Pathogenesis of Acne Vulgaris: Comedogenic Properties of Human Sebum in External Ear Canal of the Rabbit

July 1968 in “ Archives of Dermatology ”

Albert M. Kligman

acne vulgaris comedogenic properties human sebum follicular hyperkeratosis comedones acne clogged pores

TLDR Human sebum can cause acne by clogging pores.

The study investigated the comedogenic properties of human sebum by applying scalp sebum from 64 young men to the external ear canal of rabbits once daily for ten days. The results showed that in every case, follicular hyperkeratosis occurred, supporting the idea that sebum contains substances that directly stimulate the formation of comedones, which are the primary lesions in acne vulgaris.

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