Diagnostic machines could shape future of skincare

Diagnostic equipment that helps determine which treatments will benefit each individual client are set to make a major impact on the market this year. A series of new launches include machines that analyse clients' DNA and antioxidant levels to determine which products and treatments they should have and also aid in proving results by retesting at a later date. Genalysis is a new technology from GeneOnyx, a genetic analytics service for cosmetics and skincare applications that can give results in 30 minutes. The machine helps select skincare products based on how well a person's body reacts to active ingredients. A saliva sample is taken via a mouth swab and applied to a disposable computer chip, which is plugged into a web-based analysis engine. The genetic test results are analysed to provide a personalised shortlist of skincare products most effective for the individual. The analysis engine maps the relationship between active ingredients and the genetic variations that regulate their efficacy, creating a personalised analysis of the effectiveness of products. Genalysis is initially being marketed to the cosmetic retail market for on-counter use but could have implications for spas, clinics and salons looking to provide a truly bespoke treatment and product prescription. Diagnostics testing is already a growing trend in the spa world. Monaco-based genetics professor Elena Baranova uses epigenetic science in her clinics to determine how clients react to age processes, fatigue and stress. Baranova also carries out a saliva test, but does so by sending a sample to be analysed in a lab. She then detects how the genes and lifestyle-gene interactions influence the skin, health, stress management, metabolism, energy levels, UV ageing, removal of toxins and absorption of nutrients. Meanwhile, Harley Street Skin Clinic has invested in new technology that measures oxidative stress to find out how fast clients are ageing. A quick pin-prick blood test measure levels of free radicals in the body which gives an indication of how lifestyle is affecting the rate of skin ageing. Free radicals are the root cause of ageing and are created by stress, sun-damage, pollution, poor diet and smoking. Once the clinic team has measures the levels present, they advise on the best way to reduce them. *This story was first published in the May issue of Professional Beauty. Make sure you are the first to read the news by subscribing at www.escosubs.co.uk/professionalbeauty