Autophagy and acne: an overlooked link
Autophagy is a fundamental cellular mechanism, a complex form of internal cleansing. Autophagy allows cells to recycle damaged or unnecessary cellular components. When these cells are eliminated, the renewal process is activated, new cells are generated and replace those that have been destroyed. Thus, when the cell renewal process gets underway, the newly generated cells are free of any damage. Crucial to cellular health, autophagy has been the focus of numerous studies, which have demonstrated its link to certain pathologies, including aging, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, studies have also highlighted the role of autophagy in dermatological conditions, including acne.
This article explores the links between autophagy and acne, examining how this cellular process could influence the onset of this common skin condition.
Understanding autophagy
To simplify the understanding of the process, it is essential to take an interest in its etymology. “Autophagy” means “auto” (self) and “phagy” (eating). It is a kind of “recycling” carried out by our cells, which survive by repurposing their own worn-out or dysfunctional components. The latter are grouped in a structure internal to the cell called the “autophagosome.” These autophagosomes will then fuse with cellular organelles called “lysosomes,” which take care of degrading accumulated waste to recycle and regenerate. Autophagy is therefore a mechanism that preserves cellular integrity in times of deprivation or lack of external nutrient intake (such as fasting). By recycling cellular components, autophagy provides an internal source of nutrients, helping cells survive in times of shortage.
Acne: a complex skin problem
Acne is a skin condition characterized by the appearance of pimples, blackheads, papules, and, in the most severe cases, cysts. The most affected areas of the body are mainly the face, back, and chest. A natural phenomenon linked to hormonal changes, acne mainly affects adolescents. There are many factors that contribute to its appearance, which is why this skin condition can continue into adulthood. In addition to hormonal changes, other factors promote its development such as poor diet, stress, heredity, and environmental factors. The latter create two abnormalities that lead to lesions: hyperseborrhea (excessive production of sebum) and hyperkeratinization (thickening of the skin).
The link between autophagy and oily acne-prone skin
Recent studies reveal that the sebaceous glands of people with oily, acne-prone skin have decreased autophagy markers. Research indicates that this alteration of the autophagy process may be linked to overproduction of sebum and inflammation, two markers that contribute to the development of blemishes. Therefore, by restoring autophagy, it may be possible to reduce the synthesis of lipids in sebum-producing cells (sebocytes) and mitigate the appearance of blemishes. In addition, autophagy is thought to regulate cytokines by controlling the release and degradation of these pro-inflammatory proteins.
According to research, alteration of autophagy may contribute to the appearance of the oily skin phenotype. Therefore, by influencing sebum production and inflammatory response, autophagy offers new perspectives to understand this complex skin disorder and develop innovative skincare treatments.
Recellcl’in®: the passiflora extract that acts as an autophagy activator
Passiflora (Passiflora incarnata) is traditionally known for its calming properties due to its richness in flavonoids. Groupe Berkem has conducted studies that reveal that its extract of Passiflora incarnata not only reduces inflammation and enzymatic oxidation, but also reactivates the autophagy mechanism, offering benefits for oily, acne-prone skin.
Recellcl’in®, the passiflora extract developed by Groupe Berkem, reverses the effect of androgens by inducing autophagosome clearance. By reactivating the autophagy process, it significantly reduces the production of lipids by sebocytes, which contributes to the regulation of sebum production. The development of this cosmetic active ingredient is based on in-vitro and in-vivo studies that reveal the beauty and biological benefits of Passiflora incarnata. It is therefore a cosmetic ingredient that helps combat the overproduction of sebum by reactivating autophagy.
Recellcl’in® is an innovative cosmetic active ingredient, clinically tested, which has demonstrated convincing results in the fight against oily and acne-prone skin.
