Frequently asked questions about skin health

• Why test skin health genes?

  Do you want to preserve your vital youth for longer and keep your skin healthy? With a genetic test, you can find out which factors may be contributing to rapid skin ageing and skin problems.

  The cerascreen® DNA Skin Test offers you insights into your genetics. Get to know your individual risks of developing oxidative stress, collagen reduction and increased sensitivity to sun better, so you can take targeted countermeasures, slow down the ageing process of your cells and optimise your skin health with measures concerning nutrition, lifestyle and health.

  Please note: If the DNA analysis shows you have an increased risk of developing skin problems, it does not automatically mean that you will develop them! These genetic predispositions are probabilities and indicate the possibility of problems emerging. Moreover, the recommendations for skin health are also useful for people who do not show these predispositions.

• Who should take the DNA Skin Test?

  The test is an excellent choice for all people who want to improve their skin health and are interested in measures and recommendations that are best suited to them personally.

  If you already have skin problems or feel that your skin condition has changed recently, the cerascreen® DNA Skin Test may be able to help you get to the bottom of the causes.

• How does the DNA Skin Test work?

  For the DNA Skin Test, take a small saliva sample from the oral mucosa with the cotton swab that is included in the DNA Skin Test kit. After using the swab, insert the saliva samples into the enclosed sample tube. Send the saliva samples to our medical partner laboratory by using the free return envelope. The lab will then carry out the DNA analysis.

  The specialised medical laboratory carries out a comprehensive DNA analysis. How long the analysis will take depends on the quality of the sample provided - sometimes, the medical laboratory has to repeat the analysis multiple times. Therefore, it can take up to four weeks until you receive your individual test results.

• What do I have to consider when I take the test?

  The higher the quality of the sample, the faster and more easily the laboratory is able to analyse it. You can contribute to this by adhering to the following guidelines for taking a saliva sample:

  • Do not eat or drink anything for at least half an hour before collecting the saliva sample.
  • Do not brush your teeth or use mouthwash at least half an hour before collecting the saliva sample.
  • Do not smoke within 30 minutes of taking the tests.
  • The sample must be stored in a dry place for 24 hours before it is sent. During this time, the sample dries via the aeration membrane at the bottom of the sample tube.
• What will the results report tell me?

  Based on four analysed genes, your results report provides you with information about three genetic tendencies when it comes to your skin health. For each, you will receive a possible interpretation of whether your genetic variants indicate a greater disposition.

  The following aspects of skin health are investigated:

  • Tendency to develop oxidative stress
  • Tendency to break down collagen
    
  • Sensitivity towards the sun
    
• What kind of recommendations will I receive?

  You will receive recommendations for each of the three skin health aspects assessed - find out more about these in the questions below.

  We will also provide you with general tips for proper skin health that you can incorporate into your daily routine. This includes advice on nutrition, lifestyle and sunscreen.

  Please note: If you already suffer from skin disease(s), follow our recommendations only after consulting a medical practitioner in order to check whether they will work in combination with your current therapy!

• What influences the skin?

  As a protective barrier, your skin is directly exposed to various environmental influences. UV exposure and exhaust gases can stimulate inflammatory processes in the skin. But an unhealthy diet as well as heavy nicotine and alcohol consumption also affect your skin health.

  All these factors accelerate skin ageing due to oxidative stress: the skin dehydrates, loses elasticity and robustness. Wrinkles form more frequently. In addition, the skin becomes more susceptible to inflammation.

• What does a tendency to oxidative stress mean?

  Oxidative stress is the result of a large number of so-called free radicals in your body. Free radicals are oxygen molecules that can cause inflammation in cells and are, among other things, believed to promote cardiovascular diseases, cancer and skin ageing.

  A genetic predisposition can possibly ensure that some people are more likely to develop free radicals and therefore oxidative stress. During oxidative stress, the body tends to shut down collagen production, often leading to Wrinkles and dry skin are possible consequences. Dry skin cracks more quickly, making it easier for bacteria and fungi to enter the skin and trigger inflammation or fungal skin infections.

  One of the things that can help are the opponents of free radicals, the antioxidants. They protect the cells from the harmful effects of oxidative stress. Antioxidants can be supplied in a targeted way through nutrition; antioxidant nutrients include vitamins C, E and B2, zinc, selenium and iodine, as well as secondary plant compounds.

• What does collagen degradation mean?

  The protein collagen is mainly found in connective tissue. It keeps the skin robust and elastic. With age, collagen production decreases, which can cause the skin to become slack and inelastic. A genetic predisposition can additionally ensure that certain people break down collagen more frequently and quickly than others.

  With the right nutrition, you can help your skin produce collagen. Important nutrients for collagen formation are vitamin C and the two amino acids proline and glycine. Proline and glycine are protein components found predominantly in animal products, such as eggs, fish and meat. Foods with a lot of simple carbohydrates (such as sugar, white flour and convenience foods), on the other hand, could inhibit collagen formation, so you should avoid them.

• What does sensitivity to sunlight mean?

  We need the UV light from the sun to form the essential vitamin D in the body. On the other hand, too much exposure to sunlight can damage the skin. UV radiation promotes collagen breakdown and damages skin cells in such a way that sunburn, inflammation and skin cancer could develop.

  A genetic predisposition can possibly cause some people to react more sensibly to sunlight - skin damage is more likely to occur among such people. The right care can help. This includes adequate head and body coverage and the right sunscreen.

• Which genes are analysed?

  The cerascreen® DNA Skin Test uses state-of-the-art biotechnology to analyse specific characteristics of four genes. These are also referred to as gene variants.

  Here are the genes and gene variants that will be analysed with the DNA Skin Test:

  • SOD2: The gene variant examined can lead to two genes being produced to a lower degree. The risk for oxidative stress could then be increased.
  • IL6 und TNF-Alpha: The gene variant studied is related to the increased production of certain inflammatory substances.
  • IRF4: The gene variant examined determines the pigmentation of the skin and thus the sensitivity to sunlight.
• For whom is the DNA Skin Test not suitable?

  People with contagious diseases, like hepatitis, are not allowed to take the DNA Metabolism Test.

  Pregnant and breastfeeding women should only carry out the DNA Metabolism Test under medical supervision. The reference values and recommendations do not apply to them, so they should obtain recommendations on the test result from their doctor.

  The DNA Metabolism Test is not suitable for children under the age of 18.
  

  The test is not intended for diagnosing diseases. For example, if you experience unexplainable weight loss or obesity, you should consult a doctor.