Sneak Peek :
Mirror, Mirror on the wall
Who’s skin is the healthiest of them all?
Oh well Evil Queen, the mirror has absolutely no idea, ask a dermatologist 😛.
Determining if you have a hearty skin depends on various factors like: the environment, skin type, a fit skincare routine, stress management, a healthy sleep cycle and more often than not- your genetics.
Ah the genes and the DNA, this piece of writing is going to be a bit heavy on Biology, hope you’re seated- just like that one stubborn pimple right on my forehead 🥴.
Let’s gain some insights on genetics with respect to skin health.
Skin - the largest Organ of the Body:
Think of your skin like a sandwich with two layers: the top layer (epidermis) and the middle layer (dermis). The top layer, or epidermis, acts as a shield against everything outside. It keeps making new cells – about 40,000 every day – mostly from a tough protein called keratin.
Your skin comes in contact with the rest of the world first and foremost; it protects you from the harmful rays, holds body fluids in to prevent dehydration, prevents detrimental microbes from entering the body and so forth. It’s on us to return the favor rightfully, isn’t it? 👽
Genes & DNA:
Did you ask ‘what are thooose?’? I know you didn’t but let’s get you the information anyway. In technical words, a gene is the basic physical and functional unit of heredity, present in the nucleus of every cell that builds you. In basic (me) words genes are how traits get passed on from one generation to the next (generational trauma anyone😶?) as well as individual traits.
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) sequences are what genes are made of. It controls the growth of everything- from your head to your toes- and your skin. It contains all the information that cells need, to make a starfish a starfish and you YOU!
Mitochondria might be the powerhouse of the cell but the DNA is literally bob the builder that’s building you up 🙆.
Enough quirk, now let’s check out what role it plays in your skin health.
Kin & Skin:
Do you dream of generational wealth? I definitely do, no shame in admitting it 😙. You know what else is a jackpot inheritance? Generational healthy and thriving skin! And buddy if you don’t agree then either you’re already blessed with radiant skin or you’ve not realized the sheer vitality of it.
Though, no single gene is responsible for one trait- it's a combination of multiple genes, proteins, environmental factors and your personal effort or the lack of it that enhances or subdues the inherited trait. They are passed on to you by your family, your ancestors. Knowing that, it’s easier to blame them for your shortcomings 🤣. You can, but only slightly because a lot of it also depends on external factors. Just like, with your skin.
You may know that various attributes like height, appearance are passed on to you. The skin color (dark, fair, dusky) and type- its ability to produce more sebum (oily skin), less sebum (dry skin) etc. that you possess is also a result of evolutionary genetic mutations carried out by the DNA & RNA. Since genes are responsible for the production of proteins such as keratin, melanin & elastin- you inherit a kind of a resistance to aging, harsh environmental conditions from your parents. Definitely something to be thankful for, no? 🙌.
I’ve always noticed how my grandparents and parents skin is super healthy and hydrated with little to no skin problems- mine is a combination of oily and dry- kind of problematic to be honest 🥹 (ancestry goes way back, not just 2 or 3 generations). Though I’ve observed that my skin is clear and less inclined to have blemishes, pimples 85% of the time- I'm very glad about that! (touching wood as I say this 🫠). Which explains that with lineage external factors also come into play in having radiant and hydrated skin.
The essential proteins can take a hit from the environment and aging. Sunlight, especially its UV rays, can reach deep into your skin, causing harm to both the top and middle layers. Extreme temperatures or pollution can also mess with these proteins, causing your skin to droop, form wrinkles, get irritated, or even develop cancer.
The good news is that tier 1 physical traits can be inherited- like robust and smooth skin. Skin resistant to tough environmental conditions, fair amount of melanin production which helps in protecting your skin from harmful rays, skin less prone to problems and many more great deals have a chance of being forwarded to you.
That being said, same as yin and yang there’s also a dark side with the light- like diseases and neurological conditions reach you from the ancestral line, skin troubles and illnesses do too😣!
Further, let’s read about skin diseases & issues that can be a result of heredity and genetic mutations- sounds very X-Men-ish 👀-
Genetically transferable Skin Problems:
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Acne: Or sebum-filled spots on the face that can get infected or ruptured, is the most common skin difficulty, it has a prevalence of 80 % in people between 11 to 30 years of age. It is a multifactorial disease, various studies have shown that it can be inherited- making the skin more prone to bacterial inflamation.
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Psoriasis: Characterized by itchy scales, redness and rash irritation on skin. It is an autoimmune disease (the immune system malfunctions and attacks healthy cells, tissues & organs). Having a family member with this condition increases the risk of having this disease by 10% and if it’s both parents (oops) then by 50%. About ⅓ of people with psoriasis have at least one relative suffering with this condition.
