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FAQ

We're certain that you'll have a lot of questions about how it all works.
Answers to common questions about our genetic testing services.

If you would like answers to the most commonly asked questions about our genetic testing services, we have assembled them here.

  

Not finding what you need?
Just send us a note at help@skin-dna.com, and our customer service team will respond, usually within one business day.
 
  • About our SkinDNA™ testing service
    • Q:  What is a SkinDNA™ Test?
      A:

       

      		 SkinDNA™ is a novel, DNA-based laboratory test that uncovers your genetic variations which predict, for the first time ever, how your skin will age. SkinDNA™ examines fifteen markers (SNPs) in the DNA isolated from an inner cheek saliva sample. The results associated with each marker are used to determine your skin's genetic predisposition to five important health factors:

      » Collagen Stimulation Factor » Genetic Solar Protection Factor » Skin Antioxidant Factor » Glycation Interruption Factor » Inflammation Control Factor
      Q: Why should I test my DNA? 
      A:

       

      		 We are surrounded by more skin health advice than ever. But what really right for you? In the past we could only answer this question in a very general way. Everyone got the same recommendations. But now, you can advance beyond one-size-fits-all suggestions.Identifying your skin's genetic predispositions to key dermatological factors is an investment in your skin's long term health.

      By gaining insight into these predispositions can point you toward the prevention measures most suited to your skin - allowing you to be proactive rather than reactive when it's often too late.
      Q: How will it help me?
      A:

       

      		 Getting a comprehensive view of your skin's strengths and risks for many conditions allows you to tailor your preventive health strategies accordingly.SkinDNA™ provides a scientific foundation for more accurately predicting the skin care needs of each individual. Your SkinDNA™ test results can be used as a personal guide for building a complete, custom tailored skincare regimen that allows you to achieve optimal long term skin health.

      Your skin's health is a result of interactions between your genes and lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption and the Environment. It is your genetic make-up that determines what nutrients are used and how they are used, the way toxins are removed, what happens to any waste products, and how efficient and effective these key processes are working within your skin.

      By adjusting your lifestyle and utilizing a custom targeted skincare regimen, science has proven you can have a positive impact on how your genes work and compensate for areas in which your genes are not functioning at an optimum level.

      Uncover your skin's genetic strengths and weaknesses - before the visible signs begin to appear - and gain the knowledge, power and insight to give you skin like you've never seen before!
      Q:  What is SkinDNA™ based on?
      A:

       

      		 Since the finalisation of the Human Genome Project in 2003, SkinDNA™ Scientists have been hard at work to uncover the human skin's unique genetic blueprint.

      With more than $2.1 Million in research and development costs, in 2008 the search led to a remarkable discovery of 15 genetic markers that played a role in skin protection, premature aging and determined the future outcomes of our skin. This remarkable discovery unleased a new era in personalized skin medicine.
      Q: Does the SkinDNA™ Test diagnose any serious medical conditions?
      A:

       

      		 No. The SkinDNA™ Test does not attempt to diagnose or predict medical diseases. The SkinDNA™ Test is designed to examine key genetic variations in the field of dermal health, determine what type of skin related genetic variations you have and how they relate to key metabolic factors involved in maintaining the long term health of your skin.
      Q:  Will I ever need to be re-tested?
      A:

       

      		 No. There is no need to retake the SkinDNA™ Test as your genes will never change. In terms of testing DNA, your DNA is the same throughout your entire life.
      Q: How does the SkinDNA™ testing service work?
      A:

       

      		 Here are the key steps in the process:

      arrow After you make the online purchase, we send you the SkinDNA™ kit.

      arrowThe kit includes detailed instructions, our easy-to-use DNA collector, Exclusive SkinDNA™ DNA Guide and a postage paid package for shipping the collector to our laboratory for testing.

      arrowOnce we receive your sample, SkinDNA™ Scientists extract your DNA and examine the millions of letters that make up your DNA through several laboratory processes, including purification, amplification and labelling.

      arrowWe then analyses your genetic risk and predisposition for certain skin health factorsWe send you your personalised report, via a twice encrypted email attachment, which is available for your review in three to four weeks.

      arrowAs part of our genetic testing service, you have the option to review your genetic results with a SkinDNA™ expert via e-mail or through a phone conversation - should you choose one of us to call you.

      In addition, we also offer a free clinical consultation with our team of certified skin care specialists via telephone, email or in person at any one of our partnering locations.
      Q: How long will it take to get my SkinDNA™ test results?
      A:

       

      		 Most SkinDNA™ Test results will be available within three to four weeks of sample submission. Occasionally, we do reach full testing capacity and results may take longer. We will alert you if there are delays in processing your DNA sample.
      Q:  What is a SkinDNA™ DNA Guide?
      A:

       

      		 The SkinDNA™ DNA Guide is an exclusive, limited edition publication that has been especially created for the SkinDNA™ Test, so that anyone; beginner, intermediate and expert can have a clearer perspective on the role your DNA plays in the future health of your skin.

