By Charles Krivaci.
When we think about healthy skin, collagen, hydration and antioxidants usually come to mind. But beneath the surface, every skin cell is constantly working to repair something even more fundamental, its DNA.
Every day, our skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pollution, blue light and oxidative stress. These environmental factors can damage DNA, the genetic blueprint that tells our skin cells how to function. While our bodies have remarkable natural repair mechanisms, these systems can only repair 50% of UV induced damage every 24 hours and become less efficient with age and repeated environmental exposure. Over time, unrepaired DNA damage can contribute to premature ageing, uneven pigmentation, inflammation a decline in skin function and worse case skin cancer.
What are DNA repair enzymes?
DNA repair enzymes are specialised proteins that recognise specific types of DNA damage and help initiate the body’s natural repair process. Unlike antioxidants, which help prevent new oxidative damage, DNA repair enzymes are designed to help identify and correct damage that has already occurred. This exciting area of cosmetic science is becoming increasingly recognised as an important addition to advanced skin rejuvenation protocols.
Three enzymes, three different roles
DNA Repair Enzymes come as 3 different types and for optimal results all should be used:
Photolyase (Photosomes): Photolyase is a DNA repair enzyme that specifically targets damage caused by UV radiation. This enzyme helps to reverse the effects of sun exposure on the skin, repairing DNA damage and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Photolyase specifically repairs UV-induced DNA damage known as cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs). It is activated by visible blue light and helps reverse this form of sun-induced DNA damage. The most common commercially available source is Blue Algae (Plankton Extract). Interestingly Kangaroos (and frog eggs) also possess the photolyase enzyme.
Endonucleases (Ultrasomes): Endonucleases are enzymes that play a key role in repairing DNA double-strand breaks. Double-strand breaks are severe forms of DNA damage that can lead to mutations and skin aging. Skincare products containing endonucleases can help to repair these breaks and promote healthier and more resilient skin. Endonuclease recognises UV-damaged DNA and initiates repair by removing damaged sections so the cell’s own repair machinery can restore the DNA. The most common source is from micrococcus luteus, a yellow-pigmented, gram-positive bacterium naturally found on human skin as a normal part of the body’s microbiome.
OGG1 Glycosylases (Roxisomes): Glycosylases are enzymes that target specific types of DNA damage, such as oxidative damage and chemical modifications. By repairing this damage, glycosylases help to maintain the integrity of the skin’s DNA and prevent premature aging. Skincare products with glycosylases are effective in combating the effects of environmental aggressors on the skin caused by free radicals generated through pollution, UV exposure and normal cellular metabolism, helping support healthy cellular function. The most common source is the sun-resistant plant Arabidopsis Thaliana (Mustard Plant) native to Eurasia and Africa.
Incorporating DNA repair enzymes like photolyase, endonucleases, and glycosylases into skincare products can provide targeted and advanced protection against DNA damage, ultimately promoting healthier and more youthful-looking skin.
What damage can DNA enzymes repair?
DNA Repair Enzymes have been shown to
- Make broad-spectrum sunscreen more effective by up to 35% based on published papers
- Promote regression of actinic keratoses (rough, scaly patches caused by long-term sun exposure, which can sometimes develop into skin cancer)
- Maintain immune system to reject new skin cancers
- Protect skin stem cells and prevention of DNA damage
- Remove past DNA damage
- Improve dyspigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduced Inflammation (highly beneficial for individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin)
- Remove signals for cell senescence
How do DNA Repair Enzymes enter the skin?
DNA Repair Enzymes are encapsulated in a proprietary liposome delivery system which drives them into the skin delivering the cargo into the cell. They search and only adhere to the damaged DNA strand. From here, the cell’s natural process takes over, extracting the damage and replicating a healthy DNA strand.
The future of skin longevity
Modern aesthetic treatments are shifting beyond simply treating visible signs of ageing and increasingly focusing on supporting healthy skin function at a cellular level.
DNA repair enzymes represent an exciting advancement because they address one of the earliest stages of skin ageing—the accumulation of DNA damage. Together with technologies such as growth factors, antioxidants and daily sun protection, they form part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at maintaining healthier, more resilient skin over time.
