Today heralds a new era in personalised skin care with the launch of SkinDNA™ – the world’s first comprehensive genetic skin profile test. According to Advanced Dermatology’s Dr Sarah Freilich, "SkinDNA is one of the most exciting, eyebrow-raising developments out there in the skin health and skincare arenas".

SkinDNA™ is an at-home DNA-based laboratory test which takes the power of our DNA’s unique blueprint to identify the skin’s genetic propensity to five key ageing pathways: Collagen breakdown; Photo aging; Wrinkling; Oxidation; and the skin’s ability to tolerate Environmental pollutants.

Using a non-intrusive swabbing of the inner cheek, the SkinDNA™ sample is analysed with our proprietary DNA DermXT™ micro-chip technology developed by a worldwide collaboration of scientists. The client’s sample data is used to create a personalised guide that allows them to advance beyond the ‘one-size-fits-all’ suggestions – using the right skincare products targeted to their own genetic blueprint. This custom tailored skincare program allows the client to achieve the optimum levels of skin protection and long term health.

The research collaboration, coordinated by scientists at Sydney based Advanced Dermatology, profiled the action of 6,347 genes. "The research has studied more genes with regard to skin ageing than all previous research efforts combined" says Robert Gulbahce, Director of Clinical Operations at Advanced Dermatology. The team found for example, that more than 1 in 3 people had a deficiency in a specific gene which regulates collagen production increasing the propensity to early onset wrinkling; and that 2 in 5 people where at an increased risk of sun damage by having a deficiency in the key genes which regulate sun protection.

"There are many implications of these findings", says Dr Sarah Freilich. "Through this kind of research, we can understand the skin’s molecular mechanisms, and can develop customisable skincare routines that downplay an individual’s genetic deficiencies. Ultimately this information – when used in conjunction with the SkinDNA™ unbiased product recommendations – can slow down what is many peoples biggest fear – premature skin aging!