Genetics And Acne: Is Acne Genetically Inherited?

Acne is a skin condition that shows up as different types of bumps. It is a skin condition influenced by the blockage of skin pores or the formation of the hair follicle and usually shows up on the face, neck, upper back, shoulders, and chest. 

Acne often occurs in areas of the skin that have the most amount of oil glands. Factors such as periods, emotional stress, greasy cosmetics, hormonal changes, sharing of cosmetic items, and foods containing a high level of carbs can trigger acne. Although this skin condition occurs predominantly during puberty, it can occur at any age.

It is important to note that the treatment of acne depends on its severity. While mild acne can be treated using soaps, gels, creams, or lotions, severe acne may be treated by a skin specialist or dermatologist. 

Related Read: What Causes Acne On Face?

Table of Contents The Genetic Factor of AcneWhat To Do When You Risk Genetic AcneHow to Treat Genetic AcneFrequently Asked Questions on Genetic AcneWrap Up

The Genetic Factor of Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that can be unpredictable, embarrassing, mortifying, and frustrating. A lot of teens, as well as adults, occasionally have acne breakouts ranging from mild to severe, which may, in extensive cases, require treatment.

The genetics of acne is one that has raised a lot of questions in the skincare and beauty world; it is a topic that is also popularly discussed.  

Acne is caused by Propionibacterium acnes-a bacteria that lives near the surface of the skin. However, people with weaker or lower immunity will have a slow response rate to the bacteria. Hence, inheriting a weak immune system from parents can affect how your body responds to acne-causing bacteria.

Studies have shown that there is a higher chance of getting acne if your parents or relatives have it. Therefore, it is worthy to note that genes can affect the development of acne. 

Apart from this, some families tend to produce dead skin cells in excess; thus, they may have more clogged pores leading to acne. You may inherit any of these tendencies from your parents or siblings;

  • Extra production of your skin’s natural oil.

  • Lower levels of estrogen. 

  • Higher levels of testosterone, which triggers acne.

  • A faster rate of skin cell turnover.

These tendencies may feed your acne breakouts. Note that you may have more acne breakouts than they had. For instance, if your family members carry or carried one or two acne contributing factors, you may end up with four or five. 

Experts agree that if both of your parents had severe acne or currently have it, there is a high chance of you getting it, but if only one of your parents had acne, it might lower your risk of having it. However, you are likely to have it if your parents have a severe acne case growing up or in adulthood.

There are different ways in which genes play a role in the breakout of acne. Some families may have the genetic tendency to overproduce sebum produced by the oil glands. Some other families may overproduce dead skin cells, which leads to clogged pores.

So, Is acne genetic?

Yes, acne can be genetic, although the acne gene is unknown to scientists. It has been discovered that 20 percent of those persons whose parents or siblings had moderate to severe acne also had the same problem. Another thing is that genetics may make it difficult for you to resist acne, allowing these breakouts to persist until adulthood. 

Despite all of these, it is necessary to note that, although your parents had acne, it does not mean that you will. There is only the chance that you might have it. 

Genetic factors may make it more difficult to treat acne than other factors would, but not to worry, it is not impossible. Suppose you are fully aware that your acne is genetic, instead of experimenting and trying out all the products you come across. In that case, your skincare therapist may be able to tell you what nutrients are beneficial for you.  

What To Do When You Risk Genetic Acne

Certain environmental or lifestyle factors may affect acne breakouts. Hence, although you can’t determine your genetics; however, you can determine the factors that result in acne breakouts.

  • Wash your face twice daily with mild soap and warm water. Be careful not to scrub your face while washing because it can irritate your skin. Choose a cleanser that works for your skin. We recommend you choose a non-comedogenic cleaner as they won’t clog the pores.  

  • If you are a frequent user of makeup, try as much as possible to take time to remove all of your makeup before you sleep. This is to ensure that it doesn’t clog your pore.

  • If you happen to use hair spray or gels on your hair, ensure that they do not touch your face. If they touch your face, wash them off immediately. 

  • Avoid eating greasy foods, fast foods, or foods with a high amount of carbs. Follow the acne diet plan instead. 

  • When you know that acne runs in your family, it is necessary to treat them almost immediately because it is easier to treat them while they are mild.  

  • Avoid stress as much as possible. 

  • Ensure to provide your skin with adequate hydration. 

  • Try as much as possible not to touch your face frequently. The reason is that when you do so, you risk transferring bacteria to your pores and other parts of the skin. 

How to Treat Genetic Acne

Generally, the treatment of acne depends on how severe acne breakouts are. Always ensure that you keep your skin clean at all times with a product that has no oil in it. To treat moderate acne, look for an antibacterial soap; the difference is that it will fight bacteria.

You may probably find thousands of products to clear acne spots but keep in mind that your skin is sensitive and should not be used for experiments. Ensure you visit a dermatologist to examine you and properly advise you on the best treatment according to your skin.

Pending when you’ll visit a doctor, you may want to try some products on your skin, and finding the right products to use on your skin is highly essential. Be careful, though, and only use the products upon recommendations by a physician.

1. Salicylic Acid Soap: This usually comes in an orange liquid. Use this liquid cleanser twice a day for five days, then once a day after that. Use this soap on your face, neck, shoulders, and back. 

2. Benzoyl Peroxide: If you happen to visit the drugstore, pharmacy, or supermarket, look for Benzoyl Peroxide 10%. Apply the medication with a tip, directly on the pore and ensure that it doesn’t get to your hands, eyes, or mouth.

3. Cetaphil Antibacterial Bar Soap: It can be used for the face and anywhere else around the body. It only comes in a bar, and you must make sure you get the antibacterial one and not the regular liquid face wash. Wash any part where the acne breakout is but do not scrub, and leave it on your face for two minutes before rinsing.

 It is essential to visit the doctor or a skin specialist if the breakouts persist even after using these products. If your acne breakout is bad enough, your doctor may recommend an antibiotic to be taken orally or a steroid cream. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Genetic Acne

  • Can food cause acne breakouts? Generally, acne is caused by hormones’ fluctuation, but research has it that certain foods may affect acne. Try cutting out sugary foods and beverages, carbs; this may reduce the outbreak of acne. Follow a good eating habit; it helps to treat and prevent acne naturally. Ensure that you always fill your plate with vegetables and fruits; it helps to reduce acne symptoms. Try as much as possible to choose or limit some foods while treating your acne.  

  • Does acne mean that one is dirty? In most cases, acne requires more than just good hygiene. Scrubbing your skin too hard may increase the chances of severe breakouts. Although it is necessary to always keep clean, acne is usually not caused by poor hygiene. 

  • When should one visit a dermatologist for acne breakout? It is advised that you may visit a skincare therapist once the products used in treating acne fails to work. In most cases, severe acne may not get treated by self-medication, so it is advisable to visit a doctor once the acne is not a mild one.  

  • Can acne completely clear? Most acne ends at the end of puberty, but some go into adulthood. However, the good news is, acne can be treated with the right approach. 

  • Should one stop the use of makeup? You do not have to stop wearing makeup to prevent acne breakouts. However, if you notice that your makeup products clog pores and increase acne breakouts on your face, you may switch products. 

  • Is Acne curable? Acne cannot be prevented, but it can be treated effectively.

Wrap Up

So, is acne genetic? Yes. Acne can be genetic. Different factors that relate to the structure of the immune system and unusual mutations between parents can cause genetic acne. 

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