(09-03-11) Research shows inflammation causes acne

by Seppo Puusa


(NaturalNews) Acne is a painstakingly frustrating condition. The cure has
eluded both sufferers and dermatologists for decades. However latest research
on the role of oxidative stress and the antioxidant defense in acne brings new
hope for sufferers.

Acne patients are under higher oxidative stress than people with healthy skin,
and as a result their antioxidant levels are exhausted. Managing inflammation
and correcting antioxidant depletion often brings much needed relief for acne
patients.

The role of inflammation in acne

Research in recent years has started to point to the role of local and
systemic stress in acne.

Scientists used to believe the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria trigger the
acne formation process. But recent research has outdated this view. The
bacteria only enter acne formation process at a later point.

The stage for acne is set by oxidation of sebum (in medical terms this is
known as sebum peroxidation). In a nutshell it goes like this. Free radicals
cause oxidative damage to sebum, and this lowers oxygen content in sebum.

P. Acnes is an anaerobic bacteria, and it thrives in low oxygen environments.
Oxidation changes sebum in a way that it becomes a more suitable environment
for P. Acnes bacteria. The bacteria multiply in the pores and add their own
inflammatory insult on the skin.

However the early oxidation of sebum is the key that triggers the acne
formation process.

Acne patients low in antioxidants

Research has shown that people with acne have significantly lower levels of
several antioxidant nutrients compared to people with healthy skin. Similarly
studies show that people with acne have higher levels of inflammatory chemicals
in the blood.

These studies send a clear message. Acne patients are under significant
systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, and their antioxidant defense
cannot cope with the load.

Acne patients need more antioxidants

Researchers speculate that higher sebum production is one reason why acne
patients are under such high systemic oxidative stress.

The skin and sebum are constantly exposed to oxidative stress (UV rays from
sunlight, ozone in smog, chemicals in personal care products) and thus needs
antioxidant protection. Acne patients usually have higher sebum output than
people with healthy skin, and this can place extra demand for antioxidants.

Inflammation management key to clear skin

Reducing both systemic and local oxidative stress on the skin is one of the
keys to getting over acne.

In this vitamin E plays a key role. It`s among the most important antioxidants
in the skin. Studies have shown that it can protect sebum from oxidative
damage.

In this light supplementation with and topical application of vitamin E should
be on the to-do list for anyone with acne.

Conclusion

Oxidative damage to sebum is the trigger that starts acne formation process.
It leads to changes in sebum that make it more suitable environment to P. Acnes
bacteria. Bacteria thrive in the hair follicles and further increase
inflammatory damage. Soon an angry, red pimple pops up to the skin.

The antioxidant defense in acne victims cannot cope with this oxidative
stress. Thus acne patients have high levels of systemic inflammation.

Preventing local inflammation in the skin and lowering systemic inflammation
in the body are the keys to clear skin. This can be done through proper diet
and lifestyle changes. Supplementation and topical application of vitamin E and
other antioxidants can further protect the skin.

Sources:

Does the plasma level of vitamins A and E affect acne condition?
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/...

OXIDANT/ANTIOXIDANT STATUS IN OBESE ADOLESCENT FEMALES WITH ACNE VULGARIS
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/art...

The role of the antioxidative defense system in papulopustular acne.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/...

Tissue and blood superoxide dismutase activities and malondialdehyde levels in
different clinical severities of acne vulgaris.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/...

Oxidative stress in patients with acne vulgaris.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/art...

Superoxide dismutase and myeloperoxidase activities in polymorphonuclear
leukocytes in acne vulgaris.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/...

Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity in acne vulgaris and the effect of
selenium and vitamin E treatment.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/...

Clinical implications of lipid peroxidation in acne vulgaris: old wine in new
bottles.
http://www.unboundmedicine.com/medl...

Sebaceous gland lipids
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/art...

News

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In evidenza

"L'informazione presente nel sito serve a migliorare, e non a sostituire, il rapporto medico-paziente."

Per coloro che hanno problemi di salute si consiglia di consultare sempre il proprio medico curante.