Have you been trying to figure out the cause of those dark circles under your eyes or why your skin is so oily? It could be genetics. Genetics plays a key role in the appearance of your skin. It can help you understand why your skin behaves the way that it does and possibly help you derive at reasonable treatment options for treating various skin conditions. Are you curious about some of the ways genetics impacts the skin? Keep reading to learn more.

Skin Type

Our genes are made up of DNA. DNA carries genetic information about how we look and function. It determines our skin type and is inherited from our family. There are four skin types: normal, dry, oily and combination. Each skin type is determined by genetics and is influenced by internal and external factors that may impact the condition of the skin. The extent of acne, dryness and oiliness we experience on our skin is all influenced by our DNA.

Peri-Orbital Hyperpigmentation

Dark circles aka peri-orbital hyperpigmentation is common for both men and women. A wide variety of factors including fatigue, natural aging, allergies, dehydration and genetics play a role in the development of peri-orbital hyperpigmentation. Chemical peels, skin tightening with lasers, tissue fillers, and topical treatments are all options for treating dark under eye circles. Understanding the root cause of your peri-orbital hyperpigmentation can be helpful in deciding a treatment plan to correct it.

Stretch Marks & Varicose Veins

Both stretch marks and varicose veins have a genetic component to them. While varicose veins are influenced by genetics other factors like hormones, pregnancy excess weight and age are also contributors to their development. Stretch marks develop when the body grows at a rate faster than the skin can keep up with. A study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology on genetics and stretch marks found study participants with stretch marks had a certain gene in common that may contribute to stretch mark development while more research must be done preliminary evidence indicates that genetics do play a factor in the development of stretch marks.

Aging

Aging is determined by both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Extrinsic factors like alcohol abuse, diet, and exercise all impact the appearance of the skin and how it ages.  Intrinsic factors on the other hand like the natural aging process and our geneticpredispositions could limit collagen and elastin production and lead to the formation of wrinkles. More and more research teams are conducting studies to determine if the genes associated with aging can be altered to positively influence skin quality.

Skin Color

The depth of melanin in your skin is determined by genetics. There are many shades of melanin.  Variations in melanin vary significantly from person to person for a wide variety of reasons. Certain shades are lighter or darker depending on a person’s family history. There are many different genes tied to pigmentation, those different genes contribute to the variations in skin color we see in skin of color.

While your genes definitely influence the appearance of your skin, a healthy well-rounded skin routine that includes antioxidants and sun protection also influence it. Shop our entire YELLE collection of skin care products for antioxidant protection to help preserve your melanin.