Acne is something many people deal with at some point. But why do we get it? Is it because of how we’ve evolved, or is it due to how we live today?
Hi everyone, Tara here for DNews. Let’s dive into why humans get acne and what evolution might have to do with it.
Even though acne is common, there’s still a lot we don’t know about it. Scientists have come up with a few ideas to explain why it happens. One idea from evolutionary biologists Stephen Kellett and Paul Gilbert suggests that acne appeared because humans lost their body hair too quickly. Our skin’s sebaceous glands, which used to keep our fur oily, haven’t caught up with this change. Now, the oil, or sebum, clogs our pores instead.
Another theory from a 2004 study suggests that acne is most common during puberty for a reason. It might play a role in sexual selection, meaning it could signal to others that someone isn’t ready for parenthood until they’re emotionally and physically mature.
But then, why do some adults still have acne? Does it mean they’re not ready to be parents? Of course not!
Some people think acne might not be an evolutionary trait but rather a result of our modern lifestyle. For example, what we eat can affect our skin. Changes in our diet, especially with modern agriculture, might contribute to acne. Foods like dairy and grains have been linked to more acne.
A 2005 study found that tribal groups in Canada and Japan started getting acne after they began consuming dairy. Similarly, people from Paraguay and Papua New Guinea, who eat fewer complex carbs, reported little to no acne.
Another idea is that we might be washing our faces too much. While there’s not a lot of data on this, it’s possible. Early humans didn’t bathe often, but today, washing our faces twice a day is common. Over-washing might lead to more oil production, making acne worse.
While these ideas are still being explored, I have a friend who never washes his face and has perfect skin—probably due to genetics, but it’s something to think about.
Have you ever had acne? What worked for you? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Thanks for tuning in!
Research the different theories about why humans get acne. Create a short presentation to share with the class, explaining each theory and your thoughts on which one seems most plausible. Use visuals to make your presentation engaging.
Conduct a two-week experiment where you adjust your diet based on the article’s suggestions. Keep a journal of your skin’s condition and any changes you notice. At the end of the experiment, write a reflection on how diet might influence acne.
Participate in a class debate on whether acne is more influenced by evolutionary factors or modern lifestyle choices. Prepare arguments for both sides and be ready to defend your position with evidence from the article and additional research.
Interview family members or friends about their experiences with acne. Ask about their skincare routines, dietary habits, and any treatments they’ve tried. Compile your findings into a report and discuss any patterns or surprising insights you discovered.
Work in groups to design an awareness campaign about acne. Your campaign should include posters, social media posts, and a short video. Focus on educating peers about the causes of acne and promoting healthy skin practices.
**Acne: Understanding Its Purpose**
Acne is a common issue that many of us face at some point in our lives. But what causes it? Is it an evolutionary trait or a result of our lifestyle choices?
Hi everyone, Tara here for DNews. Today, I want to explore the purpose behind acne and the evolutionary reasons humans experience it.
Surprisingly, there is still much we don’t understand about acne. However, several theories attempt to explain its prevalence. One theory, proposed by evolutionary biologists Stephen Kellett and Paul Gilbert, suggests that acne developed because humans lost body fur too quickly for our skin to adapt. Our skin’s sebaceous glands, which were once covered in fur, haven’t evolved at the same rate as our loss of fur. Consequently, the sebum that used to lubricate our fur now clogs our pores.
Another theory, from a 2004 study, posits that the timing of acne—most common during puberty—indicates a role in sexual selection. This theory describes acne as a “high-order psychoneuroimmune interaction” that may deter potential mates until individuals reach reproductive maturity and are deemed emotionally, intellectually, and physically ready for parenthood.
However, this raises the question: why do some adults still experience acne? Are they unfit parents? Of course not!
Some argue that acne may not be an adaptation but rather a side effect of our modern lifestyle. For instance, diet has been shown to impact skin health. The significant changes in the human diet over time, particularly with modern agriculture, could contribute to acne, especially with dairy and grains linked to increased acne levels.
A 2005 study highlighted tribal populations in Canada and Japan who developed acne after being introduced to dairy. Similarly, aboriginal groups from Paraguay and Papua New Guinea, who consumed minimal complex carbohydrates, reported little to no history of acne.
Another lifestyle theory suggests that we may wash our faces too frequently. While this idea lacks extensive data, it’s plausible. Early humans rarely bathed, whereas today, washing our faces twice daily is the norm. Over-washing could lead to overproduction of oil, exacerbating acne.
While much of this remains speculative, I have a friend who never washes his face and has flawless skin—likely due to genetics, but it’s an interesting point to consider.
What are your thoughts? Have you dealt with acne, and if so, what solutions have you found effective? Share your experiences in the comments below, and thank you for watching!
Acne – A skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, often leading to pimples. – Many teenagers experience acne during puberty due to hormonal changes affecting their skin.
Evolution – The process by which different kinds of living organisms develop and diversify from earlier forms over generations. – The theory of evolution explains how species adapt to their environments over time.
Skin – The outer covering of the body that protects it from the environment and helps regulate temperature. – The skin acts as a barrier to protect the body from harmful bacteria and viruses.
Sebum – An oily substance produced by sebaceous glands in the skin that helps keep it moisturized. – Excess production of sebum can lead to oily skin and contribute to acne.
Puberty – The period during which adolescents reach sexual maturity and undergo physical changes. – During puberty, teenagers experience growth spurts and changes in body composition.
Selection – A natural process resulting in the survival and reproduction of organisms best adapted to their environment. – Natural selection is a key mechanism of evolution, where advantageous traits become more common in a population.
Diet – The kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats. – A balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health and supporting growth during adolescence.
Agriculture – The practice of cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising animals for food, fiber, and other products. – Advances in agriculture have allowed humans to produce enough food to support large populations.
Washing – The act of cleaning something with water and often soap to remove dirt and germs. – Regular hand washing is important to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Genetics – The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics. – Genetics helps scientists understand how traits are passed from parents to offspring.
