The Science Behind Sequential Skin
Just a small bit of DNA can tell us a lot about you. Sequential Skin uses advanced genetic sequencing technology to understand how your genes, your skin microbiome, and your environment interact, to give your skin the characteristics it has.
Your Nature
The human genome has millions of genetic variations (‘variants’) that differentiate us from one another. We make accurate assessments of the traits you possess based on your unique genetic variant, and how they physically present in your body. We evaluate how these unique gene variants correspond with what traits your skin may have now or in the future (on re-testing).
Your Nurture
Our skin microbiome is made up of a whole ecosystem of different bacteria, fungi, and viruses that help maintain our wellbeing. The skin microbiome is largely impacted by our external environment, which means it is ever-changing and adapting to different elements constantly. It’s also influenced by internal factors, so it is completely unique to each of us. It is as important to our health as our gut microbiome.
The Science
Our Sequential Skin patch (patent-pending) is specifically designed to collect a comprehensive sample of skin cells and bacteria cells, to assess your genetics and microbiome accurately.
Read moreThrough their R&D, Sequential Skin uses world-leading next-generation sequencing technology – Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies to get a clear view of the DNA of your skin. These two technologies sequence entire genomes (for our case, human and bacterial) to look at the relevant genetic (your ‘nature’) and microbiome (your ‘nurture’) targets up close.
Once a sample is collected, Sequential Skin uses a method known as quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) that looks at specific markers (for both human and bacteria DNA) to identify what unique variants you carry and how they impact how certain genes are expressed.
The specific genes Sequential Skin looks at are considered the most relevant in determining six key skin traits, according to past research and peer-reviewed publications.
What We Look At
YOUR GENETICS
HYDRATION
How well moisture is absorbed and retained via water channel proteins in the surface of skin cells, and the ability to regulate moisture levels.
SENSITIVITY RESPONSE
The ability to detect and repair damaged DNA, affecting how well the skin recovers after suffering any adverse reactions caused by external factors.
SUN PROTECTION
The skin’s sensitivity to light and the production of melanin, to indicate any vulnerabilities to sun damage and hyperpigmentation.
FIRMNESS
The production of collagen and elastin, two key proteins that impact the skin’s ability to retain structure and elasticity, preventing visible signs of ageing.
ANTI-OXIDANT CAPACITY
The production of antioxidant enzymes to eliminate any free radicals the skin is exposed to in its external environment.
YOUR GENETICS
HYDRATION
How well moisture is absorbed and retained via water channel proteins in the surface of skin cells, and the ability to regulate moisture levels.
Sensitivity Response
The ability to detect and repair damaged DNA, affecting how well the skin recovers after suffering any adverse reactions caused by external factors.
Sun Protection
The skin’s sensitivity to light and the production of melanin, to indicate any vulnerabilities to sun damage and hyperpigmentation.
Firmness
The production of collagen and elastin, two key proteins that impact the skin’s ability to retain structure and elasticity, preventing visible signs of ageing.
Anti-oxidant Capacity
The production of antioxidant enzymes to eliminate any free radicals the skin is exposed to in its external environment.
YOUR SKIN MICROBIOME
The population levels of four key kinds of bacteria present on the skin surface, that act as the best indicators of overall skin health.
Our skin genetic and microbiome markers were generated in an ISO 13485 (medical devices) and CAP-accredited lab, ensuring the quality, accuracy and reliability of our results.
Sequential Suggestions
Every recommendation made by Sequential Skin is uniquely tailored to every client, based on their results.
SCIENCE-BACKED AND SOLUTIONS-FOCUSED
All recommendations and guidance on the types of products and ingredients to seek out (and avoid), are drawn from evidence-based, peer-reviewed scientific literature, coupled with the expertise of our resident skincare director.
PRODUCT PRINCIPLES
We analyse the ingredients formula of every product to ensure that they are free from any substances that can cause adverse side effects and/or health concerns. Read our full list of banned ingredients.
THE SEQUENTIAL SKIN DATABASE
Sequential Skin has built a database of thousands of commercially available skincare products and the major ingredients used, to be able to offer the best recommendations available on the market.
DUTY OF (SKIN) CARE
Sequential Skin provides every client with a personalised three-step skincare routine, designed to address any skin conditions identified in their results. We select specific products – cleanser, day, and night-time ritual – that will work best for your unique skin.
*Sequential Skin is brand agnostic. Sequential Skin does not receive commission for any purchases made from its recommendations.
**All results and recommendations provided are based on your personalised skin report. However, if you have any serious concerns about a particular skin condition, we recommend consulting a dermatologist or your GP.
**All results and recommendations provided are based on your personalised skin report. However, if you have any serious concerns about a particular skin condition, we recommend consulting a dermatologist or your GP.
A Holistic Approach to Skin Health
Your genetics are only part of the story. Over a thousand species of bacteria make up your skin microbiome, and play a big role in keeping your skin happy and healthy… and of course, your lifestyle habits and surrounding environment do too. We take a holistic approach and see how all of these factors affect your skin health.
SEQUENTIAL SKIN: THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE SKIN TEST ON THE MARKET
Sequential Skin is the market leader in providing comprehensive skin analysis based on individual genetics and the skin microbiome.
 GeneticAAA | Genetic-only Testing | Imaging Technology | Self-reported Questionnaire | Skincare Consultant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Affordability | |||||
Comprehensive | |||||
Reproducible | |||||
No User Bias | |||||
Ease of Sample Collection |
