skin & beauty

TNF

Genetic Link Between Acne and Inflammation (TNF)

Written by Aleksa Ristic, MS (Pharmacy) on October 6th, 2020

By controlling inflammation, your genes can have a major impact on acne development. Read this post to learn about the link between TNF-alpha and acne.

Summary

Skin inflammation and increased TNF-alpha play a crucial role in acne development.

Different gene variants can affect acne development by changing the levels of TNF-alpha.

Follow our gene-based recommendations to combat acne and improve skin health.

TNF Genes, Inflammation & Acne

The TNF gene helps produce TNF-alpha, a crucial inflammatory protein. The TNFRSF1B gene helps make a receptor for TNF-alpha, enabling its biological functions [R, R].

Inflammation plays a central role in the development of acne. People with acne have increased TNF gene expression in the skin, which stimulates other cytokines and drives inflammation [R, R].

Your TNF Results for Acne

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs1800629
rs1799724
rs1061622

Primary SNP:

TNF rs1800629 [R]:

‘A’ – associated with higher odds of acne
‘G’ – not associated with acne
The ‘A’ allele increases TNF-a levels

Other important SNPs:

TNF rs1799724 [R]:

‘C’ – associated with higher odds of acne
‘T’ – not associated with acne
The ‘C’ allele likely increases TNF-a levels

TNFRSF1B rs1061622 [R]:

‘G’ – associated with higher odds of acne
‘T’ – not associated with acne
The ‘G’ allele increases TNF-a receptor activity

TNF gene variants modify the link between inflammation and many other health conditions, such as:

Recommendations

Lifestyle

Reduce Stress

Psychological stress is associated with higher TNF gene expression and TNF-alpha blood levels [R, R, R].

TNF-alpha and other substances released during stress increase fat production and inflammation in the skin, paving the way for acne [R, 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 TNF genes on acne development.

Diet

Fatty Fish (Omega-3)

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil (DHA and EPA) can reduce TNF gene expression and blood levels. Their anti-inflammatory effects are crucial for people with acne, especially for those with TNF variants [R, R].

Several studies have associated low dietary intake of fish and seafood (omega-3 sources) with increased acne incidence and severity [R, R, R].

Fatty sea fish such as mackerel, salmon, sardines, and herrings are especially rich in EPA and DHA [R].

Increased intake of fatty sea fish can prevent acne by targeting your TNF genes.

Supplements

Omega-3

If you don’t eat at least two servings of fatty sea fish per week, consider taking an omega-3 supplement to counteract your TNF genes [R].

Fish oil supplementation reduced acne severity in two clinical trials and a few case studies, especially for those with moderate-to-severe acne [R, R, R].

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)

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Summary TNF Genes, Inflammation & Acne Your TNF Results for Acne

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