After the personalized medicine and dietetics, the time has come for individualized cosmetics. Cosmetics and biotechnology companies propose providing cosmetics tailored to the client's genome. Others, in turn, tempt with preparations that include enzymes that protect DNA against the influence of external factors and accelerate the natural regenerative processes.
The latest cosmetic trend seems to be genocosmetics. Under this enigmatic name, which brings to mind the connection between cosmetics and genetics, there may be two types of preparations. Some producers of genocosmetics name products that are selected for a specific client based on genetic material research, interviews and assessment of the current condition of the skin. These preparations are mainly designed to slow down the pace of aging. The second type of genocosmetics are products that include various types of enzymes and other substances that can interact with DNA. They are designed to not only slow down the aging process, but also to mobilize cells for faster regeneration after mechanical or photophysical damage.
DNA, intelligence and contraction
Spanish companyGenocosmetics he claims that the future of cosmetology will be personalization - and to the extent that creams or balms will in future be selected not only for our visible needs (ie the phenotype), but above all in terms of what we have written in the genes. Employees of the company cite the results of research, according to which genetic factors are responsible for up to 60 percent of the aging processes of the skin. Our skin depends on the oxygenation of the skin, its elasticity, pigmentation, hydration, glycation processes leading to the formation of wrinkles and skin sensitivity.
Genocosmetics they offer their clients exclusive cosmetics, which are selected for everyone interested individually. The process of selecting a cosmetic is based primarily on the DNA test, during which 75 genetic variables are analyzed. Then her interview with the client, which analyzes the current condition of the skin, the level of stress and the assessment of lifestyle and the amount of bad habits. Then a special algorithm, developed by the company's research and development departmentGenocosmetics, looking for the best-suited product for a given client based on both genetic data and intelligence. In the package, the client, in addition to the results of the analysis, receives a monthly preparation therapy and genocosmetics: cream, serum and eye cream.
Gene protection
The company has another idea for genocosmeticsSesderma. It offers substances that actively affect genetic material, packaged in liposomal vesicles at the nanoscale. Among these active substances may be chronopeptides, DNA repair enzymes (including photonuclease, endonuclease, oxygunin), teprenone, amino acids or zinc chloride.
These cosmetics are supposed to affect the expression of genesClock andPer1that have been linked to the circadian rhythm of cells. According to studies commissioned by the cosmetics manufacturer, the expression of these genes was increased by 15 percent after using the company's preparationsSesderma. The regulation of circadian rhythm in skin cells promotes accelerated regeneration. In addition, the substances contained in the genocosmetics are designed to prevent telomere shortening too much by increasing the expression of telomerase. Telomeres are the endings of chromosomes that protect this structure from damage during copying. Throughout life, telomere length is shortened, which promotes the occurrence of abnormalities in reproduced genes. Genocosmetics are also intended to repair photodamage in the genetic material by reducing thymine dimers using natural cell repair mechanisms according to the p53, p21 and cF0S protein pathways.
The manufacturer claims that the use of his cosmetics does not carry any risk and that they can be used by people with pre-cancerous conditions (actinic keratoses) and with sensitive skin.
At the moment, it is difficult to assess whether genocosmetics will really reign on our bathroom shelves and whether they are as effective as the producers claim.There are no independent, non-funded studies that would confirm or question the actions proposed by the producers.
