Skincare Mythbusters: Is Acne Genetic?

Every physical part of you comes from your biological parents. Your eye color, height, texture of your hair, whether or not you have freckles, and even the size of your pores. Besides the way you look, health related things are passed down as well. Certain conditions run in families, such as allergies, high blood pressure, or cancer. 

But what about skin concerns? If your biological mom or dad had acne, does that mean you’re prone to it as well?

Acne and Your Genes

There is no acne gene, so it isn’t necessarily passed down that way. But, there are several reasons why you are more likely to have acne if your parents or one of your siblings have or had it. Both adult and teen acne do tend to run in families, according to studies. Heredity plays a role in how well your follicles resist acne. 

If both parents had acne, your risk for breakouts is higher. One cause of acne is genetic hormonal conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome. If you’ve inherited PCOS or another particular condition, you may be more prone to breakouts.

Another thing you inherit is your immune system and a lot of your immune responses. Because acne can be caused by a bacteria, if your immune system doesn’t attack it, you’re more likely to break out. This is an inflammatory response. 

The good news is that even if you come from a long line of people who have suffered from acne, there are steps you can take to minimize or even prevent it.

Preventing Acne

You can’t control your DNA but there are things you can do to help keep breakouts in check. 

Hygiene

Keeping your skin clean is one of the easiest ways you can help reduce acne. Wash your face twice a day and keep your hands off of it so you don’t spread any germs or bacteria. 

Nutrition

Greasy food, refined sugar, and certain carbohydrates are all linked to acne. Dairy can have an effect on some people as well. If you are suffering from excessive breakouts, keep a food diary and try to eat as clean a possible. 

Medication

Antidepressants, anti-epileptics, and anti-tuberculosis drugs have all been shown to be a possible cause of acne. Don’t stop any medication without talking to your doctor first. The benefits of most drugs outweigh the risks of getting acne, though there are times where you can switch out what you are taking for something more skin friendly. 

Stress

Stress has a big effect on all of us. Although stress doesn’t directly cause acne, it can make it worse. Try exercise, yoga, hobbies, or hanging out with friends to help your stress levels!

Quality Products

Be sure to use products that are labeled as non comedogenic or oil free. Anything other than these types of ingredients can clog pores which can lead to breaking out. 

Acne Can Be Treated

Genetic or not, acne can be treated! You can make a doctor’s appointment or do a teledermatology visit so a medical professional can take a look and come up with the best option to treat it. Some common acne prescriptions include:

• Tretinoin

• Clascoterone

• Doxycycline

• Birth control pills (help with hormonal causes in women)

• Spironolactone

• Isotretinoin

You don’t always need a prescription to treat acne. There are some popular over the counter products that will help you treat it. Retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid are commonly found in cleaners, creams, or serums. 

The best course of action is to customize your skin care regimen with exactly what you need. At Qyral, we can help with that! Simply take our skin assessment and we’ll ask some questions about your skin type and personal habits. Once that is complete, we’ll recommend the products you need. Each product will be mixed according to the answers on your quiz! Your bottle of Accelerate won’t have the same contents as someone else’s. Plus it literally has your name on it!

Get started at qyral.com today!