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An Evolutionary Explanation of Acne

3 points by ALee 16y ago

ALee 16y ago
For those who think it's because of skin protection. See below. "Sebum Secretion and Sebaceous Lipids", Stewart et al, Dermatologic Clinics -- Vol. 1, No. 3, July 1983. Sebum is an oily substance that is secreted onto the skin surface from glands located in the dermis. Although a number of useful functions have been proposed for sebum, proof that sebum performs any of them is lacking. In furred mammals an essential function of sebum is to supply 7-dehydrocholesterol, which is converted to vitamin D by the action of sunlight and then ingested by the animal as it grooms itself. In man, however, the location of 7-dehydrocholesterol has been shown to be the epidermis rather than sebum. Sebum may act as a waterproofing agent for fur, but humans obviously have little need for this function. Kligman has specifically disproved the notions that sebum improves the barrier function of skin, that sebum helps to regulate the water content of the horny layer by forming emulsions with sweat, or that sebum on the skin surface is fungistatic or antibacterial.(21) Kligman regards the human sebaceous glands as 'living fossils' that lost their usefulness to our species as we lost our fur.(21) (21) Kligman, A. M.: The uses of sebum? In Montagna, W., Ellis, R. A., and Silver, A. F. (eds.): Advances in the Biology of Skin. Volume 4. Oxford, Pergamon Press, 1963.
jonhendry 16y ago
Note that Medical Hypotheses is not the most rigorous journal. For instance, they have published the following conspiracy theory article: "President Kennedy’s death: A poison arrow-assisted homicide" http://www.medical-hypotheses.com/article/S0306-9877(10)00163-5/abstract http://www.medical-hypotheses.com/article/S0306-9877(10)0016...
amirmc 16y ago
If acne really has an evolutionary role then I would expect that pubescent members of traditional tribes should also experience it. However, I cannot recall seeing any pictures of tribe members where anyone appeared to have acne. That may have more to do with the photographers'/publisher's preferences but it's definitely a question I'll put to my anthropology friends.
shadytrees 16y ago
Acne’s conspicuous localization on the face, and its ability to elicit reflexive disgust and avoidance... i think the authors meant to publish this in the journal of hurting my feelings.
noelchurchill 16y ago
Acne is a normal physiological process ... that functions to ward off potential mates until the afflicted individual is some years past the age of reproductive maturity, and thus emotionally, intellectually, and physically fit to be a parent. Oh how polite of evolution to provide such a convenient way to ward off potential suitors on your behalf. I'm calling BS. Evolution wants to spread genetics as quickly as possible and isn't going to wait for you to be emotionally and intellectually ready, at the risk of you dying in the mean time.

3 points by ALee 16y ago

ALee 16y ago

For those who think it's because of skin protection. See below. "Sebum Secretion and Sebaceous Lipids", Stewart et al, Dermatologic Clinics -- Vol. 1, No. 3, July 1983. Sebum is an oily substance that is secreted onto the skin surface from glands located in the dermis. Although a number of useful functions have been proposed for sebum, proof that sebum performs any of them is lacking. In furred mammals an essential function of sebum is to supply 7-dehydrocholesterol, which is converted to vitamin D by the action of sunlight and then ingested by the animal as it grooms itself. In man, however, the location of 7-dehydrocholesterol has been shown to be the epidermis rather than sebum. Sebum may act as a waterproofing agent for fur, but humans obviously have little need for this function. Kligman has specifically disproved the notions that sebum improves the barrier function of skin, that sebum helps to regulate the water content of the horny layer by forming emulsions with sweat, or that sebum on the skin surface is fungistatic or antibacterial.(21) Kligman regards the human sebaceous glands as 'living fossils' that lost their usefulness to our species as we lost our fur.(21) (21) Kligman, A. M.: The uses of sebum? In Montagna, W., Ellis, R. A., and Silver, A. F. (eds.): Advances in the Biology of Skin. Volume 4. Oxford, Pergamon Press, 1963.

jonhendry 16y ago

Note that Medical Hypotheses is not the most rigorous journal. For instance, they have published the following conspiracy theory article: "President Kennedy’s death: A poison arrow-assisted homicide" http://www.medical-hypotheses.com/article/S0306-9877(10)00163-5/abstract http://www.medical-hypotheses.com/article/S0306-9877(10)0016...

amirmc 16y ago

If acne really has an evolutionary role then I would expect that pubescent members of traditional tribes should also experience it. However, I cannot recall seeing any pictures of tribe members where anyone appeared to have acne. That may have more to do with the photographers'/publisher's preferences but it's definitely a question I'll put to my anthropology friends.

shadytrees 16y ago

Acne’s conspicuous localization on the face, and its ability to elicit reflexive disgust and avoidance... i think the authors meant to publish this in the journal of hurting my feelings.

noelchurchill 16y ago

Acne is a normal physiological process ... that functions to ward off potential mates until the afflicted individual is some years past the age of reproductive maturity, and thus emotionally, intellectually, and physically fit to be a parent. Oh how polite of evolution to provide such a convenient way to ward off potential suitors on your behalf. I'm calling BS. Evolution wants to spread genetics as quickly as possible and isn't going to wait for you to be emotionally and intellectually ready, at the risk of you dying in the mean time.