I Got DNA Tested to Determine My Skin Care Regimen

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It's difficult to predict how your skin will respond to aging. My mom is in her late sixties and doesn't have many deep wrinkles. Instead of just hoping I inherited this trait, I went and got my DNA tested to see if science could give me any clues about how my skin would age. Sound extreme? It could become a standard procedure sooner than we think.

Dr. Ruthie Harper, a Texas-based dermatologist and founder of Skinshift, has been using DNA technology to recommend skin care treatments to her patients for a few years.

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"It's about helping people spend their skin care dollars in a more purposeful way," Dr. Harper told ELLE.com. "It doesn't matter how expensive a product is. If it doesn't work for us, it isn't a good decision."

As a person who has a completely unscientific, multi-step skin care system, this sounded pretty good to me. To start the process, I sent Dr. Harper's office a DNA sample. All you have to do is swab your cheek with a special Q-tip, pack it in the included box, and ship it off. Scientists can study DNA from any cell of the body, but cheek cells are easiest to get because they happen to slough off easily. In case you're slightly freaked out by someone having access to your DNA, don't worry. Dr. Harper's office does the testing completely confidentially and then destroys every sample.

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The lab then specifically looks at sections of your DNA called single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs (pronounced "snips"). The SNPs found in your DNA are what make your DNA unique to you.

Dr. Harper then analyzes five different SNPs: collagen formation factor, sun protection factor, antioxidant protection factor, glycation protection factor, and inflammation control factor. Based on your genetics, you're given a diagnosis of high, medium, or low risk in each category. Dr. Harper then suggests topical skin care options and oral supplementation to address the specific genetic needs of your skin.

I was proclaimed to be high risk for sun protection factor and glycation protection factor, medium risk for antioxidant protection factor, and low risk for collagen formation factor and inflammation control factor. Being high risk for sun protection factor means I am at higher risk for UV-induced free radical damage, which would show up on my skin as pigmentation, dark spots, fine lines, and bad texture. Great.

Even more concerning was my glycation protection issue. Dr. Harper describes glycation as sugar "caramelizing" the collagen and elastin in your skin. It's the process whereby sugar gloms onto protein and lipid cells and produces a molecule called an advanced glycation end product (AGE). These AGEs age you pretty quickly, causing heavy wrinkles and folds, sagging skin, and uneven texture. I guess I picked the right time to give up sugar. Sigh.

Dr. Harper recommended that I focus on those two areas, and that since I was medium risk in antioxidant protection factor, which could lead to dull skin, rough texture, and acne, I could work on that, too. She has a line of products, called Skinshift, which she recommends to her patients after they've undergone the DNA testing. In addition to a cleanser and toner, the line includes a moisturizer, four different serums, and five supplements. Prices range from $34 to $75. The DNA testing costs $99.

My recommended regimen included the Vitamin C Treatment Serum, Calming Treatment Serum, and two different supplements—one for anti-glycation and one for sun defense. Both contain natural extracts and antioxidants meant to hopefully slow down the processes which will inevitably lead to my skin's decay, at least if my DNA is to be believed.

While not many physicians are offering this service now, I can't imagine that it won't become more popular. Once people know their genetic predisposition, they could go to the drugstore and choose products based on their individual SNPs. Instead of focusing on just what you can see manifesting on your face, you can actually tackle the root of the problem and potentially prevent future issues. "What your genetics give you is a road map. Then you can say, 'I like' or 'I don't like' that destination," says Dr. Harper. "That's where skin care products and supplements become very purposeful in terms of changing the outcome."

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