SKIN SURFACE LIPID DYSREGULATION IN OILY SKIN, WHAT CAUSES ACNE WITH A FOCUS ON TOPICAL LINOLEATES

Introduction

Skin surface lipids fractions tightly regulated and how their ratio change in oily skin

There is evidence of association between sebum linoleate concentration and comedo formation. Essential fatty acids deficiency contributes to sebaceous gland hypertrophy and hyperkeratinization of the ducts. Linolenic acid level in the stratum corneum has been reported to be much higher in normal subjects than that in the comedones in particular linoleate content of wax esters. Oily cutaneous and hypersecretion of sebaceous glands is well known as one of four major players in pathogenesis of acne [1] [3]. However, change in composition of the secreted oils during acne has been less studied. Studies by Stewart ME, et al suggest that skin’s fatty acid composition may change with changes in sebaceous gland activity, and that sebum fatty acids can enter the epidermis and be incorporated into epidermal lipids [4]. In this article we are going to examine how different composition of oily secretions in acne patients is from those of normal subjects. We have attempted to look across multiple studies reported in dermatology literature to determine if correction of skin surface lipids can control sebaceous gland overactivity which, in turn, may improve acne.

Change in quantity as well as quality of skin lipids in acne vulgaris and oily skin

Studies by Downing et al indicates that differrentiating sebaceous cells implement sebaleic acid instead of linoleic acid in wax esters if the later fatty acid is not available [5]. Sebum fatty acid composition is not fixed but changes in relation to sebum secretion rates. Specifically, with increasing sebum secretion, changes appear to occur both in the lipid class composition (more wax esters compared with cholestrol esters [6] and in the fatty acid composition of the ester lipids [7].

Linoleic acid-defeicient Ceramides lead to dysfunctional keratinocyctes

Ceramides, typical structure

Lower amount of sphingolipids and ceramides in keratinocytes of acne subjects of various level of oil level in the skin has been shown [9]. This would be associated in decrease in ability of keratinocytes’ walls to hold water, one possible mechanism that can explain how hyperkeratinization starts in comdeones since impaired water barrier function is concurrently seen in hyperkeratosis. In addition ceramides can trigger nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), leading to induction of human beta defensin-2 (hBD-2) expression, enhancing the skin’s innate antibacterial defense [10].

Squalene peroxidation, a by-product of sebum hypersecretion, triggers an inflammatory response

Linoleic acid molecular structure

Sebaceous glands can be proinflammatory independent of p.acnes

Although lipogenesis and inflammation are induced by certain propionobactrium acnes strains, sebaceous glands also express proinflammatory cytokines and produce free fatty acids in the absence of bacteria [14]. This may explain a role independent from that of p.acnes for sebaceous gland hyperactivity in pathogenesis of combination skin in acne vulgaris. The same authors [14] suggest generation of antimicrobial peptides by p.acnes in absence of inflammation and proinflammatory cytokines. On the other hand, diets rich in docosahexaenoic acid/eicosapentaenoic acid (DHA/EPA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) have been shown to incorporates metabolites of these fatty acids to epidermal phospholipids, which, in turn, leads to inhibition of leukotriens at the skin level [15].

Alpha linolenic acid activation of PPAR gamma

Alpha and gamma linolenic acid follow two pathways in stark distintion

Gamma linolenic acid inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase

Increase in plasma androgen level induced by steroids cause an increase in cholesterol and free fatty acids in skin surface. Some essential fatty acids such as gamma linolenic acid are potent 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, suggesting a linkage between unsaturated fatty acids and androgen action [20]. In adult skin androgen action is dependent to conversion of testosterone to five-alpha-dihydrotestosterone. This conversion takes place under enzymatic act of five-alpha-reductase. Cultured sebocytes strongly express 5-alpha-reducatase and 5-alpha-DHT [21]. Hypersensitivity of androgen receptors in pilosebaceous duct and the resulting increase in sebum production and oily skin appears to be associated with a significant increase in free fatty acids rather than other surface skin lipids, a fact that can be incorporated in development of skincare for oily skin.

Discussion and conclusion

High skin’s lipid production and the resulting low level of linoleic acid leads to hyperkeratosis, impaired epidermal barrier function and comedo formation. Stimulation of sebocyte proliferation by insulin, thyroid-stimulating hormone and hydrocortisone indicates that the hormonal control of the sebaceous gland is a complex mechanism [21]. Can providing the skin with essential linoleates prevent comedo formation and aid excessively-oil-forming skin to manage itself? A study reports that stratum corneum sphingolipids of adult acne patients is lower than that in control subjects. Decrease in sphingolipids content of cell walls contributes to diminished water barrier function which, in turn, leads to increased permeability to inflammatory substances and comedo formation . All these studies support use of unsaturated fatty acids in treatment of oily skin in acne vulgaris and call for a campaign against long-been-supported and conventionally-recommended oil-free products for oily skin and acne patients by physicians.

Our hypothetical idea is that hypersensitive overworked sebaceous glands in an acne patient do not operate to produce their high-end products such as linoleates, rather, their overflow is associated with cheap secretions from less-differentiated sebocytes such as free fatty acids. There is an inverse relationship between secretion rates and the linoleate content of the surface wax esters. The question that whether local supply of essential fatty acids down regulate the overworked sebaceous glands is supported by studies of Letawe C, et al. Topical application of linoleic acid resulted in significant decrease in size of follicular casts and microcomedones  and may be principally used in skin care routine for oily skin[22]. Another study by Charakida ,et al indicates 53% in sebum production and significant improvement in lesions assessed by Leeds acne grading system by using ethyl linoleate for 4 weeks [23]. Moreover, linoleic acid significantly decreases phagocytosis and reactive oxygen species generated by neutrophils [24]. Thus, a practical role for lipid dysregulation in acne pathogenesis and its correction stays a demanding area for research in treatment and regulation of squalene peroxidation generated by neutrophils gland hyperactivity.

A supplementary note: Sebaceous gland localization, facial or body acne, testosterone or DHT

Stimulatory effect of androgens on sebocytes has been well known in vitro and in vivo. However, various species of androgens function differently on sebcacous glands locationwise. Facial sebocytes are under influence of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) with later having the strongest effect while body sebocytes are up regulated by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and their proliferation affected negatively by testosterone [25]. Inhibitory effect of acylceramide with linoleic acid on keratinocytes hyperplasia induced by UVB exposure [26].

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