2 replies to this topic

[RenegadeLamp]

Genetics is definitely involved with acne, but to what extent and the specific gene (or genes) remains unknown. I, however, have a theory on what gene may be directly or indirectly causing oil. My ears produce a LOT of earwax. In fact, so much earwax that I had to go to the doctor a few times because I had impacted earwax, and it has caused tinnitus. I also have very oily skin. My dad, brother, and a lot of my relatives also produce earwax and have a lot of facial oils, despite having great diets. (I tried changing my diet and it didn't work). Human facial sebum is composed of 25% wax monoesters, 41% tryglycerides, 16% free fatty acids and 12% squalene (6% is other). Earwax is 60% keratin, 12–20% saturated and unsaturated long-chain fatty acids, and 6-9% cholesterol. These substances have been implicated in the development of acne in some way, shape, or form. (Members have been talking about these substances in the development of acne in the Nutrition forum a lot).

Earwax production is different in different races, and these differences have been traced to the ATP-cassette binding C11 gene. The "most problematic" of the earwax (the wet type) is in white and black people (1); these groups also tend to have the most persistent or severe kind of acne (Source: acne.org ethnicity page) Variations of this gene is also responsible for less sweat production.

I think I may be onto something here, but, then again, I may be wrong and grasping for straws. What do you think? Do you have oily skin and a lot of or bad earwax?

Update/add on: The ATP-cassette binding gene is heavily involved in the transportation of lipids, drugs, and other substances, according to the Wikipedia page of it. There's a lot there (a "big gene", if you will, so I suppose it could be involved with acne).


References:
(1) Overfield, Theresa (1985). Biologic variation in health and illness: race, age, and sex differences. Menlo Park, Calif: Addison-Wesley, Nursing Division. p. 46. "Most common type in Whites and Blacks is dark brown and moist. Dry wax, most common in Orientals and Native Americans, is gray and dry. It is flaky and may form a thin mass that lies in the ear canal."

Edited by RenegadeLamp, 03 September 2011 - 08:44 PM.

[kolbywhite28]

Yes, earwax, excessive or not serves a function and so if you don't need to take it out, you should just leave it alone.

[RenegadeLamp]

Yes, earwax, excessive or not serves a function and so if you don't need to take it out, you should just leave it alone.

I think sometimes my body thinks I can never have too much of a good thing. Darn earwax.