      Filled with many illustrations and interesting facts, this vibrantly coloured DNA Guide delves into each of the 15 Markers that we test and empowers you with an understanding of the roles and effects each marker plays on the health of your skin.

      This DNA Guide can also be used as a reference point (if needed), when interpreting the detailed sections that are located within your SkinDNA™ Test results.
  • General Questions
    • Q: Does SkinDNA™ offer any benefit that I wouldn't get if I followed all the good advice from skincare professionals, magazine articles, news reports, etc...?
      A:

       

      		 Yes, we are surrounded by more health advice than ever. But what's really right for you? In the past we could only answer this question in a very general way. Everyone got the same recommendation on nutrition and skin health. But now, you can advance beyond one-size-fits-all suggestions. The skin health insights from your DNA test can point you toward the prevention measures most suited to you. Even if you followed everybody's advice to the letter, no-one is able to accurately predict how your skin will age just by looking at you.

      If you're overwhelmed with contradicting advice about what's best for your skin's health and future, if you need motivation to maintain the long term health and quality of your skin, or if you just find it easier and more realistic to focus on areas where your skin is genetically weaker, then the SkinDNA™ Test is the answer. SkinDNA™ presents you with the most accurate information based on what your DNA tells us. By gaining insight into your DNA, you can determine your skin's genetic risks and take the right preventative steps to improve your skin's future.
      Q: Why shouldn't I just use as many products as possible to cover everything? 
      A:

       

      		 Although you could purchase and use a wide variety of skincare products, most skin care professionals would agree that this is neither economical, nor practical. By understanding your skin's predispositions - from a DNA perspective - we are able to create an individualized skincare program specifically for you!

      This targeted approach (rather than a shotgun, or one-size fits- all skincare approach) ultimately helps save you time, money and more importantly focuses your skincare regimen on key areas that are important to your individual skin's physiology.
      Q:  Am I too old to take the SkinDNA™ Test?
      A:

       

      		 No matter what age you are, it is never too late to focus on the future health of your skin. Knowing your skin's genetic predispositions to key dermatological factors is an investment in your skin's long term health. By gaining insight into your skin's predispositions, you can take action to detect skin conditions early, reduce their effects and even prevent them entirely!
      Q:  How can I encourage my family members to take a SkinDNA™ Test?
      A:

       

      		 Your skin's genetic information can tell you things not just about yourself but also about other members of your family unit. Since family members are likely to share not only parts of their genetic information but also physical attributes. Many people who know about their skin's genetic profile are curious to see how it compares to the profiles of their closest family members. Data from groups of individuals with similar DNA code is helpful in understanding our commonalities and our differences.

      For many reasons, you may want to talk to family members about genetics so you (and they) can learn more about specific skin attributes in your family and how they have been inherited over time. One way to start this conversation is by sharing your own experiences in discovering your skin's genetic profile. You may also find the educational content of our website a handy tool in helping your family understand the pros and cons of learning about their skin's genetic profiles, and why such information can be beneficial.

      As far as skin health is concerned, what you learn through your SkinDNA™ results may not explain some skin traits observed in your family, though it will certainly reveal more about yourself. When you and your family members partake in the SkinDNA™ Test, you can understand how particular genes and skin traits have been passed from generation to generation. Understanding your family history and their skin's genetic information can allow you to concentrate on areas that you may want to learn more about with your skin care professional.

      When you talk to your family about genetics, it might be helpful to consider the following:

      arrow Find an appropriate time and place to start the conversation that is uninterrupted and/or private;

      arrowBecome comfortable with revealing the information about your skin's genetic data to other people you know;

      arrowAre your family members ready to discover his or her skin's genetic information?
      Q:  Can I test my children if they are under 18 years of age?
      A:

       

      		 Yes. In terms of testing DNA, your DNA is the same throughout your entire life no matter how young or old you are. For children under the age of 18 we recommend the minimum testing age to be 15 years and older.
  • Security and Privacy
    • Q:  Is my DNA safe?
      A:

       

      		 Yes. We follow strong guiding principles and policies on security, and we support laws that protect your privacy and genetic information.
      Q: Are my results confidential? 
      A: Yes. Your results are 100% confidential. No third party shall have access to them unless they are willingly passed on by you.
      Q:  How will you protect my privacy?
      A:

       