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Dermatitis or Eczema: Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition affecting roughly 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults. It causes dry, itchy skin with inflammation and fluid discharge when scratched. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development, with a higher risk among individuals with allergies, asthma, or a personal history of eczema.
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Fungal Infections: or Familial candidiasis is an inherited condition causing recurring infections by the Candida fungus. It leads to persistent skin, nail, and mucous membrane infections known as chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis. While Candida is normally harmless, factors like medication can cause overgrowth, resulting in short-term yeast infections.
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Vitiligo: A skin condition causing smooth white patches, often starting on hands, forearms, feet, and face. Genetics play a role, identified in the 1950s when researchers noted patterns in affected families. It's a complex inheritance, involving multiple abnormal genes. About 7% of those genetically linked develop vitiligo, usually earlier and more extensively.
Lethal disorders like skin cancer, epidermolysis bullosa- a rare genetic condition causing skin fragility and blistering, and pemphigus vulgaris, an autoimmune disorder leading to blistering and erosions of the skin and mucous membranes- can also be inherited. These conditions can significantly impact quality of life and require specialized medical management.
Certain aspects of our life tend to be out of our hands, that does not mean we cannot pro-actively try to make it from worse to bad and then better. Similarly with chronic conditions, even if we can’t disroot it we need to work on developing a resistance by feeding to good health and general wellbeing of the skin & self. So the intensity and negative effects of a problem decreases. Resist it by taking care of your skin, by being healthy.
Tending to the Health & Nourishment of YOUR Skin:
Your genes have limitations and restrictions, but you can optimize their function by avoiding harmful environmental influences and upgrading your skin's natural defenses (like leveling up of a pokemon, if you will) 🌝.
Assess your skin type, aging factors, family history, and environment to determine the best approach. Tailor your skincare routine accordingly to maintain youthful-looking blemish free skin.
Here’s what you need to start doing immediately if you aren’t already:
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Know your skin type: Skin types are categories that people use to describe how oily, dry, or sensitive their skin is. It is determined by the amount of sebum (oil that the body produces to keep the skin moisturized) according to Dermatology. Medically defined, there are 5 main skin types: Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Normal. Knowledge on this will help you tend to your skin accordingly and effectively.
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Figure out your Family + Ancestral History with respect to generational stressors: This will prepare you mentally if any skin issue arises. The expectation that you might be prone to a particular condition will give you a reason to do a check up as well as take precautions so that you avoid any triggers that might cause a disorder.
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Avoid Environmental Influences that can trigger Skin Problems: Shield your skin from excessive sun exposure by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. Minimize exposure to pollution by staying indoors during peak traffic hours or using air purifiers. Notice the weather and check if there’s any changes in the way your skin reacts.
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Follow a consistent Skin Care Routine dedicatedly: Cleanse your skin daily to remove dirt, oil, and impurities that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Moisturize regularly to keep your skin hydrated and supple, especially after prolonged sun exposure. Incorporate exfoliation into your routine to slough off dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. Most importantly use non-toxic products on your skin (like a toxic relationship ain’t enough 😩.)
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Consult a specialist whenever necessary: Seek advice from a dermatologist if you experience persistent or severe skin issues that don't improve with over-the-counter remedies. Stay informed about advancements in skincare treatments and technologies by consulting with professionals who specialize in dermatology. Have knowledge of your skin allergies as well.
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Take special care of your gut: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics to support gut health, which is closely linked to skin health. Bas Dil ka Rasta Pet se nahi jaata- Skin ka bhi!
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Hydrate: - Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Limit consumption of dehydrating beverages to avoid dryness and dullness. Use hydrating skincare products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to lock in moisture and maintain a healthy skin barrier.
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Eat Healthy & Nutritious: Consume a variety of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to nourish your skin from within. Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts into your diet to support skin elasticity and reduce inflammation.
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Manage Stress: - Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to promote overall well-being and skin health. Prioritize adequate sleep to allow your body to repair and regenerate skin cells overnight. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it's spending time outdoors, listening to music, or connecting with loved ones.
A healthy body is a safe home for your soul same as healthy skin is a haven for the body. So take good care of it cause unfortunately like snakes, we don’t have the ability to shed skin and get a brand new one 🐍.
To Conclude :
Ah, here comes the end- aren’t you glad? 😂 So, by far we’ve learnt that understanding your genetic predispositions is key to navigating potential risks that could affect your skin's well-being. With that a tailored skincare routine can do the trick. By acknowledging your genetic strengths and vulnerabilities, you can take active measures to minimize negative influences on your skin's health. Like we try to eliminate the shortcomings, it's also vital to amplify the inherited positive skin attributes that we’ve recieved from our previous generations. Here’s to hoping we’re the chosen kin that pass on generational wealth and glowy skin.
