Oxidative Stress in Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is one of the most prevalent inflammatory skin conditions found in late childhood and adolescence.Despite various studies, the etiology or pathogenesis of acne is still not well understood and a single, primary cause has not been identified.In the past several decades, various studies have indicated that patients with acne are under increased cutaneous and systemic oxidative stress as indicated by observation of oxidative stress biomarkers.The burden of oxidative stress may not be a mere consequence of acne.Instead, the oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation in particular, may be an early event that helps drive the acne process.Administration of local and systemic antioxidants appears to be effectively against acne.Oxidative stress-initiated inflammation and its maintenance within the pilosebaceous unit are important initial steps for the subsequent pathogenic processes of acne development.The favorable environment created by the oxidation of sebum for Propionibacterium acnes (P acne) to grow is also an important contributing factor for these steps.This mechanism suggests the oxidative stress as a therapeutic target in the treatment of acne vulgaris.