      		 We contract with outside security professionals whom conduct regular audits to ensure that the utmost standards in our technology, our processes and our facilities management protect the safety of your information.
      Q: How can you guarantee someone else won't be able to access my results?
      A:

       

      		 We use the latest in data encryption technology and data security processes to make sure your data is protected. Beyond this, it is up to you whom you decide to share your results with.
      Q:  How long is my DNA sample kept for?
      A:

       

      		 Your DNA sample may be retained by SkinDNA™ for up to seven (7) days after your saliva sample is processed (for re-testing if necessary), at which time your sample is sent to the SkinDNA™ Isolation Bay where we undergo the process of permanently erasing any remaining DNA through incineration.
      Q:  How is my personal information protected?
      A:

       

      		 SkinDNA™ takes value in the trust you place in us. To prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, to retain data accuracy, and to ensure the use of the information, SkinDNA™ uses a range of technical, physical and administrative measures to protect the information we collect about our members.

      While there is always some risk of a security compromise, we tightly control access to personal information through a series of technical, physical and administrative security procedures.
  • DNA sample collectionDNA sample collection
    • Q: How do I collect my DNA sample?
      A:

       

      		 It is important that you carefully follow the instructions included in the collection kit. Do not eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth for 30 minutes before giving your DNA sample. For best results, collect your DNA sample just before eating a meal and when you are in good health. Ship your sample the same day or the next day, if possible. There is no need to refrigerate it; keep it at room temperature in a shaded place.
      Q: What certifications does the SkinDNA™Lab have? 
      A:

       

      		 Our laboratory has the following accreditation certificates: ISO 9001-2000, ISO 13485-2003, ISO 17025-2005 and GMP specifically designed to process saliva samples.
      Q: How long will my sample last before reaching your facility?
      A:

       

      		 Our DNA collector incorporates a new technology which allows the sample to last for up to two years if kept at room temperature. By shipping immediately ensures the best possible result.
      Q: How do I know the SkinDNA™ Lab has tested my DNA correctly?
      A:

       

      		 SkinDNA™ has set up measures to make sure that the integrity of your DNA sample is upheld. The fully accredited laboratory we use has stringent quality control techniques that enable this integrity. The laboratory method that we use to determine your genetic variants to specific markers undergo extensive laboratory validation to ensure that they are accurate.
  • SkinDNA™ Counsellors
    • Q:  What if I need help interpreting my genetic information?
      A:

       

      		 We take pride in helping you achieve the most out of the SkinDNA™ Test.

      At SkinDNA™ our goal is to introduce you to your skin's genetic code in as simple terms as possible, using graphic displays to facilitate understanding of sometimes complex concepts and numerical facts.

      If you have any questions about your genetic results, you can at any time contact our SkinDNA™ experts and they will provide you explanations through an e-mail you provide or through a phone conversation - should you choose one of us to call you - by emailing us your telephone number.

      We also offer free clinical consultations with our team of certified skin care specialist via telephone, email or in person at any one of our partnering locations.
      Q: If I need to speak to a SkinDNA™ expert, do I need to give notice?  
      A:

       

      		 You can schedule an appointment to speak with a SkinDNA™ expert at any time. If you do not know your schedule just send through an email and our customer service team will respond, usually within one business day.
      Q:  If i don't have a regular skin care specialist can you put me in contact with one who is able to provide ongoing support and guidance?
      A:

       

      		 Yes. We offer free clinical consultations and ongoing support with our team of certified skin care specialist via telephone, email or in person at any one of our partnering locations. They will not have access to your results unless authroised by you.
  • Ordering
    • Q: Do you accept international orders?
      A:

       

      		 Yes. In addition to the United States, we now have the ability to ship the SkinDNA™ Test to all countries around the world.
      Q: What if I wish to cancel my order? 
      A: If we have not sent out your collection kit, there is no cancellation fee. If we have sent your collection kit to you and your DNA sample has not yet been posted back to us a refund is available - less a $70 cancellation fee. No refunds are available once you send your sample to the SkinDNA™ Lab.
      Q: Can I get a discount?
      A:

       

      		 If you purchase 2 kits you will receive 5% discount off your entire order.
      If you purchase 3 kits you will receive 15% discount off your entire order
      If you purchase 4 kits you will receive 25% discount off your entire order
  • Cost and Reimbursement
    • Hotel deals
      Q:  What does the SkinDNA™ Test include?
      A:

       

      		 It includes a sample collection kit, exclusive SkinDNA™ DNA Guide, first class genetic analysis, free SkinDNA™ expert support and free clinical consultations with our team of certified skin care specialists.
      Q: Does my health insurance cover the cost of the SkinDNA™ test? 
      A: Not at this time.
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