Your genetics will decide if you will have a predisposition for acne. Acne is a dominant trait that is inherited. Let’s say both of your parents had acne. In that case, approximately 3 out of 4 children will also develop it. If just one of your parents had acne, then approximately 1 or 2 children out of 4 will develop it. This is just a general estimate as genetics is always a game of chance.
If both parents suffered with acne, chances are that not only will their children inherit the disease, but they will also inherit the same severity, type, location of breakout, and similar scarring patterns.
Since acne is a genetic condition that affects families, some races are affected more than others. Acne appears to be of European origin. Native Americans were not acne sufferers until the Europeans arrived and intermarriages occurred. More isolated native tribes such as the Seminoles have remained relatively acne free. It is also interesting to note that while black Africans suffer from little acne, black Americans do, though not as badly as white Americans.
Acne also spread from Europe to Asia, most likely as a result of trading many centuries ago. Filipino and Vietnamese people suffer greatly with acne, often experiencing greater inflammation and scarring than their Caucasian counterparts.
