Does acne prone skin age slower?
Does acne prone skin age slower? This might not seem obvious, but the effects of acne and aging are deeply connected in ways we often don’t immediately realize.
I know I’m not the only one who has often heard that acne means “your skin will age more gracefully.” Since it is a sign that your skin is on the oilier side and has significantly longer telomeres, this claim makes sense—when considering only these factors in problematic skin. However, these are not the only factors that play a role in skin aging. The relationship between acne and aging is more complex than it seems.
Let’s delve into the world of skincare, acne, and the cause-and-effect relationship it has on skin.
Acne has some correlation to slower aging skin

Many dermatologists claim that acne-prone skin is a sign that skin ages more slowly compared to others. This is because problematic skin has significantly longer telomeres, which are associated with younger cells and, in turn, provide more protection against aging.
The dermatologist I sourced this information from, Dr. Abigail Waldman, states that a history of acne is a predictor of better aging and fewer wrinkles. She also mentions that acneic skin may produce more sebum. Since excessively dry skin is more prone to premature aging, this increased oil production could contribute to slower visible aging.
This is not the only factor between acne and aging
So, if having persistently dry skin leads to faster aging, it seems logical that naturally oily skin would age more slowly, right? Not necessarily.
Who’s to say that people with acne always have oily skin? Many individuals with acne actively try to dry out their skin in an effort to eliminate breakouts. They also often use aggressive treatments, which can compromise the skin barrier over time. Additionally, acne frequently causes inflammation, swelling, and psychological stress—all of which can contribute to premature aging in different ways.
Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation accelerates premature aging. When active acne causes swelling and inflammation, it can contribute to faster skin aging. Not only does it speed up the aging process, but it also breaks down collagen and elastin, damages the DNA of previously healthy cells, and increases oil production.
This principle applies to chronic inflammation anywhere in the body. Additionally, when congestion is left untreated, it can permanently stretch pores, making them appear larger—another visible sign of aging.
Aggressive Treatments
When people attempt to treat their acne without proper knowledge, they may unintentionally damage their skin. Some pick at their skin—making their condition worse—while others may not understand the ingredients in their skincare products. This potentially worsens irritation and inflammation. Additionally, they might try to dry out their skin to eliminate acne, overuse active ingredients, choose harsh cleansers that cause dehydration, or use prescription-strength acne medication without proper guidance from a dermatologist.
Many aggressive treatments can damage the skin, breaking down collagen and elastin over time. One common acne-fighting ingredient, benzoyl peroxide, generates free radicals and can significantly accelerate skin aging. While these treatments can be effective, it’s best to use them under the guidance of a professional to ensure the skin is treated correctly and safely.
Psychological Stress
As if life isn’t hard enough, now you’ve broken out—imagine that. You start worrying about what others think, which can lead to social anxiety. Stress is a major factor in acne, as breakouts are often triggered by it.
When stress levels rise, oil production and inflammation increase, leading to more breakouts and the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Additionally, stress can contribute to unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as poor diet and lack of exercise. Which may further exacerbate acne and accelerate skin aging.
Free Radical Damage
According to an article by Bion Research, the healing process of acne involves chemical reactions that generate free radicals. Normally, antioxidants help neutralize these harmful molecules and protect the skin. However, moderate to severe acne depletes the skin’s antioxidant levels, leaving it defenseless against oxidative stress, which accelerates the aging process.
Free radicals also contribute to inflammation, a key factor in both acne and aging. Additionally, oxidative stress can lead to hyperpigmentation, making the skin appear older and less even in tone.
The answer is very complex
So, to answer the question, “Does acne prone skin age slower?”, yes, it’s more likely that your acne is contributing to premature aging. If you take a closer look at the studies published on this topic, you’ll notice how vague their findings are. They never explicitly state, “Acne causes skin to age slower.”Instead, they suggest that if you’ve had acne at some point, you might develop wrinkles more slowly than someone who has never experienced it.
But don’t worry—if you occasionally get a small breakout, the acute inflammation and slightly oily skin may actually work in your favor, helping to slow down the aging process just a bit.