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HSD11B1

Cortisol Genetics in Acne Development (HSD11B1)

Written by Aleksa Ristic, MS (Pharmacy) on October 8th, 2020

What do stress, insulin resistance, and acne have in common? They are all influenced by cortisol. Read this post to learn how the HSD11B1 gene affects cortisol production and acne development!

Summary

The HSD11B1 gene encodes an enzyme that helps produce cortisol. Excess cortisol can impair fat and glucose metabolism and contribute to acne development.

One HSD11B1 variant is associated with metabolic impairments and a higher risk of acne.

Follow our gene-based recommendations to improve acne.

HSD11B1 Gene, Cortisol & Acne

The HSD11 B1 gene encodes an enzyme that helps make cortisol, the stress hormone [R].

Besides controlling the stress response, cortisol can affect glucose and fat metabolism. High cortisol levels are associated with abdominal obesity and insulin resistance, the key features of metabolic syndrome [R, R].

In turn, metabolic syndrome contributes to acne development. Elevated insulin and excess fat tissue can stimulate sebum production and worsen skin inflammation [R, R, R].

Steroid acne is caused by high cortisol and other corticosteroids. People with acne tend to have higher cortisol blood levels [R, R].

The HSD11B1 gene helps produce cortisol. Excess cortisol can impair fat and glucose metabolism and contribute to acne development.

Your HSD11B1 Results for Acne

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs12086634

rs12086634 [R]:

‘G’ – associated with higher odds of acne
‘T’ – not associated with acne
The ‘G’ allele was also associated with higher LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and body-mass index, confirming the link between cortisol, metabolism, and acne.

Recommendations

Lifestyle

Stress Reduction

Psychological stress is the primary trigger for cortisol release and the cause of high cortisol levels. Thus, it can be particularly harmful to people with rs12086634-G [R].

Studies in adolescents and young adults have associated stress with increased acne severity, especially in males [R, R]. Stress may also slow the repair of acne wounds [R].

In a small clinical trial, a relaxation therapy helped improve acne [R].

Avoid stress and practice your favorite relaxation techniques to lower the impact of your genes on acne development.

Diet

Reduce Sugar Intake

Increased intake of simple sugars, especially sugar-sweetened beverages, can amplify cortisol’s adverse metabolic effects [R, R].

Sources of simple sugars and refined carbs—such as white bread, cakes, candies, sugary soft drinks, and pastries—are high-glycemic-index foods. They spike insulin, which increases fat production in the skin and may increase the risk and severity of acne [R].

In line with this, populations not eating refined carbohydrates don’t suffer from acne [R]. A low-glycemic-index diet followed for 12 weeks improved acne in two clinical trials [R, R].

Simple sugars and refined carbs may worsen your genetic risk of acne, so try to reduce their intake.

Supplements

Fish Oil

Fish oil supplementation can reduce the stress response and cortisol levels [R, R]. At the same time, it may help with metabolic syndrome by improving triglycerides and blood pressure [R, R].

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil reduced acne severity in two clinical trials and a few case studies, especially for moderate-to-severe acne [R, R, R].

Fish oil may improve acne by targeting your HSD11B1 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 blood sugar control blogs

Are You At Risk for Insulin Resistance and Diabetic Complications? (FOXO1)

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Content

Summary HSD11B1 Gene, Cortisol & Acne Your HSD11B1 Results for Acne

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