Calcium's role in acne exploredEffects of Extracellular Calcium and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 on Sebaceous Gland Cells In vitro and In vivo.
We explored the role of extracellular calcium and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) in the functioning of sebaceous glands, with a focus on their implications for acne treatment. In our study, we looked at how different concentrations of calcium affect the morphology, cell count, and lipid production of SZ95 sebocytes, both in controlled lab conditions and in clinical observations of acne patients.
Our findings revealed that when exposed to low levels of calcium, there was an increase in lipogenesis—this means the cells produced more lipids or oils. However, as we raised the extracellular calcium levels, we noted that the number of sebocytes increased, and their shape became more like epithelial cells, while lipid production decreased. Importantly, low calcium also led to a decrease in E-cadherin, a protein vital for cell adherence, which seemed to correlate with increased cell detachment and apoptosis, or cell death.
We also noted that 1,25(OH)2D3 appears to suppress oil production while simultaneously triggering autophagy, a process that helps cells clean out damaged components. In the clinical study involving acne patients, we observed no significant abnormalities in serum calcium levels, but younger patients had lower 1,25(OH)2D3 levels than older individuals.
This suggests that both calcium and vitamin D have a role in acne development, but there wasn't a clear, standalone benefit of calcium treatment for managing acne. Instead, the combination of increased calcium and decreased vitamin D might contribute to the problems seen in younger patients with acne. Overall, our research highlights the complex interplay between these nutrients and sebaceous gland function, offering important insights for potential acne therapies.
Significant acne reduction
Most Useful Review
Thank GOD my terrible acne face improved finally after 12 years! I struggled with oily skin and painful acne since the age of 15. It's been very depressing feeling antisocial and often being stared at. Despite trying numerous remedies, my skin remained oily, red, and covered in large acne. Thankfully, after taking pantothenic acid for about three weeks, I noticed my oiliness decreased significantly, and my acne healed much more quickly than before. By the third week, I was taking 7g daily and enjoyed a remarkable reduction in both oiliness and acne; I now have fewer than six red bumps. Although I still have scars and large pores, I'm content with the improvements!