Rejuvenation effect by picking discovered acne slowed skin aging

People with acne have longer telomeres
Acne is a big burden for many younger people. But can acne also bring benefits for those affected? Researchers found that people with acne have longer telomeres in their white blood cells. These protect the cells better against aging.

The scientists from Kings College London found in an investigation that people who have previously suffered from acne have longer telomeres. By doing so, their cells are significantly better protected against aging. The doctors published a press release on the results of their study.

Certainly it is no pleasure for those affected if they suffer from acne. Researchers found that acne could be beneficial. The skin disease can cause a slower aging of the skin. (Image: Ocskay Bence / fotolia.com)

Telomeres protect cells during replication
Telomeres are so-called repetitive nucleotide sequences at the end of the chromosomes, explain the authors. These telomeres protect the cells during the process of replication. As the cells get older, the telomeres shrink and break. Eventually, this will eventually trigger cell death, a normal part of human growth and aging, the physicians add.

Researchers are studying telomeres of 1,295 twins
Previous studies have already shown that telomere length in white blood cells can be predictive of biological age, the experts explain. For this reason, the new study attempted to establish the length of white blood cell telomeres in 1,295 twins. A quarter of the twins from the so-called TwinsUK cohort reported on acne experiences in their lives.

Longer telomeres provide better protection
Statistical analysis showed that the telomere length was significantly longer in people with acne. This protects white blood cells better from the usual deterioration of old age, the researchers explain. One of the genes involved in telomere length was also associated with the onset of acne.

Acne curse and blessing at the same time?
Acne is particularly prone to adolescents as well as adults. Many of them are looking for medicines or home remedies for acne. But acne can actually have a big advantage. Dermatologists have long pointed out that the skin of people with acne seems to age more slowly than the skin of people without a history of acne. Signs of skin aging such as wrinkles and skin thinning often appear much later in people with previous acne, explain the scientists.

Acne affects the so-called gene pathway p53
The researchers also examined gene expression in pre-existing skin biopsies in twins. It has been found that a so-called gene pathway (p53 pathway) regulates the programmed death of cells, the experts say. This seems less common in people with acne. This finding requires further study of other genes to identify their involvement in cell aging. It has also been analyzed how these genes differ from those of people with acne, the authors add.

Further research is needed
The results of the investigation suggest that the cause of slower cell aging is linked to telomere length, say the physicians. This seems to be different in people with acne. Skin biopsies allowed scientists to determine gene expression associated with telomere length. Of course, further research is needed to see if gene pathways provide a basis for a useful intervention. Nevertheless, longer telomeres really seem to be a factor that protects the skin from premature aging. Bataille. (As)