Acne and lipid pathways

Abstract

Hyperseborrhea has been considered as a major etiopathogenetic factor of acne. However, changes in sebaceous gland activity not only correlate with seborrhea but also with alterations in sebum fatty acid composition. Current findings indicate that sebum lipid fractions with proinflammatory properties and inflammatory tissue cascades are associated in the process of the development of acne lesions. The oxidant/antioxidant ratio of the skin surface lipids and alterations of lipid composition are the main players in the induction of acne inflammation. Nutrition may influence the development of seborrhea, the fractions of sebum lipids, and acne. Acne is an inflammatory disease probably triggered, among others, by proinflammatory sebum lipid fractions.