inflammation & autoimmunity

skin & beauty

IL1A

The Relationship Between Clogged Pores & Acne (IL1A)

Written by Shany Lahan, MS (Neuroscience) on October 8th, 2020

IL-1α is an immune system messenger that can increase the production of a type of skin cell, and cause dead skin cells to stick to one another. This can ultimately result in clogged skin pores and the formation of acne. Read more to learn about the association between variants of IL1A and acne, and about recommendations that you may follow to mitigate the negative effects of these variants.

Summary

IL-1α is an immune system messenger. Variants of IL1A may play a role in acne by inducing the formation of clogged skin pores and promoting inflammation. Lifestyle and supplement modifications may counteract the effects of these variants by lowering production of IL-1α, reducing inflammation, and unclogging skin pores.

IL1A and Acne

IL-1α is an immune system messenger (cytokine) that is continuously released in small amounts by a type of skin cell called keratinocyte, and by immune system cells upon their activation [R].

IL-1α has been shown to be involved in the early stages of acne formation. Specifically, IL-1α may increase the production of keratinocytes and enhance the ability of dead keratinocytes to stick to one another, ultimately resulting in clogged skin pores. Clogged skin pores can provide an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, such as Cutibacterium acnes [R, R, R].

Cutibacterium acnes may promote acne development by stimulating the release of inflammatory proteins from immune system cells. IL-1α has also been suggested to stimulate the release of inflammatory cytokines from other cells found in the skin [R, R, R].

Variants of IL1A may therefore induce acne formation by increasing the production of IL-1α and promoting inflammation [R, R].

Your IL1A Results for Acne

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs1800587
rs17561

Primary SNP: IL1A rs1800587

‘A’ = Increased risk of acne
‘G’ = Not associated with acne

Other Important SNP: IL1A rs17561

‘A’ = Increased risk of acne
‘C’ = Not associated with acne

Recommendations

Lifestyle

Light Therapy

Light therapy involves applying light (at specific wavelengths) to human skin, in order to elicit effects within the underlying tissue.

Red light, blue light, and their combination have all been shown to improve acne. In one study, the combination of red and blue light was found to be more effective than either wavelength alone, and was also more effective than a conventional acne medication [R, R, R, R].

Blue light has been observed to kill Cutibacterium acnes in test tubes [R].

In a randomized controlled trial focused on acne patients, combined red and blue light therapy decreased production of IL-1α, lowered inflammation, and significantly improved acne [R].

Red and blue light therapy may improve acne by decreasing production of IL-1α and lowering inflammation.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation can be defined as the removal of dead skin cells via a brush, scrub, chemical, etc. Exfoliation is believed to help with acne by removing skin cells that clog pores.

A number of studies support the use of chemicals for exfoliation in acne. These chemicals include salicylic acid, lactic acid, and phenol [R].

Another method of exfoliation (microdermabrasion) improved acne and scarring in two small trials [R, R].

Although more studies need to be conducted, it’s probable that unclogging pores through methods of exfoliation may decrease the growth of Cutibacterium acnes and subsequently lower inflammation.

Exfoliation may improve acne by removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores.

Supplements

Zinc

Research shows that people with low levels of the mineral zinc are more likely to develop severe forms of acne [R, R].

A number of small clinical trials suggest that taking zinc supplements (in the form of zinc sulfate or zinc gluconate) can improve acne [R, R, R, R, R, R, R].

An antibiotic ointment containing zinc reduced inflammation and improved acne in several trials [R, R, R, R].

Co-supplementation of zinc and magnesium was suggested to reduce inflammation via lowered levels of IL-1α, in a randomized controlled trial focused on women with polycystic ovarian syndrome [R].

Zinc supplements are likely safe, in doses that do not exceed the upper limit of 40 mg per day (for adults). Taking too much zinc can cause stomach pain and gut irritation [R, R].

Zinc supplements may improve acne by decreasing production of IL-1α and lowering inflammation.

Shany Lahan

MS (Neuroscience)

Shany received her MSc in Neuroscience from Western University.

Prior to joining SelfDecode, Shany conducted research related to Alzheimer’s disease, and taught science to undergraduate students. She believes that research should be accessible to everyone, regardless of scientific background. Shany joined SelfDecode with a mission to help others optimize their health and wellbeing – as well as help them understand the science behind it all.

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 inflammation & autoimmunity blogs

How to Combat Histamine Intolerance Through Genetics (DAO) Are You Genetically Vulnerable to High Brain Histamine, Migraines, or ADHD? (HNMT) How to Tell if You’re Lectin Sensitive Using Your Genetic Data (CNR1) Are You Sensitive to Lectins? (MTHFR) Fight Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Brain Fog (PARP1) Is This Gene Causing Your Autoimmune Problems? (PTPN22) Are You Genetically Susceptible to Post-Treatment Lyme? (ABCB1) A Key Genetic Player in Autoimmunity (HLA-B) Is This Inflammation Gene Reducing Your Intelligence? (TNFSF9) Can You Manage Allergies and Asthma by Balancing Methylation? (MTHFR)

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Summary IL1A and Acne Your IL1A Results for Acne

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