Connection between Genes and Skincare?

How Do Genes Impact Skin Health?

Your genes influence the production of proteins in your body. Since your skin is mostly proteins, each performing a different function, genes play a big part in overall skin health. To understand how, let’s take a quick peek at the top two layers of your skin: the epidermis (surface layer) and dermis (middle layer). 

The epidermis is the protective barrier between your skin and the elements. It produces new cells at a rate of 40,000 per day made of the protein keratin. Melanin, another protein, is also present, giving your skin, hair, and eyes colour. Deeper, at the dermis, the proteins collagen and elastin keep your skin strong and supple. 

However, these protective proteins are susceptible to environmental damage and cell death (ageing). For example, sunlight (UV rays) can penetrate deep into your skin, causing damage to both the epidermis and dermis. Icy, heat, or pollutants can also disrupt the functions of these proteins and lead to sagging, wrinkles, irritation, and even cancer. 

Since your genes are responsible for the production of proteins, you inherit a unique resistance to the effects of ageing and environment from your parents. Darker skin is more resistant to UV damage, for example. But equally, a polluted urban environment will disrupt these defences and accelerate ageing, so what can you do to give your genes a helping hand?

Help Your Genes Do Wonders for Your Skin

Your genes know what they need to do, and although they have preprogrammed limitations, you can help them do their job as best they can. If you avoid genetic disruption by eliminating harmful environmental factors and buffering your skin’s natural defences, your proteins can flourish, leaving your skin looking younger for longer. 

First, evaluate your natural defences. Is your skin oily or dry, light or dark, young or old? You need more protection as you age, so bear that in mind. Also, consider your family history – did your parents age well or suffer any skin complaints? Finally, is your environment hot or cold, humid or dry, urban (heavily polluted) or rural (clean)?

Once you understand your genetic strengths and weaknesses, you can then start eliminating factors that might impact your skin’s health or following a skincare regime that mitigates it. Below are some examples of actions you could take depending on different personal and environmental factors.

Hot, humid, and urban

Humidity can be good for your skin since it’ll lose less moisture. However, the water droplets in humid environments might also be a vehicle for urban pollutants, carrying them to your skin and lungs. Pollutants damage your skin and weaken its defences, leaving it susceptible to further damage, so cleanse and moisturise regularly. 

When things get especially sticky, try our Balancing Toner to both clear away lingering dirt and pollutants as well as give your skin a spritz of clean moisture. 

Cold, wet, and rural

Rural areas suffer less pollution but can still expose your skin to dirt and other impurities whipped up by heavy rain or wind. Cold air also pulls moisture out of your skin and into the air, and although the effect is lesser during wetter months, you must still moisturise morning and evening – especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. 

Cold, dry, and urban

Cold, dry air will suck moisture away from your skin, eroding your skin’s natural defences and exposing it to urban pollutants. To combat this, cleanse regularly and moisturise morning and evening. Again, you might consider our Balancing Toner for a midday boost of moisture and to restore your skin’s defensive barrier. 

Your genes have limitations, but once you’re aware of them, you can avoid the risk factors that accelerate undesirable changes in your body, including skin health. Unfortunately, you can’t exercise complete control over your environment, and that’s where your skincare routine will help.

Reference:

https://www.dkglowy.com/blogs/how-your-genes-affect-your-skin-and-what-you-can-do-to-help/