*Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. The product was provided by DNALYSIS, though, the review therein is based on the author’s experience and opinion. Aesthetic Appointment reviews are intended to be for information purposes only, nor should they be regarded as a replacement for sound medical advice. Always speak to your doctor or skincare therapist if you have any concerns*
Genetic testing is not new – it’s been around for some years, but being a late developer, I am often late to the party. So, when I was asked to do my own DNA skin analysis, with DNALYSIS, I was intrigued, as it brought to mind a fascinating book I had read a while back: YOUNGER by Dr Sarah Gottfried, MD – in which the Harvard and MIT-Educated Physician-scientist (and New York Times bestselling author of The Hormone Reset Diet) challenges the assumption that we are our genes and therefore we’re destined to have cancer, or saddlebags and cellulite.
But the good news is that your genetic code—the DNA sequence that is the biochemical basis of heredity—can play a minor role in the way you age. And by the same token, once you know the DNA of your skin and what the future might hold, you can actually rewrite the script – if you apply the correct reversal tactics.
Now, keep in mind that I did this backwards – probably not the sequence I would advocate! As I have loved and studied skincare and the beauty industry for many years, I fell into good habits pretty early regarding a rigorous skincare regime.
Don’t get me wrong – I have never used a trillion products. I have a basic trilogy that I follow, just as the Italians use the famous trinity of onion, celery and carrot for a magnificent Napoletana sauce, so I too stick to sunblock, Vitamin C serum and Retinol as my basics. The DNALYSIS DNA test would tell me what my skin condition *should* be, according to my genes, but I was interested in whether I had beaten the odds, so far.
The DNALYSIS DNA test itself is not as daunting as you might think. It’s a do-it-yourself kit that requires a prick on the finger to draw a drop of blood – the sample – which is then sent to the DNALYSIS laboratory and then the report is sent to your healthcare practitioner within 14 days.
The genes analysed in the DNALYSIS DNA skin report work in biological pathways that contribute towards certain skin concerns such as elasticity, antioxidant status and environmental pollution, UV ageing, pigmentation, breakouts, sensitivity and wrinkles.
In my DNALYSIS DNA report, it transpires that I rapidly break down my collagen and I’m producing less – but happily, I addressed this issue over three years ago by taking hydrolysed collagen, which has given me healthy, radiant and resilient skin, which improved my skin elasticity, which would have also been an issue, had I not jumped in with the supplement.
Apparently, I’m also prone to hyper-pigmentation – mottling, brown spots and uneven skin tone. But I’ve successfully reversed this by using Vitamin C and A products on my skin, as well as the use of sunblock! In terms of my diet, I eat broccoli and extra virgin olive oil daily – inadvertently taking care of my antioxidant intake and balancing oxidative stress.
The beauty is, you don’t have to do this backwards like me! You could do the skin DNALYSIS test and gain insight into the key areas that affect your particular skin issues and then obtain a personalised topical, nutraceutical, diet and lifestyle recommendation in order to get the best outcome for your skin.
Remember, we’re all different: what works for me might not be ideal for you. Some of us might need to use retinol products every night, but some might need once a week usage.
The best investment would be to have your own personalised report with tailor-made advice that suits your particular skin type. The secret is in your blood…
Visit www.dnalysis.co.za for more information on getting your own test done.
Professional brand information
DNA Skin Test | R2350.00 (or R600 if ordered alongside any other test).
- Personalise your skincare regime and reduce the visible signs of ageing.
- About This Test – DNA Skin is a genetic test that offers insight into key areas that influence skin health, offering personalised topical, nutraceutical, diet, and lifestyle recommendations for improved outcomes.
- Ideal for: DNA Skin offers significant value for any individual who wants to address skin concerns including elasticity, pigmentation, breakouts, accelerated ageing due to sun damage and pollution, and sensitive skin issues.
- Adopt a personalised approach, inside and out, to improve the look and the health of your skin.
- Report insights you can expect:
Click here to enquire about a DNALYSIS dnaskin® test…
DNALYSIS also offer the following tests:
Paola Chellew is a freelance journalist and regularly writes for a number of publications. A former professional contemporary dancer, she has always loved the arts in all their forms. She has been a freelance writer for many years and has been published in various magazines including Live Out Loud, Private Life and Do It now magazines. Her passion for beauty and skincare started in her teens, when she would read every beauty editor’s picks and reviews. Serious about skincare, she has researched medical-grade products for over ten years, as well as aesthetic treatments to restore and repair skin to look its best. Having turned 60 last year, she has dedicated her blog to the “over 50s and beyond Club”, shining a spotlight on a generation that is seemingly side-lined by the beauty industry. “There is no age limit for when you stop being beautiful – a gorgeous lipstick, a sexy fragrance, radiant skin- these are not synonymous with youth- they are just things that add an extra sparkle to my day”.
📸 Profile photo credited to Lerissa Kemp Photography