Is there a relationship between Epigenetics and cosmetic ingredients?

Have you ever wondered how skincare products work exactly and why some people see better results than others? The answer can be found in your DNA on and off button: also known as epigenetics. In this blog, we will explain what epigenetics is, how it affects your skin, and which skincare ingredients interact with it to make your skin healthier.

What is epigenetics?

Epigenetics is the influence of how environmental factors can turn your genes on or off without changing your DNA itself. Imagine that your DNA is the “script” for how your body functions. Although this script is fixed, epigenetics can turn certain pages of this script on or off, depending on factors such as your lifestyle, environment, and yes, even skincare products!

For example, your genes determine how much collagen your skin produces, how your skin reacts to UV light, and how quickly your skin ages. Epigenetic processes can cause some genes that regulate these functions to become more active or less active. This can lead to faster aging, pigmentation spots, or a healthy, firm skin.

The epigenetic effects of a cosmetic ingredient are determined by a number of scientific criteria. In order to determine whether an ingredient actually influences epigenetic processes (the turning on or off of genes without changing the DNA structure), the following criteria must be met:

Turning “on” or “off” genes – DNA methylation
Our genes function somewhat like a light switch. Certain ingredients in creams can “turn off” that switch so that the skin cells age more slowly. This way, your skin stays fresh and healthy for longer.

Rolling up DNA – Histone modifications
Imagine your DNA rolled up like a thread. Sometimes that thread can be rolled up or unrolled. If a cream makes your DNA a bit looser, cells can more easily produce substances that keep your skin young and firm, such as collagen.

Small Helpers Halt Harmful Substances – MicroRNA-regulation
MicroRNAs are small molecules in your body that act as regulators. They determine which proteins your cells produce, which is important because some proteins can cause problems, such as inflammation in your skin. MicroRNAs can reduce the production of ‘bad’ proteins that cause inflammation, ultimately reducing skin problems such as redness and irritation.

Some skincare products have been developed to support these microRNAs, so they can do their job better. By using the right creams, you can strengthen your skin’s natural protection, leading to less redness and irritation. Actually, you can see microRNAs as little helpers that ensure your skin stays healthy, and with the right products, you can make these helpers even stronger.

Protection for your skin – Gene expression
Some creams are specifically designed to activate genes in your skin cells that help protect against harmful external influences. These genes act as instructions that tell the skin how to defend itself against damage. When these genes are ‘on’, your skin produces more protective substances. These protective substances help the skin protect itself against various harmful factors, such as sunlight, air pollution, and harmful substances from cigarette smoke.

This extra protection can make your skin look healthy and radiant for longer. It’s like giving your skin an additional shield that helps it better resist daily damage. Using these special creams, your skin can protect itself more effectively, keeping it looking younger and fresher.

Which cosmetic ingredients have epigenetic effects?

Certain cosmetic ingredients have the potential to act on epigenetic processes, thereby influencing the expression of genes that are important for skin health, such as genes involved in cell renewal, collagen production, and inflammation regulation. Ingredients such as niacinamide, retinoids, and polyphenols are known for their ability to influence these processes.

Most research into the epigenetic effects of these ingredients, however, is based on in vitro studies (laboratory research), and there are still only a few human studies that directly confirm these effects. Although the results are promising, research into the epigenetic effects of skincare products is still in its infancy, and further clinical research is needed to understand the full impact on humans.

Here are some popular and most well-known ingredients that work in this manner:

Retinoids (Vitamin A Derivatives)

• What do they do?
  Retinoids, such as retinol, stimulate the production of collagen and speed up cell renewal. They are known for their ability to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, but what many people don’t know is that retinoids can also affect gene expression.
• Epigenetic effect:
  Retinoids bind to specific receptors, retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid-X-receptors (RXRs), on skin cells and activate certain genes involved in cell renewal and indirectly DNA damage repair. This can help to slow down skin aging and repair damaged skin.
• Indication and benefits:
  Retinoids are suitable for people with fine lines, wrinkles, and skin discolorations. By working at the epigenetic level, they promote a more youthful-looking skin and reduce signs of aging.

2. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

• What does it do?
  Niacinamide is a powerful ingredient that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and regulates sebum production. It is also known for its epigenetic effect on cells. Want to know more about Niacinamide
• Epigenetic effect:
  Niacinamide increases the NAD+ levels in cells, a molecule that is important for DNA repair and the energy metabolism of cells. This helps cells renew more quickly and recover better from damage such as UV radiation.
• Indication and benefits:
  Niacinamide is ideal for people with acne, rosacea, or a damaged skin barrier. It helps to soothe the skin and protects against premature aging by improving the epigenetic control over the genes responsible for inflammation and cell protection.

3. Polyphenols (Green Tea Extract, Resveratrol)

• What do they do?
  Polyphenols are strong antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from damage by UV radiation and pollution.
• Epigenetic effect:
  Polyphenols such as resveratrol can influence DNA methylation, a significant epigenetic process that can switch genes “on” or “off”. This may help to dampen genes that are responsible for inflammation and aging, and activate genes that stimulate repair and regeneration.
• Indication and Benefits:
  These antioxidants are particularly suitable for individuals dealing with aging due to sun damage or environmental influences. Polyphenols help protect the skin and support the production of new, healthy skin cells.

