Why Does Staying Up Late Cause Acne?
Jun 08, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
Staying up late for extended periods can easily lead to acne development, as sleep deprivation may disrupt endocrine function and stimulate excessive sebaceous gland secretion. When sebaceous glands become overactive, sebum excretion is often impaired. If excess sebum accumulates and blocks the pilosebaceous orifice, pores become clogged. Concurrently, secondary infection by *Propionibacterium acnes* can trigger inflammatory manifestations such as red papules, comedones, or pustules.
In real life, many people frequently stay up late to work overtime, manage busy personal lives, or study intensively. This often leads to an increasing number of acne lesions on the face, causing distress to affected individuals. So, why does staying up late cause acne?
Why Staying Up Late Causes Acne
Prolonged sleep deprivation easily triggers acne development because it may disrupt endocrine function and stimulate excessive sebum production by the sebaceous glands. When sebum production is heightened, the normal outflow of oils becomes obstructed. If excess sebum accumulates and blocks the hair follicle opening, pores become clogged. Concurrently, secondary infection by *Cutibacterium acnes* (formerly *Propionibacterium acnes*) can lead to inflammatory manifestations such as red papules, comedones, or pustules.
Moreover, sleep deprivation impairs normal skin surface function. Fatigue exacerbates skin tautness and causes pore constriction. Under these conditions, sebum secreted by the skin cannot be adequately expelled, thereby worsening acne. Therefore, individuals with acne should avoid staying up late whenever possible, consume light, non-greasy foods, and drink plenty of water. For severe acne, patients are advised to seek treatment at a reputable hospital, where oral and/or topical medications may be prescribed.
To prevent acne flare-ups, patients are first advised to cleanse their skin thoroughly and remove excess oil daily. Subsequently, proper moisturization is essential—never skip facial cleansing before bed. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
