Epigenetic Skincare For Skin Health & Anti-ageing

Jun 27, 2025 | Blog, Skin Care

Epigenetics skincare represents a cutting-edge approach that aims to influence the way our genes express themselves, ultimately affecting skin health, appearance, and ageing. Unlike traditional skincare that primarily addresses visible symptoms or delivers active ingredients for surface-level effects, epigenetic skincare works at a deeper, cellular level.

 Influencing Gene Expression
Epigenetics involves changes in gene activity without altering the DNA sequence. In the context of skin, this means that intrinsic and extrinsic factors can “turn off” beneficial youth genes, responsible for collagen production, antioxidant defence and cellular repair; or “turn on” detrimental ageing genes such as those promoting loss of collagen, inflammation, pigmentation and cell death.

Skin Ageing

Intrinsic Ageing
Even without external factors, our skin naturally ages due to our genetic predisposition. Epigenetic changes are a key part of this intrinsic ageing process.

Extrinsic Ageing
Environmental factors have a profound impact on how our skin ages. These epigenetic factors include:

UV Radiation (Sun Exposure)
UV light is major culprit that can induce specific epigenetic changes to accelerate skin ageing which can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentation and sunspots.

Pollution
Exposure to pollutants can trigger epigenetic modifications that compromise skin barrier function and contribute to oxidative stress.

Diet
Nutrition plays a role in providing the building blocks and signals for healthy epigenetic modifications.

Stress
Chronic stress can influence hormone levels and inflammatory responses, leading to epigenetic changes that affect skin health.

Sleep
Sleep deprivation can lead to stress which can lead to epigenetic changes that affect skin health.

Smoking, Alcohol & Recreational Drugs
These lifestyle choices significantly impact epigenetic markers, contributing to premature ageing.

Skin Homeostasis & Function

Gene Regulation
Epigenetic mechanisms ensure precise control of gene activity, which is vital for the skin’s constant cellular turnover and its ability to respond to environmental stimuli.

Stem Cell Function
Epigenetics influences the self-renewal and differentiation of skin stem cells, which are crucial for skin repair and regeneration.

Barrier Function
Epigenetic changes can impact the genes responsible for maintaining the skin’s protective barrier, making it more susceptible to damage and irritation.

Inflammatory Responses
Epigenetic dysregulation has been linked to inflammatory skin concerns such as skin redness and irritation. Skin disorders such as Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) studies highlight distinct epigenetic changes in immune-related genes and skin barrier genes in eczema patients, potentially explaining why some individuals outgrow it while others have lifelong symptoms. Environmental factors are known to influence the epigenetic profiles in psoriasis.

Pigmentation
Epigenetic changes can lead to an overproduction of melanin, causing hyperpigmentation, melasma, age spots and uneven skin tone.

Epigenetic dysregulation may also influence the autoimmune response that destroys melanocytes pigment-producing cells, known as Vitiligo.

Implications For Skincare

The understanding of epigenetics has opened up a new frontier in skincare.

Epigenetic skincare aims to develop formulations with ingredients that can that can affect the expression of an individual’s genes.

Epigenetic skin care provides extracellular vesicles that are naturally released by most cells in the human body and responsible for cell-to-cell communication. As we get older that cell to cell communication breaks down; epigenetic skin care provide courier cells carrying key genetic information such as DNA, RNA, lipids, peptides, growth factors, enzymes and receptors.

Epigenetic skin care communicates signals to unhealthy cells, prompting them to regenerate and begin the body’s natural healing process and have the unique ability to activate genes associated with youth.

Some ingredients are designed to improve mitochondrial function, which is crucial for cellular energy and regeneration.

Epigenetic skin care has powerful repair, regenerative and anti-inflammatory functions.

While the field is still evolving, epigenetics offers a personalised and more targeted approach to maintaining skin health and combating the signs of ageing by addressing the root causes at a molecular level.

Mechanisms of Epigenetic Skincare

Epigenetic skincare products typically contain bioactive ingredients that interact with the skin’s epigenome. These ingredients can include:

Peptides
Short chains of amino acids that can act as communication molecules. Certain peptides are designed to inform skin cells to increase the production of proteins like collagen and elastin, which are vital for skin firmness, elasticity and radiance.

Antioxidants
Ingredients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, green tea extract, and various plant-based compounds such as polyphenols constitute as antioxidants. They combat oxidative stress caused by environmental factors by neutralising free radicals, thus protect the epigenome from damage.

Botanical Extracts
Many plant extracts contain diverse bioactive molecules that have been shown to influence epigenetic pathways. Plants such as artichoke extract and organic cress are known to protect against pollution-induced epigenetic changes and activate detoxification systems.

Growth Factors
These proteins promote cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation, encouraging skin repair and regeneration.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Known for its ability to increase cellular NAD+ levels, which is crucial for DNA repair and cellular energy metabolism. It can also influence genes involved in inflammation inhibition and pigment regulation.

Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives)
While known for many benefits, retinoids can influence epigenetic modifications to promote collagen production and reduce multitude signs of skin ageing.

Epigenetic Skincare Benefits

Targeted Anti-Ageing
Addresses the root causes of ageing at a cellular level, potentially leading to more profound and lasting results than purely superficial treatments.

Improved Skin Function
Aims to optimise the skin’s natural processes, such as collagen synthesis, cellular repair, antioxidant defence, and barrier function.

Enhanced Resilience
Helps the skin better respond to and recover from environmental stressors.

Even Skin Tone
By regulating melanin production through epigenetic pathways, these products can help reduce hyperpigmentation skin concerns.

Personalisation
The understanding of epigenetics can lead to more tailored skincare solutions based on an individual’s unique epigenetic profile and environmental exposures.

Important Considerations

Epigenetics are an emerging science in skincare which relatively new and an evolving field. While the scientific basis is sound, specific product claims and the depth of their epigenetic action can vary.

Epigenetic skincare is best viewed as a complementary approach within a comprehensive skincare routine, alongside essential steps like sun protection, hydration, and a healthy lifestyle.

For personalised advice and to understand if epigenetic skincare is right for you, consult with a skincare professional.

Brands such as Mesoestetic are among those investing heavily in epigenetic research and developing products based on these principles.

Here at the Emporium Treatment Clinic, Angela Taffinder the senior aesthetician with over 35 years skin care experience can support you and your skin’s needs.

Contact Angela for a free chat to establish the best treatment to suit your skin type and condition.

We use and highly reccommend the Mesoestetic skincare brand.

Contact: 07930661971

     

    Author: Angela Taffinder the founder of Emporium Treatment Clinic. A practising Aesthetician for 35+ years, holistic and wellbeing advocate and yoga instructor.

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