skin & beauty

FST

A Surprising Genetic Factor for Acne (FST)

Written by Aleksa Ristic, MS (Pharmacy) on October 7th, 2020

Follistatin is popular among bodybuilders, but its role in skin health and acne development is less known. This post reveals the link between the FST gene, TGF-beta & acne.

Summary

The FST gene helps produce follistatin, which may contribute to acne development by inhibiting TGF-beta.One FST variant has been associated with higher odds of developing acne.There are simple ways to prevent and improve acne by targeting the FST gene.

The Role of FST in Acne Development

The FST gene helps produce follistatin, which inhibits TGF-beta and other similar proteins, such as activin. It’s primarily active in the ovaries but also controls skin growth and repair [R, R, R].

TGF-beta is a crucial protein for skin health and acne prevention. It helps prevent pore clogging & excess fat production and combats acne-causing bacteria. Scientists have found lower TGF-beta activity in acne-affected skin samples [R, R, R].

The FST gene helps produce follistatin. More follistatin = less TGF-beta = acne-prone skin.

Your FST Results for Acne

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs38055

rs38055 [R]:

‘A’ – associated with higher odds of developing acne
‘G’ – not associated with acne
The ‘A’ allele likely reduces TGF-beta activity

Recommendations

Lifestyle

Light Therapy

Light therapy applies light of specific wavelengths through the skin to elicit certain effects in the underlying tissue. In acne-affected skin, light therapy can reduce inflammation by boosting TGF-beta [R, R].

Red light, blue light, and their combination may all help improve acne. In one study, the combination was more effective than the FDA-approved medication benzoyl peroxide [R, R, R, R].

Light therapy may improve acne by targeting your gene variant.

Diet

Limiting Dairy Intake

Hormones and bioactive molecules found in milk can inhibit TGF-beta and contribute to skin inflammation [R].

Acne is absent in populations not consuming milk or dairy products [R]. Two studies on adolescents have associated high intake of milk and dairy products with acne [R, R].

Reduce your dairy intake to counteract the effects of your FST gene on acne.

Supplements

Aloe Vera

Both oral and topical application of aloe vera may support skin health by boosting TGF-beta [R, R].

Aloe vera helps fight bacteria, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing when applied on the skin, making it a popular treatment for a variety of skin conditions [R, R, R].

Aloe components such as lupeol, salicylic acid, urea, cinnamic acid, and sulfur can all fight acne-causing bacteria [R, R].

A topical gel with aloe vera combined with tretinoin cream was more effective for acne than the cream alone in a clinical trial [R]. In another study, a topical lotion with aloe vera and clove-basil oil improved acne [R].

Topical aloe vera may improve acne by targeting your FST variant.

Aleksa Ristic

MS (Pharmacy)

Aleksa received his MS in Pharmacy from the University of Belgrade, his master thesis focusing on protein sources in plant-based diets.

Aleksa is passionate about herbal pharmacy, nutrition, and functional medicine. He found a way to merge his two biggest passions—writing and health—and use them for noble purposes. His mission is to bridge the gap between science and everyday life, helping readers improve their health and feel better.

Disclaimer

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other official medical body. This information is presented for educational purposes only, and may not be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease.

Also keep in mind that the “Risk Score” presented in this post is based only on a select number of SNPs, and therefore only represents a small portion of your total risk as an individual. Furthermore, these analyses are based primarily on associational studies, which do not necessarily imply causation. Finally, many other (non-genetic) factors can also play a significant role in the development of a disease or health condition — therefore, carrying any of the risk-associated genotypes discussed in this post does not necessarily mean you are at increased risk of developing a major health condition.

Always consult your doctor before acting on any information or recommendations discussed in this post — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have been officially diagnosed with a medical condition.

More skin & beauty blogs

Genetic Link Between Acne and Inflammation (TNF) Is Your Skin Prone to Trapping Acne Bacteria? (TGFB2) A Gene Linking Bacteria, Inflammation, and Acne (IL4R) A Surprising Genetic Factor for Acne (FST) The Link Between DNA Repair, Oily Skin & Acne (DDB2) A Genetic Link Between an Immune System Protein & Acne (IL8) How a Metabolic Gene Contributes to Acne (PPARG) Cortisol Genetics in Acne Development (HSD11B1) Can Skin Inflammation Cause Acne? (SELL) The Relationship Between Clogged Pores & Acne (IL1A)

Content

Summary The Role of FST in Acne Development Your FST Results for Acne

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