My anti-ageing secret: DNA Skin

Besides exercising, eating well and prioritising sleep, want to know what my best anti-ageing secret is? It’s having my DNA tested so that I know exactly how to take care of my skin.

The DNA Skin test, by DNAlysis allows you to better understand your unique make up and prioritise what your skin needs. For instance, your test results could reveal that you’re particularly sensitive to the sun’s UV rays, or that you’re prone to inflammation or pigmentation, or that you need to supplement with collagen to accelerate the skin’s repair process.

I recently had the test done and it’s helped me to form a skincare strategy for myself so that I can look and feel my best.

ALSO SEE: Why a DNA test is the best tool to help you understand your health

What does DNA Skin look at?

The DNA skin test looks at 19 gene variations linked to skin health and ageing. The report can analyse how your skin responds to the following:

• Collagen formation
• Protection from sun and UV exposure
• Inflammation
• Protection from oxidative stress

Here are my results based on the priority areas I need to focus on:

Firmness and elasticity

The genes here are involved in cell growth and tissue repair.

Is it a priority for me?

This is a medium priority for me which means that my skin has a good degree of firmness and elasticity (yay!), but that I should take steps to promote collagen formation including supplementing with vitamin C, iron, vitamin D and hydrolysed type 1 collagen.

I can also use topical creams to firm and tighten my skin including retinoids, vitamin C and peptides.

Sun sensitivity and pigmentation

The genes here reveal how sensitive the skin is to the sun, as well as whether the skin has higher amounts of the pigment, pheomelanin. This pigment is linked to an increased risk of skin sensitivity and damage to the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Is it a priority for me?

This is a low priority for me, which is good news because my gene variants suggest that my skin tolerates sun exposure relatively well. However, this doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t worry about sun protection. Skin cancer is always a risk, and it’s critical to always use sun protection.

Sun damage, protection and repair

The genes here are involved in DNA protection and repair. The DNA Skin test shows whether you have certain gene variations which actually help to repair DNA damage - caused by the sun and the environment.

Is it a priority for me?

This is another medium priority for me – which means that I might age faster if I don’t take steps to protect my skin from damaging UV rays and environmental factors like pollution. So, although I’m not prone to pigmentation problems (as shown above), I do need to focus on sun protection and use the right products for my skin. The skincare products I choose should contain:

• Antioxidants
• Ceramide or lipid-rich moisturising agents
• Retinoids to help repair and rebuild the skin

Protection from oxidative stress

We’re constantly exposed to free radicals in the environment which can damage our skin cells and accelerate ageing. DNA Skin looks at whether you have antioxidant enzymes which protect the skin from this type of damage.

The good news is that it’s a low priority for me. My results showed that I have normal antioxidant enzyme function – and that my skin is able to neutralise free radicals quite well.

Detoxification and skin sensitivity

The genes tested here look for certain detoxification enzymes that help to process and eliminate toxins from the skin.

Is this a priority for me?

My results showed that it’s a medium priority for me and that I need to take steps to help my body process toxins so that my skin doesn’t become overly sensitive. I was advised to increase my vegetable intake and try and reduce my exposure to environmental toxins such as cigarette smoke. Resveratrol (found in grapes), vitamin C and curcumin were just some of the vitamins I was told to focus on.

Inflammation

Your genes can reveal if you’re prone to inflammation and skin sensitivity, as certain genes govern inflammation in the body.

Is this a priority for me?

I’ve always suffered from sensitive skin, so I know this is a priority for me and my DNA proved this. I was advised to follow an anti-inflammatory diet (including plenty of fruits and veggies into my diet), as well as looking at increasing my intake of certain key nutrients including:

• Omega-3s
• Curcumin
• Ginger
• Zinc-rich foods

My top 3 skincare tips to reduce the signs of ageing:

Choose the right skincare products for you

Based on my DNA Skin results, I was able to sit with a dermatologist and pick the right skincare products for my unique needs. As a result, I went from 5 products to three! Now, my skincare regime consists of:

• Cleansing with a gentle exfoliating wash
• Applying a serum to my skin
• Followed by a good-quality moisturiser
• And finishing off with a good SPF

I also try to go for a skincare treatment every second month or so. This could include a peel, an antioxidant-rich facial or an IPL laser session to reduce the appearance of pigmentation and sun spots. In addition, I aim to drink plenty of water every day. 

ALSO SEE: The anti-ageing skincare products I use 

Shower soon after you’ve exercised

After a sweat session, I always ensure I shower within 30 minutes. If I don’t, I definitely notice more skin breakouts and pimples. It’s important to cleanse your skin after a workout, to avoid the build-up of germs, dirt and grime in your pores.

Never go to sleep with make-up on

This is a big no-no for me, as my skin is sensitive. If I sleep with make-up on, it wreaks havoc with my skin the next day. Unless I’m on a long-haul flight, I always ensure that I’ve cleansed and moisturised my skin before bed to give it the best chance to recover and repair overnight. Beauty sleep is no myth! Getting enough sleep certainly does help to give you the glow and radiance you’re after.