Acne Trivia: Pimples Expand Lifespan

Nobody wants to have acne and almost everybody would do everything to prevent and get rid of them. But a recent study might change some minds. According to research, acne sufferers tend to have more youthful skin as they grow older. Likewise, acne expands lifespan, hence its sufferers may live longer.

According to Deccan Chronicle, researchers conducted the study at King's College London and found that those suffering from acne infection on their faces tend to enjoy younger-looking skin as they grow older, compared to those without acne. This is because acne-prone women have longer telomeres, an indication that they have better-protected cells. 'Telomeres' refers to DNA-protecting structures found at the ends of the chromosomes. They are comparable to plastic caps on shoelace ends that protect them from fraying.

Simone Ribero, lead researcher, said that dermatologists have already identified that the skin of acne sufferers age more slowly compared to those of women who did not suffer from this condition. However, the cause was unclear.

According to The Telegraph, telomeres shrink over time. Also, they have close links to aging. Telomeres get shorter every time a cell divides. This happens until the cell can't replicate anymore and dies or can no longer function properly.

The process of telomere shortening has a strong connection to cancer, aging, and even higher death risk. Higher levels of telomerase leads to slower cell death due to the ability to help rebuild the telomeres' length after cell division. Such fact explains why acne-prone people show less wrinkles and thinning skin, which are signs of cell death. It also explains why acne sufferers live longer.

Meanwhile, reports also show that smoking and obesity can accelerate the process of telomere shortening. This is why smokers and overweight people look older.

The facts above prove that acne expands lifespan. The study has surprising findings that can benefit numerous acne sufferers. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology has published such results.