DNA Skin: Collagen, Sun Sensitivity & Sun Damage

In order to have the optimal skin for the body, a specific combination of topical treatments, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions are utilized. To best help our patients find their skin weaknesses related to genetic variations, we use the test DNA Skin from DNA Life. A sample report is seen below:

Genes

Collagen formation is very important as it helps the skin with degradation and aging. DNA Skin tests genes involved in cell growth regulation & tissue remodeling after UV exposure. Those who have specific genetic variations may be more susceptible to accelerated skin aging. 

MMP1 

This encodes for metalloproteinase 1 and has a small role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix. As the skin ages, there is an upregulation for MMP1 that leads to an increased breakdown of collagen. The 1G/1G wildtype genotype has no impact. The 1G/2G heterozygote genotype has a moderate impact and the 2G/2G homozygote genotype has a high impact. If you have the 2G/2G genotype, you may be more susceptible to wrinkling. For more information, please refer to GeneCards, The Human Gene DataBase.

COL1A1 

This is the main collagen found in the skin. The genotype GG has a high impact, GT has a moderate impact and TT has no impact. With these genotypes, we see the G allele carrying the most risk. The G allele is associated with abnormal collagen production which leads to premature skin aging. For more information, please refer to GeneCards, The Human Gene DataBase.

Individuals with the MMP1 or COL1A1 risk G alleles should make sure they are using high-quality SPF sunscreen and a moisturizer that specifically targets the protection and synthesis of collagen. These individuals may also benefit from vitamin C, vitamin D, and iron-rich foods. 

Melanin is often associated with tanning but the type of melanin the body produces depends on the genes that are involved. Some genetic variations come with an increased predisposition to have decreased tanning and increased skin sensitivity to the sun, allowing for sunburns easier with UV exposure. 

MC1R 

This gene plays a role in pigmentation. It is found on the surface of melanocytes that produce the skin pigment. Often known as melanin. The CC genotype has no impact. The CT genotype has a moderate impact and the TT genotype has a high impact.  This variation is known with those who have a lighter, fairer skin tone. These individuals have a higher chance for developing freckles due to sun exposure. For more information, please refer to GeneCards, The Human Gene DataBase.

ASIP 

G>A 

This is an encoding protein that regulates the production of melanin. The GG genotype has no impact, the GA genotype has a moderate impact, and the AA genotype has a high impact. 

G>T 

The GG genotype has no impact, the GT genotype has a moderate impact, and the TT genotype has a high impact. If an individual has a variation in the A or T allele, they have an over-expression of the gene. This leads to an unbalanced amount of melanin production, oftentimes higher production rates. For those who have fair skin and this variation, they are less protected against UV rays and the sun. 

Individuals with an A or T allele need to wear good SPF sunscreen and moisture that has photoprotective agents. Vitamin C and B3 are also great for those with these alleles. Additionally, a vitamin D supplement is great to incorporate into the diet.  For more information, please refer to GeneCards, The Human Gene DataBase.

When it comes to sun damage, DNA protection and repair are critical. When exposed to UV rays and pollutants from the environment, the risk for oxidative stress and cellular damage occurs. Variations with these genes offer protection against cellular damage. However, some can lead to a decreased efficacy to repair DNA. 

XRCC1 

This encodes for a protein that is involved in the efficient repair of DNA single-strand breaks formed by exposure to UV rays from the sun. Depending on the genotype, individuals may have improved or decreased the activity of the protein. This will lead to increased damage and risk when it comes to UV exposure. 

The CC genotype has a moderate impact, the CT has no impact and the TT has a beneficial impact. The GG and GA both have no impact and the AA has a moderate impact. In this genotype, the A allele is associated with improved function of the repair enzyme, helping it protect the DNA better from outside damage. For more information, please refer to GeneCards, The Human Gene DataBase. 

hoGG1 

This enzyme is highly important as its main function is to repair the DNA against mutation caused by radicals. The CC genotype has no impact, the CG has a moderate impact, and the GG has a high impact. Those who have the GG genotype have an increased risk of developing issues related to oxidative stress. For more information, please refer to Gene Cards, The Human Gene Data Base. 

TERT 

This encodes for a catalytic subunit. This is highly important as it maintains telomeres. Telomeres protect our chromosomes from breaking apart or sticking together. The CC genotype has a high impact. The CT has a moderate impact and the TT has no impact. We see that the C allele has been associated with a decrease in telomere length and contributes to skin cancers. For more information, please refer to GeneCards, The Human Gene DataBase. 

The skin is the largest organ on the body. It is critical that we take care of it properly. There are many things that factor into our skin health, like genetics, inflammation, stress, medication, and unhealthy foods high in sugars. For skin health, all-natural solutions go further as they do not come with the uncomfortable side effects many medications do. Part of treating the skin naturally involves chiropractic care. The spine is the main focus in chiropractic care, but the rest of the body’s health deeply depends on the spine. By getting regular adjustments, we are able to improve the function of the nervous system which helps improve the body overall. Stress is released at higher rates when the spinal cord is not properly aligned. By regulating the spinal cord, you are positively regulating the release of cortisol into the bloodstream. Therefore, lowering the body’s stress and inflammation levels. The article, “Acne Etiology and Treatments in Traditional Persian Medicine” goes into more detail of how manipulation helps with skin. 

Test Pairing 

Similar to other health conditions, one of the best things we can do to promote optimal overall health is to ensure our bodies are receiving enough micronutrients (essential vitamins and minerals). This will help us see what our body needs more of in order to complete its metabolic functions. The micronutrient test we use is from SpectraCell. A sample report is shown below:

 

So many people do not take skin health seriously. Many individuals, especially in high school to college-aged enjoy tanning and the look of bronze skin. Without hesitation, they think that they are young and skin cancer will not affect them. However, skin cancer has no age. Especially for those who are pre-disposed. It is important to educate the youth, as well as individuals of all ages that SPF should be worn and protection from the sun, will help your body in more ways than a tan will. -Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health Coach 

 

References: 

Shirbeigi L, Oveidzadeh L, Jafari Z, Fard MS. Acne Etiology and Treatments in Traditional Persian Medicine. Iran J Med Sci. 2016;41(3 Suppl):S19.

 

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