Study shows that acne-sufferers look younger for longer

Supposedly there's an upside to having acne in your younger years. Hallelujah!

Any acne sufferer will know it's no fun growing up with problem skin, but a new study shows there's a huge upside to dealing with the skin condition in your younger years. Acne has now been proven to keep you looking younger in the long-run.

The study by Journal of Investigative Dermatology has found that those who suffer acne in their youth show fewer signs of aging than their clear-complexioned peers. And it's not just confined to the face, either, it showed that the whole body retained a more youthful appearance.

While previous research had suggested similar findings, previously there was no clear explanation as to why acne sufferers have plumper, softer complexions later on. But the research by King's College London confirms that it's down to telomeres in white blood cells, which act like protectors for our chromosomes.

'For many years, dermatologists have identified that the skin of acne suffered appears to age more slowly than in those who have not experienced any acne in their lifetime,’ says lead author of the study, dermatologist Dr Simone Ribero.

‘Our findings suggest that the cause could be linked to the length of telomeres which appears to be different in acne sufferers and means their cells may be protected against aging.’

The findings suggest that the telomeres are longer in acne sufferers, meaning their cells are better protected and less likely to break down and die, which leads to thinning and wrinkling of the skin.

Dermatologist Dr Veronique Bataille told The Sun: ‘This is great news for those who have suffered the trauma of acne in their teens or early twenties…They may suffer when they are young but will reap the benefits when they are older’. If you are worried about acne or ageing, visit Powder for the best cleansers to keep both at bay.

Hopefully this news might serve as some comfort for those who've had their confidence knocked by the condition, or begrudged having to splash out on products to help curb scars or soothe their skin.