Acne & Premature Aging

Acne & Premature Aging

Common Forms of Skin Aging
Most people are aware that unprotected sun exposure causes skin damage and premature aging, and a thorough explanation of this process is covered in the Sunscreen Protection page in the Skin Care Basics section. Most people, however, are not aware that as the skin (and body) conducts routine chemical processes (such as energy production, manufacturing protective lipids, making routine repairs, etc.) these processes generate free radicals that damage the components of skin just like sun exposure, causing the aging process. The Skin Anti-Aging page in either the Skin Care Basics or Skin Rejuvenation sections covers this subject and this page should be read to understand the aging process and the steps that can be taken to reduce this form of damage. These are two common forms of skin damage.

Skin Aging Caused by Acne:
Acne is a third form of skin damage that promotes premature aging. The skin responds to acne infections by producing hydrogen peroxide to kill the bacteria, and hydrogen peroxide converts to free radicals that damages cellular DNA, collagen, elastin and other skin components, just like unprotected sun exposure and the skin's routine chemical processes. The skin continues to produce hydrogen peroxide until the infection is cleared, so this source of acne-induced skin damage may last for a week or more with acne vulgaris and many weeks with cystic acne. As the skin repairs the damage caused by the infections, it creates new blood vessels, cells, collagen, elastin and other tissues. Free radicals are a natural by-products of the millions of chemical processes necessary to perform these functions. These free radicals also damage the skin, including the new skin components.

Acne infections produce the same type of skin damage that we associate with the aging process and speed the skin aging process. Moderate to severe acne can produce more skin damage and premature skin aging than unprotected sun exposure and routine chemical processes. Chronic moderate to severe acne lasting for several years can lead to the development of sagging skin and moderate lines much earlier in life. Achieving effective acne control will improve the appearance of the skin now, and also eliminate future acne-induced skin damage that promotes skin aging.

Skin Aging Caused by Acne Product Ingredients:
Acne can involve an additional form of skin damage that promotes premature aging. Many acne products contain benzoyl peroxide. Like hydrogen peroxide, benzoyl peroxide becomes a free radical in the skin and further promotes premature skin aging. The higher the concentration of benzoyl peroxide, the greater the damage. The same is true of the length of use of hydrogen peroxide and the frequency. Benzoyl peroxide may achieve short-term control of acne but will result in long-term skin damage. (For additional information about other FDA concerns regarding the use of benzoyl peroxide, please refer to the Valuable Acne Tips page.) Some acne products contain "oxygen" but the actual physical ingredient is hydrogen peroxide. Just like the hydrogen peroxide produced by the skin, it is converted to free radicals in the skin and causes additional skin damage and premature aging.

Achieving control of acne is the first step in reducing this form of skin damage. Eliminating acne reduces the volume of damage and the speed of the skin aging process. In other words, the elimination of acne is an anti-aging strategy. Additionally, it is an important anti-aging strategy to avoid products containing benzoyl peroxide or "oxygen."

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TOPICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
For Healthy Looking Skin®

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For Healthy Looking Skin®