Using Skin Gene Testing, the Latest in Genomics

Introducing a new dimension in anti-ageing 

Never has it been more important to be able to correctly assess a person’s skin type and condition than in the current age of cosmeceuticals and trans-dermal delivery systems.

With a capacity for introducing ingredients at a deeper level, for example, the junction between the dermis and epidermis. This poses a safety consideration of the ingredients that are released within the skin.

Furthermore, with the introduction of advanced technologies such as

• Laser

• Radiofrequency

• Electroporation

• Ultrasound

A skin practitioner has some stronger tools to introduce change in the deeper layers of the skin.

Advanced skin analysis training is now considered an important part of practitioners who are specialising in skin improvement and skin corrective treatment outcomes, especially dermal clinicians who address more problematic skin conditions.

Knowledge of not only the layers of the skin but also a greater understanding of the skin’s cellular structure is now paramount for those who wish to push beyond standard results and prevent potential skin ageing. 

One useful consideration for this is gaining access to individual ageing biomarkers.   

Equipment such as Wood’s lamp and skin analysing technologies that allow you to gain insight into the skin’s underlying activity are necessary.

But what about the genetic elements of the skin and the potential predisposition for skin damage and ageing?

Skin genetic biomarkers

When attempting to identify ways of preventing the rapid onslaught of skin ageing, new testing methods are now able to determine the specific genetic biomarkers that can determine genes.

This plays a role in

• Skin rejuvenation
• Moisture
• Pigmentation
• Inflammation

If these genes are abnormally up or down-regulated they may indicate their primary contribution to skin ageing.

The skin is one of the first organs in the body, which deteriorates with the ageing process. 

Not only does the texture and elasticity of the skin start to change, but also moisture levels decline and a tendency to develop skin discolouration and pigmentation, as well as inflammation becomes more prevalent. 

The field of genetics is growing and what we now know is that there is no single gene responsible for a single trait.

For example, it takes multiple genes working together to create healthy skin. Now a leading research and development company DermR Health – an Australian genomics company founded by Stefan Mazy is leading the way in genetic skin testing through the services of researchers and specialists in genetic analysis and skin therapies.

Their genetic testing method is known as SkinDNA ®, which combines multiple genetic markers together within a single category allowing them to identify a much more in-depth picture of how your skin is functioning and areas of genetic weakness.

Testing evaluates genetic predisposition in areas such as firmness and elasticity, glycation wrinkling, sun damage and a predisposition towards skin inflammation.

SkinDNA® tests a proprietary combination of 16 core genetic markers (SNPs) as well as dozens of secondary genetic markers.

Positioned in specific skin categories these gene combinations have been shown to play a role in skin protection, premature ageing and determining the future well-being of our skin.

Lifestyle Data

Skin ageing is a balance between your genetics and your environment. SkinDNA® utilises real-time lifestyle data that allows them to help understand the relationships between specific lifestyle factors and gene results.

About the data
The lifestyle data that is collected does not affect your DNA result, but it does form a vital part in our ongoing research into skin ageing. Lifestyle data is useful in discovering DNA connections.

Using lifestyle data collected from all age ranges allows the company to longitudinally study the ageing process and associated trends which then support the scientific evidence for the genes that they test.

For example, they can look at lifestyle to discover specific DNA outcomes that correlate with visible traits, such as skin colour.

Proprietary Algorithms

SkinDNA® algorithms are key to the company’s insight into an individual’s genetic markers and predisposition towards future skin problems.

Their proprietary algorithms carefully analyse insights from your DNA in order to reveal your skin’s genetic strengths and weaknesses and provide you with meaningful results and personalised solutions that are easy to understand and implement. 

The testing reviews and determines the following:

Their proprietary algorithm combines your DNA information into a simple score for each skin category known as DG-Therom. They then visually evaluate the skin’s genetic risk factors portrayed across the ageing processes of the skin. This is known as the Mazy Scale.

Ingredient Recommendation

With the information extracted by the DG-Therom and the Maze Scale, their software then has the ability to analyse and extract insights from large, complex datasets to reveal patterns and trends leading to recommendations for a unique array of topical, nutritional and professional treatments based on the DNA testing and statistical outcomes. 

For example, the data may identify specific nutrients that can assist the skin to become more resilient, for example, the introduction of epidermal growth factors where the need to strengthen collagen fibres many be recommended, or Vitamin B5 for supporting collagen health.

Armed with this information, skin practitioners can base their treatment protocols on a more in-depth foundation knowledge of their client’s genetic biomarkers for a more targeted treatment approach.

Even though our genes have a genetic predisposition, other factors such as diet, lifestyle, environmental pollution and stress can affect and change their expression. By identifying an unfavourable genetic makeup you can implement a plan that can benefit the appearance of the skin and strengthen its constitution so that it does not age as rapidly. 

Furthermore, you can potentially assist the health of the areas that gene affects in other parts of the body, and therefore, in essence, offering real anti-ageing benefits.

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