How can heredity affect your skin

With DNA affecting almost every aspect of our body, one may wonder what role it plays with our skin type. If we are genetically programmed to have more acne or drier skin than others, is it still something worth fighting? The answer is yes. Although our genes can affect our bodies drastically, the advancement of topical products and skin supplements along with lasers and cosmetic procedures can keep your skin as healthy as someone with perfect genes. Your DNA can cause skin problems affecting tone and appearance along with more harmful disorders such as skin cancer by genetic mutations.

When older skin cells die, your body needs to replace them. However, when a mutated gene does not function correctly, the message sent to your body to produce new skin cells could be lost.

This can cause cells to grow at a rapid rate causing problems such as a build-up of acne or early-age wrinkling. Your DNA is passed to you through your family. If your family has skin issues like acne, freckles, dry skin or skin cancer, you can have a higher chance of all of those issues. However, the DNA that affects your skin is not as black and white as one may think.

Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Skin Care. Skin Information. Skin Health Factors. Which genetic factors affect skin? There's no specific skin gene, but genetics obviously play a big role in determining your skin tone and type. Genetic Skin Disorders You can't have a gene for a certain disorder. Albinism causes the body to produce not enough melanin -- or none at all -- often resulting in very pale skin, hair and eyes, as well as vision problems [source: Mayo Clinic ].

Epidermolysis bullosa causes skin to be extremely fragile and susceptible to blisters [source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases ]. Ichthyosis causes the buildup of thick, dry, scaly skin [source: Mayo Clinic ]. Neurofibromatosis causes tumors under the skin and darker pigmented spots on the skin [source: Mayo Clinic ]. More Common Than You Think. Is a daily shower too much for your skin? Does taking an aspirin daily affect your skin?

Should the weather affect your daily skin care? Friedman says research has identified gene mutations, which are alterations to the normal structure and function of a gene, in many skin conditions, from eczema to melanoma. Even acne, a researcher named Hugo Hecht found in , has a hereditary component.

When it comes to aging, there are two important factors. That can be affected by your inherent characteristics—but also what you are exposed to and what you do. A study that compared nearly sets of identical twins showed that sun damage, pollution and smoking can add years to your face. UV exposure, for instance, is responsible for 80 percent of visible facial aging signs like deep fine wrinkles and pigmentation, or sun spots. Interestingly, researchers in the study found that stressful life events can also age you.

Divorced women in the study appeared 1. What does your unique genetic profile say about your skin? Are you an overachiever when it comes to collagen preservation?

Is your skin especially influenced by sugar consumption? How does living in a sometimes-polluted city impact your skin?

What products and services would be best for your skin? These are all questions genetics can help you answer. It helps to have a road map to target what you need. Beyond recommending certain products and treatments, some spas like The Spa at PRO Club can take the information a step further to create customized facials that incorporate chemical peels, microcurrent and topical products targeted to your specific genetic indicators and desired results.

So, stop guessing about that smoothing, tightening, lustrous night cream that rejuvenates, regenerates, and promises a fountain of youth.