review cleansing/moisturizing | Topical/oral medication, comedone extraction |
| Dry/flaky skin | Reduced barrier function | Use moisturizers | Moisturizer prescription/skincare guidance |
| Dullness/roughness | Disrupted cell turnover | Exfoliation | Chemical peeling |
| Redness/Inflammation | Autonomic nervous system imbalance | Avoid irritants | Anti-inflammatory topical medication |
| Enlarged pores | Increased sebum secretion | Astringent lotion | Laser treatment/topical medication |

*These are general guidelines and individual differences exist. If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, we recommend consulting a dermatologist.

I-Clinic (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Omiya), operated by Medical Corporation Tetsuyukai, conducted a "Survey on Skin Condition After Golden Week" targeting 300 men and women aged 20-50 nationwide who are usually concerned about their skin condition, to understand the reality of increasing skin problems after Golden Week. This survey analyzed the relationship between symptoms of so-called "May Sickness" and skin problems from a medical perspective.

## Survey Background
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 presenting with acne and skin problems as their main complaint tends to increase by about 1.5 times from after Golden Week to mid-May each year. However, the relationship between "May Sickness" symptoms such as fatigue and lack of sleep and skin problems is generally not well recognized. This survey was conducted to clarify the impact of stress and lifestyle disruptions on the skin and to promote appropriate countermeasures.

## Survey Overview

- **Target**: 300 men and women aged 20-50 nationwide who are usually concerned about their skin condition.
- **Survey Period**: April 13, 2026 - April 22, 2026
- **Survey Method**: Internet survey
- **Number of Respondents**: 300

## Survey Results

### [Survey Result] Approximately 80% Experienced Skin Problems After Golden Week
**Question**: Do you usually experience any skin problems from after Golden Week to mid-May?
It was found that 78.3% of people experienced some kind of skin problem after Golden Week. Notably, 34.7% answered "experience every year," revealing that it is recognized as a seasonal skin problem.

### [Survey Result] "Acne/Pimples" Most Common at 52.7%
**Question**: What is the most concerning skin problem you experience after Golden Week? (Multiple answers allowed)
Acne/pimples were the most common, especially among those in their 20s and 30s, with a high rate of 61.2%. This is thought to be due to increased sebum secretion caused by stress, consistent with the characteristics of so-called "adult acne."

### [Survey Result] "Fatigue/Lethargy" Most Common at 67.3%
**Question**: Please select the physical and mental discomforts you feel after Golden Week (Multiple answers allowed)
88.0% of people felt some kind of discomfort after Golden Week, with fatigue and decreased sleep quality being the top concerns. These symptoms suggest an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system, implying a connection to skin problems.