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Could DNA genetics be the future of the beauty industry? We were intrigued to read about recent research that states the creams and lotions we use on our face might not suit our genetic requirement and could therefore be causing more harm than good. A new company in America called Dermagenetics claim they have created a revolutionary, non-invasive anti-ageing solution that challenges the current “one cream fits all” approach to anti-aging skincare.

They believe a DNA test, which requires you to swab the inside of your cheek, will allow experts to measure your genetic propensity for various criteria including skin aging, tolerance to pollution and collagen breakdown. The data can then be used to create a personalised cream containing the perfect mix of ingredients to precisely suit your exact requirements. Naturally this comes with a price tag but is certainly creating a storm among celebrities in America.

So is this just another marketing ploy or is customised skincare really the future?

Well, one things for sure, this new phenomena is on its way to the UK and we wonder if it will merely become an alternative to the current brands we recognise or whether it will give major cosmetic houses a cause for concern. Maybe creams and potions that promote the latest, greatest ingredient will come under scrutiny, after all we are all sceptical about supposed miracle cures to aging and wrinkles. However, at SkinGenesis we have debated this new approach and believe that personalised solutions to skincare have got to be a good thing.

In the meantime, if you do find it difficult to find cosmetic products - and makeup in particular - that suit your skin, then you should take a look at the Jane Iredale range.  SkinGenesis stocks this US manufactured range as it has been developed, from pure minerals, specifically to have the following beneficial features:

·        Non-comedogenic, will not block pores.

·        Virtually no allergy risk. All products have been sensitivity tested.

·        Broad-spectrum UVB and UVA protection - up to SPF 20.

·        Anti-inflammatory, helps to calm and soothe irritated skin.

·        Very water resistant rating by an approved FDA lab (American Government agency).

·        Complete coverage for skin conditions like acne, rosacea and redness following treatments like chemical peels and IPL.

·        Contains no talc or parabens.

·        Composed of inert minerals that cannot support bacteria.

·        Environmentally aware.

·        No products have been tested on animals

Known as The Skin Care Makeup, the Jane Iredale range is so safe and beneficial to use that it is recommended by Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists throughout the world. The appearance is so silky smooth that the makeup is used widely in the film and TV industry where the natural appearance is highly valued.

These state-of-the-art minerals are available in so many shades that there's one for every complexion no matter what your ethnicity.  If you would like to see some samples or find out more please call your local SkinGenesis clinic.

The Science Bit:

The Jane Iredale range is a highly-sophisticated blend of minerals and pigments that are micro-pulverized, using proprietary technology and processes to form microscopic flat crystals. These crystals overlap each other on the skin to form a filter that allows the skin to breathe and function normally while still protecting it from air-borne pollutants. The staying power of the minerals is so great that they rarely need a touch-up during the day. And because these silky-feeling powders are water resistant, they won't crease or smear even during the most strenuous exercise.

Although some famous faces, such as Cameron Diaz, have made no secret about their acne, it’s great to see that celebrities are willing to associate themselves with anti-acne products.

In America, July saw the launch of a series of adverts on MTV for Proactiv anti-acne products featuring actress Lindsay Lohan sharing her own acne experience. And this product is also endorsed by the likes of Alicia Keys, Sean Combs, Elle Macpherson, Jessica Simpson and Kelly Clarkson.

We are really pleased that young, beautiful people in the public eye are happy to swallow their pride and speak out, although we are in no doubt that the pay packet helps considerably!

Such awareness for acne is great but, at SkinGenesis clinics, we see more and more clients disillusioned with acne creams or conventional acne drugs and many, many more who are reluctant to accept the risks associated with acne drug Roaccuttane. Our team have always believed that acne treatment that involves combination therapies that unblock pores, stimulate healthy skin renewal and help prevent future outbreaks, deserve more credit.

Over time, we have worked with suppliers and support groups to package up effective alternatives to the conventional remedies by combining clinic based treatments (gentle peels, microdermabrasion and light therapy) with powerful at-home products that are not available ‘over the counter’.

Because acne is such a visual condition, many sufferers are affected in different ways, including lack of self confidence and depression.  In our experience, we have been able to provide both support and treatment that has resulted in marked improvements for our clients.

We are so confident with the treatments that we offer a unique satisfaction guarantee for your peace of mind. As these alternative treatments also reduce the risk of scarring, you can actually look forward to healthier, vibrant skin.

If you think that our alternative approach might actually give you the result you long for, then why not book a free consultation to establish whether our treatments will be effective for you and give you the opportunity to ask questions and find out more?

We were encouraged to read the other day that the Healthcare Commission is cracking down on an estimated 3000 unregistered clinics offering laser and intense pulsed light therapies.

We have seen our fair share of people who have had a horrific experience as a result of a treatment administered by someone who clearly wasn’t qualified so this initiative is welcome among clinics, like ourselves, who take our Healthcare Commission registration seriously.

With about 50 complaints a year from people who had been damaged by treatment to remove facial hair and skin blemishes, as well as evidence of disfigurement as a result of improperly administered laser therapy, Botox injections and anti-wrinkle skin fillers, the Healthcare Commission is launching an undercover surveillance operation to crack down on these rogue beauty clinics, which could involve mystery shoppers to check whether they are trading lawfully.

For those of you who are wondering, the Healthcare Commission is an independent body set up to promote and drive the improvement in the quality of healthcare and public health. As an authoritative and trusted source of information, they fulfill duties within the public healthcare arena and also regulate the independent healthcare sector through registration, annual inspection, monitoring complaints and enforcement.

Such a body plays a vital role in helping you make a decision about the right clinic for any surgical or non-surgical skin teatment and, in the light of this article, protect yourself against those clinics who shouldn’t be carrying out treatments they are not qualified to do.

Here at SkinGenesis, we would always recommend you make sure the clinic explain the risks or side effects of any treatment but visit the Healthcare Commission website for downloadable information sheets (in the Cosmetic Surgery section) if you are considering a treatment or for advice on surgical and non-surgical procedures.  You can also read detailed inspction reports for all registered clinics.

I don’t know about you but celebrities seem to get younger, rather than older, as time passes by. They certainly don’t look their age. There is no doubt that specialists dictating what they eat, how they exercise and which beauty treatment to have, plus a stack of cash to pay for it all, is not exactly an option for many of us. So, in a world increasingly obsessed by youth and beauty, how does the average person on an average salary have a hope of growing old feeling happy with how they look?

At SkinGenesis, we know smooth and blemish free skin can be achieved naturally, without going under the knife. But how many people are aware of the very accessible and affordable treatments – loved by celebrities - which achieve effective and long lasting results?

For example, both Madonna and Martine McCutcheon are known to be fans of microdermabrasion, a natural treatment which mechanically exfoliates the skin and stimulates increased production of new skin and collagen. This treatment is a painfree and non-invasive procedure available to all which can successfully treat aging, tired, blemished skin.

And its not just perfect skin, celebrities can look younger because their perfectly white smile shows a row of amazing teeth. Even male actors such as Gorge Clooney and Kevin Costner admit to having their teeth whitened. Believe it or not, teeth whitening can make you look up to 5 years younger and it needn’t come with a celebrity price tag either – we can whiten your teeth by up to 10 shades, in just 1 hour, for only £275! .

I know that I am right when I say that celebrities enjoy the type of treatments that we can all access without re-mortgaging our house! They are no longer celebrity beauty secrets and I hope many more in the public eye continue to demystify and endorse non-surgical cosmetic treatments.