WHY we get acne...Interested???

[SweetJade1]

For those interested, yes there is a genetic component to developing acne, in that certain people will be more "at risk", but there has yet to be specific acne gene. Just like there probably isn't a specific coughing gene, sneezing gene, when we get sick, right? Another example would be the small pox or chicken pox that's presented as skin lesions that were a direct result of a virus. Therefore, all of these are just signs of something wrong, imbalanced, or attacking our body and this is how we are physically able to be aware of the problem...some people aren't as lucky.


I know I know I know, the statements:
"no one knows why we have acne"

"no one knows how accutane works, it just does"

"there is no connection between diet & acne, but iodine may contribute"

"diet may work if you have an allergy, but my acne is hormonal so food can't be related"

"Bacteria causes acne"

"Sebum causes acne"

Sigh....through years and 1000s of hours of personal research, experimentation, and yielding positive results, along with others research & testimonies, I have never found anything that has defined acne as it's own disease. The various types of Acne and Acne-like lesions (rosacea, chloracne, yosho, etc) have ALWAYS been associated with one or more of the following:

Irritating/Pore Clogging Skin Care ingredients

Puberty

Hormonal/Health Imbalances

Stress

Allergies

Intolerances

Chemical Sensitivities

Toxins



Despite whatever your genetic risk is, the above can be corrected by altering your environmental influences as they can activate those dormant genes or can INCREASE your risk even more so. Now, later I'll clarify the above misconceptions, but until then here's something for all of you to mull over:

1965 - possible 1st evidence of Acne and the role that Androgens play as a subject of published research [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4221206[/url] (no available abstract)

1970 - this is the first study that provides an available abstract and mentions how Androgen Excess has been found to increase Acne & Hirsutism [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4252699[/url]

1972 - "Skin Diseases Induced by Hormones" and the role insulin plays [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4270049[/url]

1977 - Unexpected discovery of Insulin & Glucose role on Sex Hormone production [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=193114[/url]

1978 -“ Dermatologic Indications for Anti-androgenic Treatment” [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=82309[/url]

1979 - HAIR-AN Syndrome (hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, acanthosis negricans) discovered? [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=496546[/url]

1980 - Influence of Sex Hormones on Acne (the role of DHT) [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6258368[/url]

1981- Type II Diabetes and low HDL (good) cholesterol levels [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6793437[/url]

1981 - Adrenal Hyperandrogenism [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6450905[/url]

1986 - possible 1st evidence of Puberty being a function of Insulin Resistance
[url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3523245[/url]

1988 – “Cutaneous Manifestions of Systemic Diseases” (thyroid) [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9889752[/url]

1993 - Insulin Resistance & Puberty [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8262487[/url]

1994 – Correlation among hormonal imbalance and cancer [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8144280[/url]

1995 – Hormonal Correlates of Acne & Hirsutism [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7825645[/url]

1996 – Hyperandrogenism, Insulin, & Cancer Risk [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8932921[/url]

1996 – Western Diets role in Insulin Resistance, Type II Diabetes, High LDL, and low Sex Hormone binding Globulin (SHBG) [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8604665[/url]

1998 - SHBGs role to bind Free Testosterone (can convert to DHT) as a function of Insulin production & Diet
[url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9770724[/url]

2000 - Hyperandrogenism & Insulin Resistance in Women
[url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11595827[/url]

2001 – Males, Sex Hormones, & Diet [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11319710[/url]

2001 – Sex Hormones, Diet, & Cancer [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11205485[/url]

2002 - Genetic & Environmental Influences. Points out that twins with acne are deficient in a component that produces HDL (good cholesterol) [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12485434[/url]

2003 - Hyperinsulinemia, Syndrome X (Metabolic Syndrome), & Hormonal Imbalance [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14527633[/url]

2003 - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in Adolescents [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14593553[/url]

2003 - PCOS, Metabolic Syndrome, & Low HDL Levels [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=15024892[/url]

2003 – LOCAH (late onset adrenal hyperplasia) in males with acne [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12828760[/url]

2003 – Dietary factors & Testosterone production [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12947426[/url]

2003 - Cutaneous Manifestations of Endocrine Disorders...for dermatologists [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12688837[/url]

2004 - Androgen Excess & associated symptoms [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14764747[/url]

2004 - Insulin Resistance & Androgens [url]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=15292348[/url]


Furthermore, did any of you notice that when we treat our acne it is a result of the following methods:
Non-pore clogging skin care

Avoidance of allergens

Cleansing/Flushing of toxins

Anti-inflammatories (antibotics, benzoyl peroxide, zinc, glucocorticoids)

Exfoilants (glycolic, salicylic acid, retinoids)

