Opinion Survey on Possible Influences of Acne on Job Hunting among Young WomenBack

Date of Release: June 29, 2004

Survey shows over 60% employers and job seekers think acne lowers one's chance of being employed
A quarter of respondents even choose to postpone the plan of job search
-- Expert warns job seekers should carefully manage the acne problem

Summertime is the peak season for job hunting. There are 120,000 F.5 graduates, 37,000 F.7 graduates and 14,000 university graduates who are ready to enter the labour force each year. To excel in a competitive job interview, a tidy appearance and an outstanding resume are equally important.

Two recent surveys on acne and its impacts on job interviews commissioned by Schering (Hong Kong) Ltd., conducted by JobsDB.com and the University of Hong Kong Public Opinion Programme, investigated into the behaviour and attitude towards acne of employers and job seekers respectively. Results were announced by Ms Michelle Leung, Marketing Manager of JobsDB.com at a press conference today.

65% employers claim acne-free job seekers have greater chance to get a job
was conducted by JobsDB.com during June 8-11, 2004 targeting 100 employers in the JobsDB.com database. Results show:

A quarter of job seekers choose to postpone the plan of job search because of severe acne
Another survey named was conducted by the University of Hong Kong Public Opinion Programme during June 3-13, 2004, participated by 507 women aged 18 to 30 who suffer from acnes in the last 12 months and had job interview in the last 3 years. Results show:

"The two surveys reflect the fact that both employers and job seekers think acne lowers one's competitiveness in the job market. In the competitive business world where employees represent the company, a tidy appearance of frontline workers is vital. Hence, employers' worries about employees' acne problem is understandable," said Ms Michelle Leung, Marketing Manager of JobsDB.com. "Acne not only is a skin problem, it may also lead to social and self-confidence issues. Some acne sufferers will experience depression and frustration, which affect their performance at work. So acne treatment is beneficial to both job seekers and employers."

Dermatologist warns acne sufferers to understand the root cause and treatment options
Dr Tinny Ho, Specialist in Dermatology, explained that acne is one of the most common skin diseases. Acne is caused by the plugging of follicles, which is mostly due to excessive sebum production by sebaceous glands stimulated by the influence of androgens (male sex hormones, which are also present in females). Androgens are closely related to acne. Excess androgens will cause the sebaceous glands to produce excessive sebum. If it plugs the opening of the follicle, it may increase the amount of bacteria which cause inflammatory acne. Despite having normal level of androgen, if the sebaceous glands are over-sensitive to androgens, excess sebum is thus produced and acne results.

Dr Ho further explained, biological factors such as puberty and women's menstrual cycle will increase the level of androgens and sebum production; while external factors such as rubbing and air pollution will worsen the acne. To effectively control the problem, one must look into the root cause of acne and choose the appropriate treatment. "Purposes of acne treatment include the decrease of sebum production, reduction of P. acnes (bacteria), normalization of skin shedding and elimination of inflammation. To treat mild acne, we can use mild keratolytics and anti-inflammatory drugs. To treat severe acne, we should tackle the root cause of acne. Female acne sufferers can use anti-androgen, such as Diane-35, the only oral contraceptive approved by the Hong Kong Department of Health for the indication of acne treatment. Its active ingredient, cyproterone acetate (CPA), attaches itself to androgen receptors in the skin and then blocks the receptors (like the wrong key jammed in a lock). The androgens then cannot affect the skin. By blocking the effect of androgen on the skin, thus reducing sebum production," said Dr Ho. Clinical studies of Diane-35 show 35-50% of patients experienced improvement/healing after 3 cycles (months). Other treatment for severe acne include anit-biotics or retinoids. Other skin treatments such as keeping the skin clean and removing the oil can be introduced.

Dr Ho warned that acne patients who are not aware of the pros and cons of different treatment options available in the market might choose the inappropriate treatment which will bring negative impacts.

Dispel the misconceptions about acne and act correctly
Dr Ho suggested acne sufferers to dispel the misconceptions about acne, such as understanding the fact that there is no scientific proof on the correlation between the formation of acne and food. Patients should have a thorough understanding on the causes and treatment options of acne. They should also consult the doctor for the best treatment for them.

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Media contact:
Wendy Tong (Grey Healthcare)
Tel: 2510 6794 / 9277 4127