DNA Repair A Promising New Technology For the Correction of Sun Damage

By Bruce M. Freedman, MD

Daily exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation accounts for the majority of facial skin damage. Sun damage, or photoaging, results in wrinkling, loss of elasticity, skin inflammation, irregular pigmentation, and an increased risk of skin cancer. These effects are due to damage to both cell membranes and cellular DNA. DNA is the genetic code that resides within each cell and is responsible for normal cellular function. It is estimated that the human body experiences thousands of breaks in the DNA helix daily but can only repair approximately half of those injuries. The body eliminates most of the unrepaired DNA; however, the remainder can potentially replicate and, in time, lead to cell mutation, skin aging, and skin cancer.

Traditionally, sun avoidance and sun protection have been the mainstays of skin protection. Sunscreens and sunblocks utilize metals and organic compounds that deflect and absorb UV radiation. However, even with proper sunscreen use, some UV rays still penetrate the skin, causing damage. Other compounds that have been used to prevent and treat photodamage include topical antioxidants and dietary fats. When topically applied, some antioxidants (e.g., resveratrol) have been shown to reverse a number of the effects of UV radiation. They accomplish this through their anti-inflammatory effects and their ability to protect DNA and stimulate collagen production. Dietary fats, such as the omega-3 fatty acids, have also been shown to reduce skin inflammation and increase sunburn threshold. Topically applied retinoids (e.g., Retin-A) block skin degradation following sun exposure.

Recently, a new and more sophisticated treatment for UV-induced skin damage has become available. This approach utilizes specialized plant-derived enzymes that help cells initiate repair of damaged DNA. These enzymes are applied to the skin using a specialized delivery system that employs pH-sensitive liposomes (“bubbles”) to transport the enzymes to cells that reside deeper in the skin. One enzyme, photolyase, reduces UV-induced cell death and reverses abnormal, biochemical lesions on damaged DNA. Other enzymes, such as endonuclease and oxoguanine glycosylase 1, allow the cells to identify and remove damaged DNA. Some researchers believe that the use of DNA repair enzymes may decrease the development of skin cancer by protecting against the harmful effects of UV radiation.

CelFix DNATM Youth Recovery Serum is a commercially available product that contains these specific DNA repair enzymes. This serum also contains plant-derived antioxidants that have beneficial skin rejuvenation properties. CelFix DNA Youth Recovery Serum can reduce the biological consequences of photoaging, improving skin tone and decreasing hyperpigmentation.