Fat Metabolizers - B5 Therapy, NAC, Fish Oil, Fiber (Glucomannon), Guggul, Low Saturated Fat Diet, Avoidance of Trans Fats, etc

Anti-androgens - Retinoids (accutane, retinA, Isoterx, azelex), Estrogen, Spironolactone, Flutamide, Glucocorticoids (select cases), Insulin Sensitizers, Folic Acid, Green Tea, Saw Palmetto, etc

DHT Inhibitors - Retinoids, Avodart (duatasteride), Green Tea (EGCG), Beta Sitosterol (Saw Palmetto), Curcumin (Tumeric), Zinc Sulphate, Vit. B6 (Pyridoxal HCL or Phosphate only), GLA (omega 6), EPA (Omega 3), etc

Insulin Sensitizers/Balancers - Avandia, R-ALA, Chromium GTF, Cinnamon, Green Tea, NAC, D-Chiro Inositol (Buckwheat Farinetta), Low Carb Diets, Gluten-Free Diets, Paleolithic Diets, etc

[openseason]

What I have read is that "acne is a skin disease with symptoms of hyperkeritinization and inflamed oil glands." I found that defination on the Mayo clinic web site, and the Mayo clic is very much respected. Some people produce excess skin oil, pores clog then acne results. I think acne is a disease all its own, much like vitaligo and is genetic like vitaligo.

[SweetJade1]

Well according to the Mayo Clinic's Feb. 2, 2004 update "Acne is a common skin disorder characterized by clogged pores and pimples." and "It's not known what causes the increased production of sebum that leads to acne."

That is really odd, I could have sworn there were plenty of old & new studies that specifically said that androgens (in conjunction with IGF-1) are what initiate sebum production...after all, this is why Accutane an antiandrogen/DHT inhibitor is "the biggest advancement in acne in the past 30 years"

That right there is the problem with a lot of "reliable" and "respected" websites and doctors, they either don't know about the past & present advances in acne or they basically "accept" someone else's word. I've read so many definitions of acne, but the only accepted definition scientificially is supposed to be what has been found through clinical trials & double blind studies, which my past doctors, along with endocrinology & some dermatology websites, did mention. Clinicals trials & studies that I posted above, for example, and there are 100s or 1000s more depending on how thoroughly you choose to research this.

Although, if you like, we could call acne a disease subset with signs of:

1. Androgen sensitivity & increased DHT only in the skin (90% of suffers)
2. Hyperandrogenism or increased serum androgen levels (10% of suffers)
3. Increased stimulation & growth of sebacous glands
4. Increased sebum (oil) production
5. Enlargement of pores
6. Skin cell hyperproliferation (excess growth)
7. Hyperkeritinization (thick skin)
8. Poor skin desquamation (skin cell shedding)
9. Inflammation
10. Increased growth of p.acnes and/or demodex mites

So based on the above, Androgens (& IGF-1) is what initiates the growth & stimulation of the sebaceous glands. Yet you dont have to have excess sebum production to have acne, as there are quite a number of people that have dry skin and still have acne. Therefore, the problem could be due to the overgrowth of skin cells & poor exfoilation abilities in these individuals, yet androgens still initiates these factors. This of course leads to clogged pores and thus increased levels of bacterial growth.

If those pores weren't clogged, would there still be increased levels of a form of bacteria that is found on everyone's skin? Probably not, but if so their growth could be due to the increased fats & sugars in the blood stream that the bacteria feed off in people that have an inability to properly metabolize those nutrients. As such, acne has also be defined as "Skin Diabetes".

[SweetJade1]

The National Institute of Health says "Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin's oil glands which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits."

While the American Academy of Dermatology further emphasises the above by stated that "the hormones with the greatest effect on sebaceous glands are androgens, which are present in females as well as males, but in higher amounts in males."

So, I honestly do not know why other organizations won't publicly admit this. Yet anyone with enough desire can do the research and see for themselves. Perhaps it would throw off the current economic status, with some companies losing money and other gaining, but does that make it OK? I guess it's true, doing the right thing, isn't always profitable...

[openseason]

Cystic acne starts deep beneath the skin surface. I know because I had that type. Surface exfoliation does not apply to that type, because the oil gland is clogged way down deep and forms a lump. Some doctors state that something causes the oil gland narrows and becomes clogged. That is where they get the theory the narrowing is caused by stress, which is just plain silly. When I was 14 years old I did not know what stress was. However my father had cystic acne which shows me there is genetics involved. You say androgens are involved, and the doctors have been saying that since the 1950s, that acne is caused by teenage horemones. That does not explain the exact mechanism of the disease itself.