Many of us have some form of skincare routine but what if the answer to learning more about our skin and how to care for it is located within our own genetic makeup?
The aim of DNA skin testing is to help you get the most out of your skincare routine. Do you really need all those steps? Or are you focusing on one issue when you could be taking preventative measures against another?
What might your DNA tell you about your skin
Skincare science has come on leaps and bounds in recent years. No longer are we washing faces with bars of soap or makeup wipes, not moisturising oily skin, or simply relying on drinking water to get rid of acne. Now we have science on our side.
DNA testing that looks at skin health traits may help to identify whether you may be susceptible to certain skin issues on a genetic level. Could you be more at risk of having dry skin or UV sensitivity?
Skin ageing
- Are you likely to experience decreased protection from glycation (ageing related to glucose metabolism)?
- Are you more likely to experience degradation of collagen and elastin over time, and increased ageing as a result? Habits such as smoking can disrupt collagen production, which supports skin strength. It can also reduce blood flow to your skin, so your skin gets fewer nutrients and less oxygen often leading to it looking dull and grey, so if you do smoke could now be the time to consider quitting?
- Are you likely to experience accelerated skin ageing as a result of oxidative damage (pollution or UV exposure)? If so, what steps can you take to better shield your skin?
- Are you likely to have a typical or reduced sensitivity to photoaging (caused by exposure to the sun)?
Skin elasticity
- Your DNA may indicate a likelihood of fast or slow reduction of skin elasticity over time. If this is something you feel you want to address, maintaining a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise can help. For more details, see our healthy skin article.
Skin moisture
- Are you more likely to develop dry skin and if so, what can you do to ensure your skin is well hydrated?
UV sensitivity
- Are you more likely to be sensitive to UV-related skin damage and if so, how can you better protect yourself?
- Are you more likely to be susceptible to oxidative damage from sun exposure and pollution, and if so, how can you prevent this damage and better protect your skin?
Other factors to consider
There are, of course, numerous other factors to consider when it comes to our skincare – our genetics can only tell us so much, and our surroundings can have a huge impact. How much water do you drink to stay hydrated? What does your diet consist of? Do you wear SPF daily or have a lot of sun or pollution exposure? Each of these – and many others – can impact the health of your skin.
Here at Evergreen Life, our goal is to keep you healthy both inside and out. So, for us to keep your skin in top condition, it’s important that you take a look at other areas – like your nutrition and environment – to help you achieve your skincare goals.
Reviewed by:
Anna Keeble BA MA Wellbeing Expert
Dr James Harmsworth King MBBS MPhil PhD Biotechnology & Medical Expert
Dr Brian Fisher MBBCh MBE MSc FRSA Medical Expert
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/do-retinoids-really-reduce-wrinkles
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5643203/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7322554/
Collagen | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8239663/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stretch-marks/
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/anatomyvideos/000125.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/hydrated-skin/faq-20058067
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-science-of-sunscreen
