It’s not just pollution, your DNA might explain why your hair thins and skin ages

The way your skin and hair age isn’t just about what you put on them or how you live. Our genes determine how well our bodies repair damage too (Image: Pexels)

For decades, we’ve blamed our diet, city smog, or long nights for a patch of dull skin or a few strands of hair gone missing. But what if the real culprit was hidden far deeper, inside our very genes? Welcome to a brave new world of DNA-based dermatology, where science is shifting the focus from “fixing” skin and hair woes to anticipating them before they even appear.

The way your skin and hair age isn’t just about what you put on them or how you live, explains Dr Rekha Singh, Chief Medical Officer at Oliva Clinics and Medical Lead at GeneIQ. "It’s also about the blueprint you’re born with. Our genes determine how well our bodies repair damage, produce oil, synthesise collagen, and respond to inflammation. That’s why two people can live identical lifestyles but see completely different results", Dr Singh tells Moneycontrol.

Recent advances in genomic science are now offering a glimpse into this blueprint. With a simple saliva test, dermatologists can analyse variations across more than a hundred genes that influence hair, skin, and body health. This isn’t about diagnosing disease, it’s about identifying tendencies, explaining why certain issues appear, and crafting personalised strategies to prevent them.

Pigmentation: Some people tan easily, others develop stubborn dark spots. “Genes linked to melanin production and UV sensitivity show us who needs extra protection,” says Dr. Singh. “We can act early, strengthening care before marks set in.”

Hair loss: Follicle sensitivity, inflammation, and nutrient absorption vary with your DNA. By studying these variations, dermatologists can guide long-term growth plans using nutrition, topical treatments, or procedures tailored to each patient.

Ageing: Not all skin wrinkles the same way. DNA insights around collagen breakdown, elastin repair, and antioxidant defence allow proactive measures to maintain firmness and radiance, rather than waiting for sagging to appear.

Traditional dermatology has been excellent at correcting visible issues. Creams, serums, and laser treatments still play a vital role. But as Dr Singh notes, “Genomic analysis allows us to anticipate problems rather than just react to them. By combining genetic insights with lifestyle and nutrition advice, we can create a truly personalised roadmap for skin and hair health.”

The conversation is shifting from surface-level beauty to deep biological understanding. DNA-based dermatology isn’t just about looking good,  it’s about staying one step ahead of what your genes have in store. Because when you understand your biology, beauty becomes predictive, not reactive.

DNA plays a crucial role in determining how well our bodies repair damage, produce oil, synthesise collagen, and respond to inflammation. Genetic variations can affect these processes, leading to different ageing outcomes for skin.

Yes, thinning air, especially at higher altitudes, reduces oxygen availability, which can impact skin health. Reduced oxygen levels can lead to increased oxidative stress, accelerating skin ageing.

By analysing genetic variations, dermatologists can identify tendencies for issues like collagen breakdown and inflammation. This allows for personalised strategies to proactively maintain skin firmness and radiance.