[Doctor's Column] Acne Isn't Caused by Too Much 'Sebum': The Real Reason Adult Acne Recurs

Many people believe that acne is caused by excessive sebum. Consequently, they wash their faces more thoroughly and try to remove all oil. However, if acne persists despite repeated washing, the cause is not the amount of sebum, but rather what happens inside the skin. Chronic inflammatory response It could be.

▶ Q. Why isn't acne caused by 'excessive sebum'?

The generally known sequence is that excessive sebum clogs pores, allowing bacteria to multiply inside and cause acne. However, in 2013 Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology According to a review paper published in [Journal Name], the onset of acne is not excess sebum Inflammatory reaction occurring within the sebaceous gland itself no see.

・ Sebaceous gland cells (sebaceous cells) directly express stress-related substances such as corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), and this Interleukin-1α (IL-1α) It triggers the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, including
・ This inflammatory response forms microcomedones, which are necessary for visible acne to appear Long ago It is already in progress.
・ In other words, inflammation does not occur due to an excess of sebum, Inflammation starts first, and in the process, the pores become clogged. It develops into acne.

❙ Image: Produced by Maypure Doctor Column

▶ Q. Is there a reason why acne doesn't go away even after becoming an adult?

Acne does not occur only during puberty. According to a recent large-scale epidemiological study, 1 in 5 adults aged 25 to 39 The rate of experiencing this acne is higher among adult women. A population-based cross-sectional study conducted in Finland on adult women 31.3% Acne was confirmed in.

The reasons why adult acne recurs are different from those of teenage acne.

・stress Stress hormone (CRH) directly activates the inflammatory response of the sebaceous glands.
・Hormonal changes Hormonal fluctuations such as the menstrual cycle and menopause increase sebaceous gland sensitivity. 60–70% of women experience a worsening of acne before their period.
・Skin barrier damage : 2024 Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology According to a review published in [Journal Name], the skin barrier of acne patients is structurally weakened by a decrease in ceramide and an increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which creates a vicious cycle of inflammation → barrier damage → reinfection.

▶ Q. Doesn't washing my face thoroughly help with acne?

Washing your face frequently or using harsh cleansers to reduce sebum on the skin's surface can actually damage the skin barrier. When the barrier breaks down, moisture escapes and the skin becomes vulnerable to external stimuli, leading to a counterproductive effect where the inflammatory response of the sebaceous glands becomes more activated.

If the root cause of recurring acne is inflammation deep within the skin and a compromised barrier function, Skin surface care alone has limitations, requiring a procedural approach that reaches deep into the skin. This may be needed together.

▶ Q. What treatments are available at the Yeonsinnae branch?

At our Yeonsinnae branch, we offer the following treatments to improve acne and skin texture.

・Quadsay (MNRF, ACNE mode) This is a procedure that uses microneedle radiofrequency to directly deliver energy to the causes of inflammation deep within the skin. For active acne, it can be performed at 2-week intervals, and a scar mode (SCAR) is also available.
・Capri Laser : A laser specialized for acne that helps soothe active acne.
・Skin Botox (Dermo) It can help regulate sebum secretion along with improving skin texture, pores, and fine lines.
・Inflammation injection/extraction : Performed for the rapid soothing of acute acne inflammation.

However, as the appropriate procedure may vary depending on the type of acne (inflammatory/non-inflammatory, location, and severity), we will provide guidance after checking your skin condition during the consultation. Treatment effectiveness and recovery time may differ from person to person.

▶ Q. What should I do in my daily life to avoid worsening my acne?

Reviewing your lifestyle habits along with the procedure helps reduce the frequency of acne recurrence.

・Avoid excessive face washing. It is recommended to use a mild cleanser with lukewarm water twice a day. Removing all the oil from the skin's surface actually weakens the skin barrier.
・Try reducing your intake of high glycemic index (GI) foods. Refined carbohydrates and dairy products are known to promote sebum production through IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor).
・Do not squeeze by hand. Non-medical extraction spreads infection and increases the risk of scarring. Extraction and anti-inflammatory injections performed by medical professionals are safe.
・Please consistently use sunscreen. UV rays accelerate damage to the skin barrier and cause post-acne hyperpigmentation (marks).

---

Chief Director Sim Dong-gyu of Maypure Clinic Yeonsinnae Branch
· Graduated from Korea University College of Medicine / · Master of Medical Science, Korea University Graduate School of Medicine / · Regular Member, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery / · Regular Member, Korean Society for the Study of Obesity / · Regular Member, Korean Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Laser Medicine / · Allegan Juvederm Expert Member

※ This post is intended to provide general information about the procedure, and the effects and recovery period may vary depending on individual skin conditions.
※ Please be sure to consult thoroughly with medical staff before the procedure. Swelling, bruising, and redness may temporarily occur after the procedure.

▶ References
1. Tanghetti E.A. “The Role of Inflammation in the Pathology of Acne.” J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2013;6(9):27-35.
2. “Skin Barrier Dysfunction in Acne Vulgaris: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Approaches.” Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2024;17:2659-2670.
3. Sinikumpu SP, et al. “The Prevalence and Characteristics of Adult Female Acne.” Acta Derm Venereol. 2024.
4. Bagatin E, et al. “Adult female acne: a guide to clinical practice.” An Bras Dermatol. 2019;94(1):62-75.

#Yeonsinnae Dermatology #Yeonsinnae Acne Treatment #Adult Acne #Yeonsinnae Quad Say #Eunpyeong-gu Dermatology

Skin concerns vary from person to person. After a consultation, we will guide you to the most suitable treatment based on your records.
📍 Maypure Clinic Yeonsinnae Branch / 3F, Metro Tower (Directly Connected to Yeonsinnae Station) (856, Tongil-ro, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul) / ☎ 02-389-9980
Clinic Hours: Weekdays 10:30–20:30 / Saturdays 10:00–17:00 / Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays