If you or your spouse were plagued with this embarrassing condition, you may wonder if your kids are destined for the same fate. The answer? Maybe.

Acne occurs when testosterone causes skin's sebaceous glands produce too much oil and dead skin cells can't shed properly. Skin follicles get clogged and the over-oily environment allows naturally occurring bacteria to go haywire. The result is whiteheads, blackheads, and inflammation. Research has shown that despite the many myths about what causes acne, diet, poor hygiene, and the body's overall hormone levels are not the culprits. In fact, we still do not know if there's a way we can prevent acne at all.

With so much mystery surrounding the cause, it's reasonable to suspect genetics. It's seems logical that parents could pass down skin that over-produces oil, just like red hair or cystic fibrosis. However, since the exact cause of acne is unknown, researchers can't identify the part of the DNA that could be responsible. 

However, research examining acne patterns has identified a genetic link between teen acne and family history. According to a 2006 study published in Dermatology Journal, "Family history of acne is associated with earlier occurrence of acne, increased number of retentional lesions and therapeutic difficulties." Therefore, not only will teens with a genetic predisposition have a greater chance of getting acne, but they may get it earlier and the symptoms could be worse. A 2009 study found that the greater number of family members with acne, the more likely a teen would also develop it, especially if the teen's mother had a history of acne.

If you're concerned that your child may have to relive your teenage skin problems, there is good news. Acne treatment is most effective when started early; keep on the lookout for signs of acne and seek dermatological assistance before it's too much of a problem. Treatment options have improved in recent years, so your child may not have to go through what you did.

 

Sources

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez

http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/myths.html