4. Peptides

• What are they doing?
  Peptides are short chains of amino acids that help tighten the skin by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. Learn more about Peptide
• Epigenetic effect:
  Peptides can have an epigenetic effect by signaling skin cells to increase the production of collagen genes. This makes the skin firmer and more elastic.
• Indication and Benefits:
  Peptides are beneficial for people experiencing sagging skin, wrinkles, or a loss of firmness. They help the skin look younger and firmer by stimulating the natural production of skin structures.

5. Antioxidants (Vitamin C)

• What do they do?
  Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative stress, a major factor in skin aging and sun damage.
• Epigenetic effect:
  Vitamin C can influence histone modifications, a type of epigenetic change that “opens” or “closes” genes. As a result, it can help stimulate DNA repair and the production of collagen, resulting in a firmer and smoother skin.
• Indication and benefits:
  Vitamin C is suitable for people with a dull skin, skin discoloration, or sun damage. It helps to even out the skin tone and provides a healthy glow by activating genes involved in cell repair.

How do you know it works for you?

Although it may sound like epigenetics is very scientific, its application in skin care is actually very practical. By using products with ingredients such as retinoids, niacinamide, peptides, and antioxidants, you can support your skin on a deeper level, by influencing the epigenetic processes that keep your skin healthy.

Here are some simple directions to figure out whether an epigenetic skincare ingredient works for your skin:

Look at visible improvements

• Na een paar weken consistent gebruik zou je lichte verbeteringen moeten zien, zoals:
  • Happier skin: Fewer fine lines or wrinkles.
  • More even tone: Fewer spots or discolorations.
  • Glowing skin: Improved clarity and less dullness.

2. Does your skin feel firmer?

Epigenetic ingredients such as retinoids and peptides stimulate the production of collagen. If your skin feels firmer and more elastic over time, that’s a good sign that it’s working.

3. Improvement in Sensitivity or Irritation

Ingredients such as niacinamide work epigenetically to strengthen the skin barrier. If you notice that your skin is less sensitive or less quick to respond to external factors such as temperature or products, this may mean that the epigenetic care is helping.

4. Long-term Results

Epigenetic ingredients need time to influence your skin at the cellular level. Pay attention to how your skin looks and feels over longer periods, such as 3-6 months. Improvements in texture, elasticity, and complexion are good signs that the products are having an effect.

5. Test for Specific Skin Problems

Do you have problems such as acne, skin pigmentations, or redness? If you notice a decrease in these problems after using an epigenetic product, like antioxidants or polyphenols, it indicates that it’s working for your skin.

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Document your progress by taking photos of your skin over an extended period, for example, every month. This helps you see subtle improvements that you might otherwise not notice.

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Is this a trend or a keeper?

Epigenetics in skincare is likely a mainstay, not a fleeting trend. This is due to the increasing scientific substantiation, a focus on personalized skin care, and the ability to achieve sustainable results at the cellular level. As people become more aware of how lifestyle influences their skin and demand for holistic and effective skin care increases, epigenetics perfectly complements these needs. By targeting gene expression, it offers long-lasting benefits, making it a significant development in the skin care industry.

Which Iconic Elements products have these properties?

At Iconic Elements, we focus on skincare products that support the skin at a deep level. Our products are carefully composed with ingredients that promote the skin’s natural processes, such as stimulating renewal and slowing down skin aging. By strengthening the skin functions, our formulas ensure a healthy balance.

Spot Reducing Cream

• Epigenetische Ingrediënten:
  • Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Niacinamide can indirectly influence gene expression, especially in the treatment of hyperpigmentation.
• Indication: Reduction of pigmentation spots, support of cell renewal and prevention of new spots through gene regulation that protects the skin from stress factors.

2. Targeted Pigment Serum

• Epigenetische Ingrediënten:
  • Niacinamide: Influences genes involved in inflammation inhibition and pigment regulation, which can help in evening out the skin and reducing pigmentation spots.
• Indication: Reduction of hyperpigmentation and evening out skin tone by regulating pigment cells.

3. Anti-Aging Cream

• Epigenetische Ingrediënten:
  • Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (Vitamin C): This form of vitamin C has strong antioxidant properties and can stimulate collagen production.
• Indication: Reducing wrinkles and skin aging by protecting DNA and stimulating genes involved in cell renewal and skin repair.

4. Night Cream with Co-enzyme Q10

• Epigenetische Ingrediënten:
  • Ubiquinone (CoQ10): Co-enzyme Q10 aids in energy production in cells and may reduce oxidative stress. It promotes the activation of genes that stimulate cell repair and protect against DNA damage.
• Indication: This night cream supports recovery and rejuvenation of the skin while you sleep, by stimulating genes that aid in protection against oxidative stress.

Ingredients such as niacinamide, CoQ10, and vitamin C have shown effects on cell regeneration, DNA repair, and collagen synthesis. While not all ingredients act directly epigenetically, they can influence the cell activity and the expression of genes involved in skin aging, pigmentation, and inflammation.

In other words

By understanding the epigenetic functioning of skincare ingredients, you can make better choices for your skincare routine and keep your skin healthier in the long term. You are not only caring for the outside, but also working at a cellular level to make your skin function optimally!

Now that You’re Here

Neurocosmetics are revolutionary skincare products that aim to influence the nervous system in the skin. These innovative products are designed not only to improve skin health, but also to slow down aging and reduce stress. As our largest organ, the skin is closely connected to the nervous system and plays a crucial role in how we experience the world around us. This makes neurocosmetics an exciting new step in the world of skincare. Want to know more? Click here.