NAC in the fight against acne: does N-acetylcysteine reduce acne?

Acne is one of the most common dermatological disorders and is observed in people of all ages and health conditions. There is increasing talk about the weakening of the body's antioxidant protection as one of the causes of acne. N-acetylcysteine, which is an important modulator of antioxidant metabolism, is also significant in this context.

1. Acne as a cause of depression and reduced quality of life
2. Causes of acne
3. Action of N-acetylcysteine
4. NAC in the treatment of acne

Acne as a cause of depression and reduced quality of life

Acne is not a dangerous condition, but it has a certain psychological impact and can affect up to 80% of adolescents. Questionnaire-based studies have found that this dermatological disorder can reduce quality of life by limiting self-confidence, distorting body image and reducing the desire to socialise. In extreme cases, such a negative attitude towards skin problems can even lead to anxiety or depression.

Sometimes, people affected by acne describe a reduction in their quality of life in a similar way to people with diabetes or atherosclerosis. This is partly due to the fact that therapeutic methods (sometimes very complex and multidirectional) often fail in terms of effectiveness and the burdensome nature of the process. It is worth noting that therapeutic options may often be further limited by contraindications to the use of certain agents, such as retinoids during pregnancy.

Causes of acne

The direct cause of acne lesions is a functional disorder of the hair follicle-sebaceous gland unit. This pathophysiological change is caused by, among other things, increased sebum secretion, intensified keratinisation of hair follicles, bacterial colonisation and inflammation. This can be caused by hormonal changes and poor personal hygiene, as well as poor lifestyle habits (including diet, level of physical activity, length and quality of sleep).

Action of N-acetylcysteine

NAC (N-acetylcysteine) is a derivative of the sulphur amino acid cysteine. It is better absorbed from the digestive system than the classic form of L-amino acid. It has mucolytic (reducing the viscosity of mucus in the respiratory tract) and nephroprotective (protective of kidney cells) effects and is known to act as an antidote in cases of paracetamol poisoning. One of the most important physiological aspects affected by NAC is glutathione synthesis. This compound is one of the body's most powerful antioxidants and is important in many health disorders.

NAC in the treatment of acne

NAC has certain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This compound has been studied in the context of treating, among other things, hyperkeratosis, skin inflammation, acne, and protection against the phototoxic effects of sunlight and skin cell ageing.

Some experiments have shown its effectiveness in alleviating acne. However, given that other therapeutic options do not always produce the desired results, NAC can provide valuable support for the body's antioxidant barrier and, consequently, the condition of the skin.

Sources:

Janeczek M, Moy L, Riopelle A, Vetter O, Reserva J, Tung R, Swan J. The Potential Uses of N-acetylcysteine in Dermatology: A Review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019 May;12(5):20-26. Epub 2019 May 1. PMID: 31320973; PMCID: PMC6561714.

Mardani N, Mozafarpoor S, Goodarzi A, Nikkhah F. A systematic review of N-acetylcysteine for treatment of acne vulgaris and acne-related associations and consequences: Focus on clinical studies. Dermatol Ther. 2021 Feb 25:e14915. doi: 10.1111/dth.14915. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33629414.