Epigenetic effects relate to the switching ‘on’ or ‘off’ of genes without affecting the DNA itself. For example, every individual is unique according to their individual DNA composition. It contains all instructions for how the organism functions (how our body functions, including our skin, collagen and elastin synthesis) as well as how we look. However, DNA is a highly complex sequence with several chemical ‘tags’ along its structure that can be marked ‘readable’ or ‘not readable’. 

When ‘readable’, that function is considered switched ‘on’; and certain bodily functions will occur. When ‘readable’ or ‘on’, it doesn’t actually change the DNA sequence, but instead, makes a part of the structure active and its instructions accessible. 

The epigenome regulates this functionality, as does the much more widely known, micro-RNA. In this way, epigenetics utilizes the DNA coding already present in the human body but can be affected by:

 − Diet
 − Lifestyle, including stress effects and poor sleep
 − Environment, especially where protective mechanisms need to be activated; for example, due to UV exposure or other environmental impacts
 − Age
 − Cellular metabolism and division

Where these impacts are negative and/or the cells age, the epigenome tags relative to skin cell renewal, collagen or elastin synthesis may be turned ‘off’ or at least not function as they did when the organism was younger. These results in a reduction of cell turnover, renewal, and proliferation – which ultimately lead to other age-related effects, we commonly see, such as less supple complexion and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. 

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Epigenetics in Personal Care