Genetic Tests for Your Skin

Glycation of the skin is a process where the absorbed glucose is not metabolized properly and leads to end products of glycation. These end products bind to the collagen and elastin fibers. When this happens, the skin becomes hard and loses its elasticity. Glycation also prevents the skin from sustaining itself, leading to cracking, thinning and redness. 

The same effects can be seen with improper skin hydration. This is usually the result of various environmental factors, such as exposure to sunlight, harsh detergents, and improper nutrition. With the right hydration the skin itself keeps strength and elasticity, slowing down the development of wrinkles and cracking of the skin. The genetic factors analyzed identify the levels and degree of glycation, as well as the need to avoid sugar intake.

Collagen is a key protein determining the strength of the skin. 75% of skin composition is collagen. Its role is to keep the skin healthy, elastic, and free of wrinkles. Collagen in the body is in a process of constant renewal. In young and healthy skin, collagen is continuously synthesized and recycled. With age, the loss of collagen can exceed the synthesis, reducing the strength and vitality of the skin. The genetic variants analyzed for collagen show the strength and elasticity of your skin and the risk of cellulite development.

A lack of balance between the formation of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them in time leads to oxidative stress. The body has many enzymes to prevent oxidative stress. The genes that encode these enzymes determine the extent to which you are exposed to oxidative stress. They are responsible for protection against the harmful effects of the environment, such as cigarette smoke, flue gases, smog, radiation, vapors from industrial solvents used in the manufacture of plastic products, medicines, and others. Some genetic combinations predetermine a low degree of protection against oxidative stress, which is reflected in accelerated aging processes.

Exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet) causes 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging, unwanted hyperpigmentation and burns. Skin accumulates epidermal damage, increasing inflammation and oxidative stress with each exposure to sunlight, affecting its healthy appearance. The genetic variants analyzed will show your skin's tendency to burns and hyperpigmentation when exposed to sunlight.

Inflammation is the skin's immune response in the presence of bacteria, allergens, and toxins. The skin would not have the ability to protect or heal without inflammation. However, chronic inflammation of the skin can deplete it and cause premature aging. Signs of continued inflammation may include sensitivity to touch, redness, irritation, acne, dermatitis, and others. The genetic variants analyzed determine the levels and duration of possible skin inflammations.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex disease with a genetic predisposition triggered by environmental factors. The test involves the analysis of certain mutations in key genes, the changes in which are associated with impaired function of the skin’s epidermal barrier - characteristic of atopic dermatitis. If the patient has a parent with AD, the risk of developing skin symptoms increases, as he/she might be a carrier of such mutations. AD is often combined with other allergic diseases such as bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis.

The MyHappySkin Panel is a full package of genetic markers, divided into 5 categories, which can be analyzed separately.

1. Collagen synthesis, skin elasticity and risk of cellulite

2.  Sunlight sensitivity and skin tendency to hyperpigmentation

3. Risk of inflammation and redness of the skin

4. Degree of glycation and hydration

5. Detoxification capacity and oxidative stress

The test result assists the dermatologist in creating a personalized approach to proper care of your skin.

A wide range of foods are naturally rich in histamine or release high levels of histamine during storage. Diamine oxidase (DAO) is an intestinal enzyme that normally destroys histamine contained in food. Therefore, even after consuming foods rich in histamine, no symptoms are observed. In carriers of genetic variants, DAO deficiency is observed, and undigested histamine is unnecessarily absorbed, exhibiting various symptoms.

Gastrointestinal symptoms: diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic constipation, gas, stomach pain, vomiting.

Symptoms affecting the head and face: redness of the face and / or chest (a very common symptom), migraine-like headache, Quincke's edema (swelling that occurs mainly around the eyes and lips, sometimes in the throat).

Respiratory problems: asthma, stuffy nose and watery eyes.

Skin complaints: rash, eczema, urticaria, acne.

In women: dysmenorrhea. The symptoms of HIT disappear during pregnancy and return after birth.

Other symptoms: wheezing, sleep disorders, arrhythmia, mood swings - from fatigue to irritability and aggression.