Yes, acne can be caused by genetic factors such as an overproduction of sebum, hormonal imbalances, and skin inflammation.
More detailed answer question
Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While some people might experience occasional breakouts, others might suffer from severe and persistent acne. But is acne a genetic disorder? The answer is yes, to some extent.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), acne can be influenced by genetics. “In some families, acne seems to be passed down from one generation to the next,” says the AAD. “If one or both of your parents had acne, you are more likely to develop it as well.”
However, genetics alone cannot fully explain why some people develop acne while others don’t. Other factors that contribute to acne include hormonal imbalances, stress, diet, and lifestyle habits.
Interestingly, some studies have also suggested that people with acne-prone skin have a different skin microbiome than those with clear skin. The skin microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that live on the skin’s surface and play a crucial role in maintaining skin health.
The following table summarizes the factors that contribute to the development of acne:
| Factors | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Genetics | Can influence sebum production and inflammation |
| Hormonal imbalances | Increase sebum production and skin inflammation |
| Diet | Certain foods may trigger inflammation and breakouts |
| Lifestyle habits | Lack of sleep, stress, and smoking can aggravate acne |
| Skin microbiome | Imbalance of microorganisms can worsen acne |
In conclusion, while acne can be influenced by genetics, it is not a genetic disorder in the strict sense of the term. Rather, it is a multifactorial condition that is influenced by a combination of factors, including genetics, hormones, diet, and lifestyle habits. As dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban puts it, “Acne is not just a skin condition, it is a reflection of your overall health.”
As a final note, it’s worth remembering that acne can be treated effectively with a combination of topical and oral medications, as well as lifestyle changes. If you are struggling with acne, make sure to consult with a board-certified dermatologist for personalized advice and treatment recommendations.
Video response to your question
Dr. Rasya Dixit discusses the difficulty of treating hormonal acne, which is caused by hormonal changes due to lifestyle or conditions like polycystic ovaries. Antibiotics or isotretinoin do not work on this type of acne, and a team of medical professionals must collaborate with the patient to make lifestyle changes like exercise and stress management. Patients who commit to long-term lifestyle changes may experience a reduction in hormonal acne, but recurrence is common if these changes are not sustained.
There are other opinions
There’s no specific acne gene. However, genetics can play a role in whether you’re prone to acne. In addition to genetics, hormones and lifestyle factors can also affect skin and breakouts. No matter what’s causing your acne, it can be treated.
While there is no acne gene, genetic factors do play a role in whether you are susceptible to developing the condition. Genes that affect sensitivity to hormones, a key cause of the condition, can run in families. Additionally, some people naturally have more oily skin than others, increasing their chances of being acne prone.
There’s no specific acne gene. However, genetics can play a role in whether you’re prone to acne. In addition to genetics, hormones and lifestyle factors can also affect skin and breakouts. No matter what’s causing your acne, it can be treated.
For example, genetics can determine how effective your immune system is at warding off Propionibacterium acnes ( P. acnes ), a bacteria that promotes acne. When left unchecked, P. acnes stimulates the production of oil in the follicle and causes inflammation.
A family history of acne has also been shown to be a predictive factor on acne breakouts in adolescents. If both of your parents had severe acne, either in adolescence or in adulthood, your risk for having acne breakouts may be higher. Both parents may possess the same genetic components for acne, or varying ones.
Adult acne was shown to have a genetic component, in an older study of 204 people age 25 and over. Researchers determined that heredity played a role in the ability of follicles to become acne resistant in adulthood.
Genetics is believed to play a significant role in the development of acne. Studies have shownthat individuals with a family history of severe acneare more likely to develop the condition themselves. Genome-wide association studies(GWAS) have identified several genetic loci and variants associated with an increased risk of acne.
Acne is in part a genetic disease. If your parents had acne, there is a greater likelihood that you will as well. However, due to the complex nature of acne, it is unlikely that there is a single acne gene that triggers acne formation. Instead, it is more likely that multiple genes work together to predispose someone to acne.
The results of a recent study have further elucidated the genetics of acne and advanced the knowledge of the genetic basis of acne risk by identifying versions of the genes that are common among individuals who suffer from this very common inflammatory skin disorder.
The genetic contribution to acne susceptibility has been demonstrated in several twin studies, with heritability consistently estimated around 80% 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.
The study identified 29 new genetic variants that are more common in people with acne. It also confirmed 14 of the 17 variants already known to be associated with the condition. This brings the total number of known variants to 46.