“The genes you are born with affect how you age,”
says Alexa Boer Kimball, a researcher and the chief executive officer at Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Genes are associated with DNA repair, cell replication, response to oxidative stress, and protein metabolism. Genes are also associated with mitochondrial structure, metabolism, and epidermal structure — all of which can impact the appearance of skin.
If you want to understand your skin aging process or susceptibility to sunburn and hyperpigmentation, it’s helpful to start with your DNA. The DNA is the instruction set for how you look on the outside of your body. If you have more fine lines and wrinkles than your friends of the same age, it could be because of lifestyle factors but, as big an influence are the genes (DNA) that control collagen production. If you suffer from sensitive skin and breakouts, it could be because your DNA does not produce antioxidants in an adequate quality or quantity.
For example, our DNA analysis looks at a gene (location 16Q.22.1) that affects the bodies’ ability to produce essential antioxidants that scavenge skin-damaging free radicals. It could show that your ability to produce these antioxidants is reduced or diminished. If you knew this information when purchasing a skincare product, you would be able to sort your product selection based on ingredients known to help protect the body from free radical damage such as alpha-lipoic acid or Vitamin E. In doing so you might find a more dependable and perhaps less expensive way to mitigate the long-term impact of free radicals on your face caused by diminished gene functioning.
Yudoyu’s DNA Skincare Analysis looks at the DNA and genes that impact seven (7) skincare categories that make up skin structure, skin sensitivity, and hyperpigmentation. The Yudoyu analysis offers a view of your genetic results against a population average and recommends ingredients, supplements, and procedures to address your unique gene condition.
Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Proteins in your skin can become glycated (attachment of sugar). The results of this may result in wrinkling, stiff collagen fibers, loss of elasticity, and reduced skin barrier functionality.
Sun Protection
Your body is naturally equipped to break down UV light once it has penetrated the skin to help prevent damage. Exposure to the sun can cause a decline in the overall health of your skin. The damage it causes can become more visible as we age.
Skin Sensitivity
Your genetics can play a role in how your skin responds to various environmental conditions and internal inflammation. Common irritants include fragrances, climate, allergies, and other internal and external stressors.
Skin Elasticity
Around the age of 40 certain enzymes called MMP’s overproduce. These enzymes increase structural damage to the skin and create imbalances that decrease firmness and elasticity.
Pigmentation
Melanin helps to protect your skin by absorbing damaging UV rays when you are exposed to sunlight. Sunlight can also cause your skin to produce more melanin in an effort to protect your skin. Irregular skin pigmentation is often caused by an over- or under-production of melanin.
Collagen Quality
Your skin naturally produces and is made up of a large percentage of collagen. As you age the quality and quantity of collagen varies causing different levels of skin-aging attributes.
Antioxidant Levels
Free radicals are harmful molecules that are produced by environmental exposures such as smoke, pollution, and oxygen. Antioxidants help inhibit the reaction that allows free radicals to form and damage cells.