SKIN CARE SERIES: PART 4- GENETICS AND THE SKIN

It is very likely that your DNA plays a key in your skin structure, how your skin ages, looks and behaves. Our genetics determine whether we have dry, normal or oily skin, thus our skin type, various skin conditions and even wrinkles. In other words, from stretch marks to varicose veins to discoloration are influenced by our genetic makeup. This can be applied to explain why some people in their 20's begin to see wrinkles, while others do not until they are in their 40's or even older.

Fully functioning genes regulate skin cell production, telling the body when to create new skin cells as the older ones die. If for some reason these genes are not functioning properly it may cause decreased or increased production of the signal that tells the body to form these skin cells. Increased skin cell production can result in clogging problems (acne) or limit the ability of the skin to repair after injury.

The anatomy of the skin is definitely impacted by ethnicity. For example it is known that genetically darker skin has more natural protection from the sun. However the downside is that darker skin has highly reactive melanocytes that make them prone to hyperpigmentation, either from UV exposure or other inflammatory stimuli. Also their are variations in the skin of men and women. Men's skin should age slower because collagen production does not slow until much later in life compared to women.

There are 200 known genes that determines how the skin defends against free radicals. Aging weakens the skin's ability to defend it. But there are foods rich in antioxidants that help the body absorb free radicals better. Thus skin is not only genetically affected but also affected and determined by extrinsic factors.




NEXT UP PART 5- HORMONES AND THE SKIN