One surprising upside to bad skin

Those with acne are more likely to have younger-looking skin later on in life, new research has found.

The study, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, found that the cells of acne-sufferers have built-in protection against ageing so wrinkles and thinning skin appear much later in life.

Scientists focused on 1,205 female twins, a quarter of whom had acne, and found that the white blood cells from those with spots had longer protective caps on the ends of chromosomes.

The caps, called telemeres, prevent the chromosomes from deteriorating over time, meaning that those with acne, and longer caps, may just harbour the secret to long-lasting youthfulness.