Are Wrinkles Genetic?

Posted Thu, Dec 18, 2008, 2:56 pm PST

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We are learning more and more about the role of genes in health. For example, Drs. Peggy and Jeff Vance, a husband and wife team from the University of Miami, have done extensive work looking for the genes for Alzheimer's disease and autism. The advances in the genetic research field have been amazing and the technology is moving at the speed of light.

Cosmetic companies are of course jumping on the bandwagon claiming that they can examine your "genetic fingerprint" by doing a swab of the inside of your cheek and then for $300 (or more) they will make a skin cream just for your needs. Please do not waste your money on this!! Right now we are just beginning to learn what genes play a role in skin appearance.

Genes certainly influence acne, oily skin, dry skin and skin wrinkles, but the truth is we don't know what genes are important in skin appearance and we certainly have no idea which genes cause skin wrinkling. It may take 2-3 years to find them.

The company www.23andme.com will analyze your genes and send you a report for a fee. At this time, the data will not tell you anything about your risks for skin cancer, wrinkles and other skin diseases because we just do not know enough yet about what genes are involved in these processes.

Stay tuned for discoveries on genes and the role they play in skin aging. For now--don't buy any products claiming to use genetic knowledge to improve your skin. To see more about the genetic research on skin aging that is ongoing visit this link or read this article.