As a beauty editor, I often find myself diving into the latest research on skin aging and its various causes, mostly because it's good to stay informed, but I also always want to know about any new, exciting approaches to skincare that help keep skin looking as youthful as possible. A topic I'm always *extra* interested in is epigenetics. Epigenetics refers to the study of how your behaviors and environment can change the way your genes express themselves. Pretty cool, right? There are also now skincare brands on the market like Rationale that utilize these principles in their product development. The brand's founder, Richard Parker, explained a bit more.
"The discovery of the structure and function of DNA in the 1950s gave rise to the fallacy that we are victims of our genetic coding," he shares. "We now know that we have an enormously powerful capacity to influence which genes and genetic tendencies are expressed, and the amazing thing about skin epigenetics is that we can see it working. Our most powerful advice is to start with a genetic skin test (available at Rationale) to understand your skin’s genetics and the proactive epigenetic changes you will need to make to have healthy, glowing skin for life."
For a bit more on this and to shop the brand, keep scrolling!
What is epigenetics, and how can it affect your skin?
Simply put, epigenetics is the study of how your lifestyle habits and environment can change the way your genes express. I've always found this to be a super-interesting topic in itself, but Parker took it a step further to explain how it can specifically affect your skin. "Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression (not changes in genetic material), influenced by environmental factors and choices including diet, exercise, and preemptive skincare," he explains.
You've probably heard it a thousand times before, and this will come as no surprise, but you should definitely be wearing sunscreen, and Parker is here to explain why. "Rationale Skincare represents a comprehensive, customized, epigenetic approach to skin health that addresses the major cause of skin aging—the sun. Eighty percent of facial aging is caused by the sun. Our skin genes, which determine how we respond to the sun and pollution, are given to us by both parents. We cannot change this. However, we do not necessarily have to express genetic skin weaknesses—e.g., acne, pigmentation, rosacea, etc."
He continues, "The choices we make, including avoiding sunburn and using a skincare regimen designed to protect the skin from sun damage during the day and repair any sun damage at night, form the basis for an epigenetic response that works with our skin’s strengths while minimizing our weaknesses. As 80% of skin damage is caused by the sun and as our skin responses to the sun are genetically determined, it makes sense that 80% of our skincare time and money should be spent on a personalized skincare regimen that offers a customized response to solar protection and repair based on your skin genetics.
"In the morning, this should include immune boosters (B group vitamins), antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E, and enzymes) and a superfluid zinc oxide sunscreen (that protects from UV, visible light, and infrared radiation), followed by barrier repair with skin-identical lipids, pH rebalancing using hydroxy acids, and DNA repair with retinoids and DNA repair enzymes every night."
You can shop Rationale products below along with a few more products with the above ingredients.
This nourishing cream is designed for all skin types and restores skin barrier function with intercellular lipids and ceramides.
This daily SPF from the brand is hydrating and protects skin with proprietary zinc fusion technology, adding luminosity while still being transparent on the skin.
Packed with B vitamins, this serum supports skin barrier function, restores radiance, and amplifies hydration levels.
This mask helps recalibrate your skin's pH balance with a complex of hydroxy acids, promoting radiance, evening out your skin tone, and clarifying active acne.
More Skin-Boosting Products to Try
As Parker mentioned above, it's great to keep products on hand that boost your skin's immunity. This hydrating oil from The Ordinary contains antioxidant support and B vitamins to help keep your skin resilient.
This unique sunscreen formula from ISDIN contains DNA repairosomes. It's a bit on the pricey side for an SPF, but that element alone makes it totally worth it.
Timeless offers great formulas at a drugstore price. This vitamin C and E serum makes a great addition to your morning routine since it contains skin-protecting antioxidants and helps boost collagen production in the skin.
This lipid-rich moisturizer is an absolute favorite of mine. It contains a suite of ingredients that hydrate and repair the skin barrier, but it's also noncomedogenic and won't clog up your pores.
The Inkey List's daily moisturizer is lightweight and contains clarifying and hydrating vitamin B3, brightening vitamin C, and soothing vitamin E.
This daily serum from Neova contains a high concentration of three pure DNA repair enzymes and a super antioxidant complex that helps reverse photodamage caused by UV rays and oxidative stress.
