Circadian Rhythms and Sebaceous Gland Function: The Impact of Disrupted Sleep Patterns on Acne Severity

¹Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA

²California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clovis, CA, USA

³Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Glendale, AZ, USA

⁴Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Glendale, AZ, USA

⁵University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine, Tyler, Texas, USA

⁶California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clovis, CA, USA

⁷California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clovis, CA, USA

⁸Department of Dermatology, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY, USA

*Corresponding author: Kelly Frasier, DO, MS, Department of Dermatology, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY, United States, Phone: 3105956882, Email: [email protected]

Received Date: July 14, 2025

Publication Date: December 29, 2025

Citation: Hassan H, et al. (2025). Circadian Rhythms and Sebaceous Gland Function: The Impact of Disrupted Sleep Patterns on Acne Severity. Dermis. 5(6):57.

Copyright: Hassan H, et al. © (2025).

ABSTRACT

Disruptions in circadian rhythms alter sebaceous gland function and contribute to acne severity through hormonal dysregulation, increased lipid peroxidation, and heightened inflammatory responses. The sebaceous gland operates under a distinct circadian cycle, regulated by peripheral clock genes such as PER1, BMAL1, and CLOCK, which synchronize lipid synthesis, sebum excretion, and immune homeostasis with the body’s internal biological clock. Sleep disturbances and circadian misalignment, including irregular sleep-wake cycles and insufficient sleep duration, lead to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, triggering elevated cortisol levels that stimulate sebocyte proliferation and sebum overproduction. Concurrently, sleep deprivation reduces nocturnal melatonin secretion, impairing antioxidant defenses and promoting oxidative stress, which exacerbates lipid peroxidation within sebaceous glands, leading to comedogenesis and increased susceptibility to Cutibacterium acnes-mediated inflammation. Disruptions in circadian-regulated inflammatory pathways, including altered nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling and pro-inflammatory cytokine release (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), further amplify acne severity by enhancing follicular hyperkeratinization and immune cell infiltration. Epidemiological data indicate a correlation between poor sleep quality and higher acne lesion counts, particularly in individuals experiencing chronic sleep deprivation, shift work, or irregular sleep schedules. Additionally, circadian misalignment influences the pharmacokinetics of acne treatments, potentially reducing the efficacy of retinoids and anti-inflammatory agents administered at suboptimal times. Targeted interventions, including sleep hygiene optimization, chronopharmacological approaches to acne therapy, and circadian-based lifestyle modifications, help regulate sebaceous gland function and reduce the impact of disrupted sleep patterns on acne pathogenesis.

Keywords: Circadian Rhythm, Acne Vulgaris, Sebaceous Gland Function, Sleep Disruption, Hormonal Dysregulation, Oxidative Stress