DNA Skin Care

DNA Skin Care: Fact or Fiction?

by Gracee Tolentino

You already know that finding the right skin care products isn’t exactly a one-size-fits-all affair, but an involved process that requires a lot of trial and error. But what if you could take all the guesswork out of it? What if somebody could just hand you a set of beauty products that are guaranteed to work, because they’ve been customized according to your one-of-a-kind DNA?

Product personalization

Apparently, this kind of technology already exists. In fact, an over-the-counter version of the DNA-profiling device will likely be available to you soon, at your nearest neighborhood skin care store. Here’s how it works: a swab of saliva is taken from your inner cheeks, and then, in as little as 30 minutes, a genetic analyst determines your unique DNA profile and gives you a personalized product recommendation based on a list of active ingredients known to work on your genetic variation.

Sound like a painstaking process? It could be, especially if all you’re after is a jar of moisturizer. But according to those who paid a hefty sum for this service, the argument is compelling: If you know your skin well enough—how it will age, when it will age, and what kind of ingredients it can tolerate and digest properly—then you’ll never have to waste a single penny on a non-effective product ever again.

What the experts say

But then again, how complicated must skin care be? Does it really take a rocket scientist—or in this case, a genetic analyst—to figure out whether we’re employing the right skin care tactics or not? The answer, according to some experts and the FDA, is no. According to Richard Myers, a human genetics professor at the Boston University School of Medicine, knowing about genes doesn't really mean anything. “Simply studying a DNA sample when we don't know which genes are regulating skin care is science fiction,” he said.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross seems to share the same opinion, saying that "the mechanisms and science of aging in human skin is very much understood...treatments that target common reasons for aging are effective for all humans.”

At this point, it’s probably too early to say whether this groundbreaking genetically programmed skin care is the holy grail of anti-aging we’ve all been waiting for. And for a service that costs somewhere between $250 and $500, (definitely not a small price to pay for a device that the FDA hasn’t even approved yet), it’s probably best to wait until more information is revealed.

In the meantime, we suggest sticking to skin care ingredients that have been proven to work time and time again, like the following:

• Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that stimulates the production of healthy cells and collagen. It’s been embraced by dermatologists and estheticians worldwide for its ability to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.

• Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that defends the skin against free radicals, or environmental factors that damage healthy cells.

• Hyaluronic Acid can attract up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it the best facial moisturizer you can find.  

• Glycolic Acid is one of the most active forms of Alpha Hydroxy Acids, a group of natural acids found in food. It improves the skin’s tone and texture by exfoliating the upper layers of the skin, reducing wrinkles, acne marks and hyperpigmentation.

Last but not least? A solid beauty regimen— complete with daily use of SPF and moisturizer—is still said to be the easiest and most inexpensive way to prevent premature skin aging.

Article posted 12/27/2012.

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