What is the evolutionary purpose of acne?

It is proposed that the sebaceous glands that cause acne are present on the face and forehead as they confer a selective advantage by ‘lubricating’ the widest parts of the new born baby to ease the passage of childbirth.

Do other species get acne?

“It is possible for any animal to get acne,” Dr. Pieper says, “although we see it most commonly in cats and dogs.” There isn’t a particular breed or sex that is predisposed to acne. Unlike the humans, who are acne-prone in their teens, animals typically develop acne in middle age.

What is the origin of acne?

During puberty, an increase in sex hormones called androgens causes the skin follicle glands to grow larger and make more oily sebum. The androgen hormones testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are all linked to acne.

Did humans always get acne?

4 Answers. Acne has always been with us. According to “The Historic Panorama of Acne Vulgaris,” Pharaohs had acne: Some Egyptian writings have mentioned that Pharaohs suffered from acne and had also made efforts to resolve it.

How long has acne existed?

The term acne vulgaris (vulgaris means common) was first used by Fuchs in 1840 and has persisted to the present day (Grant, 1951). Excerpt from the Ebers Papyrus wherein one passage mentions a prescription dating from the first dynasty (circa 3400 BC). The papyrus was discovered at Thebes in 1862.

Is acne a curse?

Although acne remains largely a curse of adolescence, about 20\% of all cases occur in adults. Acne commonly starts during puberty between the ages of 10 and 13 and tends to be worse in people with oily skin. Teenage acne usually lasts for five to 10 years, normally going away during the early 20s.

Is acne an evolutionary advantage or a trait?

It is unlikely that acne, itself, is an evolutionary trait. It is a result of changes in hormone levels in pubescent humans creating a better environment for bacterial growth. The hormones that cause acne to grow are DEFINITELY an evolutionary advantage — they permit the growth and development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics.

Why did we evolve to develop acne?

Scientists have come up with three theories to explain why we might have evolved to develop acne: The “Side Effect” Theory: This theory suggests that acne developed as a side effect of us losing our body hair during evolution. As humans evolved from hairy apes, we lost body hair faster than we lost skin oil.

What is acne and what causes it?

Acne is a disease unique to humans and is associated with sebaceous glands that are found at high density on the scalp, forehead and face. Despite being a near universal problem in adolescence, the reason why such troublesome sebaceous glands exist at all is not well understood.

Does skin oil cause acne?

However, later in life, this skin oil can become problematic and cause acne. The “Nature’s Contraceptive” Theory: This theory suggests that teen acne was actually an evolutionary advantage for humans.