---
title: Skin Health is Gene Deep
description: Genetic variations in GLO1, FUT2, SOD2, and FLG influence skin aging, gut bacteria balance, antioxidant status, and skin barrier function.
image: https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casi/featured/skin-health-gene-deep-9-17.jpeg
---

An **educational publication of Designs for Health**

[For Practitioners →](https://www.designsforhealth.com)

[![casilogoresize2-2](https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casilogoresize2-2.png)](https://www.casi.org/)

[Home](https://www.casi.org/) [Science Update](https://www.casi.org/articles/tag/science-update) [Research & Education](https://www.casi.org/articles/tag/research-education) [Archive](https://www.casi.org/articles/all)

Search articles

Search

Research & Education

# Skin Health is Gene Deep

BM Bri Mesenbring, MS, CNS, LDN Sep 18, 2024

![Skin Health is Gene Deep](https://www.casi.org/hs-fs/hubfs/casi/featured/skin-health-gene-deep-9-17.jpeg?width=960)

There is a saying in medicine that goes, “Genetics points the gun, but the environment pulls the trigger.” This means that genetics plays a part in health or disease, but the collective influence of the positive and negative signals a person engages in (or not) determines the overall health outcome. Environmental signals that contribute to (or take away from) skin health include [ultraviolet exposure](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38397077/), [environmental pollution](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10341863/) (for example, air, water, and soil pollution), [quality of diet, and availability of nutrients](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38397950/). However, [genetics also plays a role in skin health](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4200211/). Hiccups in the genetic code, called [single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, pronounced “snips”)](https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Single-Nucleotide-Polymorphisms), contribute to heightened or suppressed activity in the gene. SNPs can present as either homozygous or heterozygous. 

Imagine parents giving their children one copy of each of their genetic codes: half from mom and half from dad. A homozygous SNP means that each copy of your parents' genetic informational code is identical. In contrast, a heterozygous SNP would occur if the copies of genes given to the child were not similar. Homozygous SNPs are not necessarily better than heterozygous SNPs; they correlate to different activities within the genetic code.

For example, if one of the genes that encodes for alcohol detoxification (the process by which your liver plays a large part) is dampened, the alcohol may be less efficiently detoxified. In contrast, if the gene that encodes this detoxification process is enhanced, alcohol may be processed more efficiently. The same is true for skin health. [Several genes have been studied for their association with various aspects of skin health](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4200211/), which will be discussed. Genes influencing how diet affects skin health, aging, and skin barrier protection will be addressed. 

## Genes Associated with Diet and Skin Health

Although many genes are associated with diet and skin health, two that stand out are *GLO1* and *FUT2*. *GLO1* stands for [glyoxalase 1](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7794849/). [Glyoxalases are found in the epidermis and the dermis layers of the skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26914966/). *GLO1* may support the detoxification of [advanced glycation end products](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9131003/) (AGEs), such as methylglyoxal (MG), which [forms from glucose metabolism](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8444148/). MG accumulation may [contribute to glycation, rigidity, impaired wound healing, and loss of normal skin function](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37373042/). [GLO1 may help to maintain MG at low enough amounts to attenuate the breakdown](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7794849/) of important skin proteins like collagen and elastin, helping to support the structural health of the skin. A homozygous presentation of *GLO1* may result in higher amounts of [AGE accumulation, contributing to wrinkles and fine lines](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9131003/).

*FUT2* is another gene that is indirectly associated with skin health. *FUT2* stands for fucosyltransferase 2. *FUT2* encodes for a protein that, when present, [may help to provide a specific type of sugar that beneficial bacteria, such as *Bifidobacteria* spp., feed from within the gastric mucosa](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9866411/). In an observational cohort study, researchers investigated the different types and amounts of bacteria in fecal samples of 71 healthy subjects. Fourteen of the 71 subjects were considered ‘non-secretors’ while the others were ‘secretors’. Whether someone is regarded as a secretor or not depends on the presence of certain substances in body fluids, called ABH and Lewis markers. The *FUT2* gene controls this. If the person has a homozygous SNP present in the *FUT2* gene, they are non-secretors. [The diversity and abundance of *Bifidobacteria* spp. in the fecal samples of non-secretors compared with secretors was reduced](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3098274/). Additionally, [bacteria specific to the bifidobacterial genotypes, *B. adolescentis* and *B. bifidum*, were regularly missing in the fecal samples of the non-secretors](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3098274/). 

[Bifidobacterial species are important because they produce compounds called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), specifically acetate](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10180739/). SCFAs, such as acetate, are produced by bacteria in the gut and the skin. In one example, [acetate amounts correlate negatively with compounds that drive inflammation in psoriatic skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34207960/). Additionally, [patients who have psoriasis also have been found to have lower amounts of serum acetate](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18810829/). [There are numerous examples highlighting the relationship between the presence of bacteria and various skin conditions](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10385652/). Ensuring the microbial environment is favorable to *Bifidobacteria* presence may help support inflammatory skin conditions.

**Genes Associated with Skin Aging**  
 Skin aging may only be gene-deep when considering the impact of *SOD2*. *SOD2* stands forsuperoxide dismutase 2, a gene that encodes a mitochondrial enzyme of the same name. [*SOD2* helps support the antioxidant status of the body within the mitochondria](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583882/), where the majority of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced from energy production. [Mitochondria ensure the energy demands of skin cells are met, which contributes to normal cellular production, supports the cellular stress response, and helps to rid the body of damaged cells](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6627661/). As mitochondria produce adequate amounts of energy to support the high energy demand of skin cells, [ROS are produced and may contribute to age-related skin changes such as wrinkles, loss of elasticity, moisture loss, dull skin, and impaired wound healing](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ics.12728). The activity of *SOD2* is a crucial feature of the skin cell’s ability to support its antioxidant status.

## Genes Associated with Skin Barrier Protection

The skin barrier is essential for several functions. It helps prevent water loss, promotes moisture retention, and keeps potentially harmful foreign bacteria, chemicals, and allergens from penetrating the skin. [Filaggrin is a protein that supports skin barrier function](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26844893/). [It interacts with keratin filaments, which support the skeleton of the skin’s epidermal layers](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26844893/). Additionally, [when filaggrin is broken down, it promotes skin hydration by creating the skin’s natural moisturizing factors (NMFs)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29761483/). *FLG* is a gene that encodes a protein in the epidermis that supports the integrity of the skin barrier. [A SNP in the *FLG* gene may be associated with a compromised skin barrier and an increased risk of atopic dermatitis](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9140947/), such as eczema. 

In summary, understanding an individual’s SNP status can help support skin health. SNPs are genetic variations that can enhance or decrease gene activity, influencing how the skin responds to various factors, such as diet, pollution, and ROS accumulation. For example, SNPs in the *GLO1* gene may contribute to skin aging through glycation, while variations in the *FUT2* gene affect gut bacteria, potentially impacting inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis. Additionally, SNPs in genes like *SOD2*, which supports antioxidant status, and *FLG*, which is involved in skin barrier protection, may play key roles in skin aging and conditions like eczema. Knowing these SNPs' status makes it possible to take targeted and personalized actions to improve skin health. 

On this page

Share

[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.casi.org%2Farticles%2Fskin-health-is-gene-deep) [X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.casi.org%2Farticles%2Fskin-health-is-gene-deep&text=Skin+Health+is+Gene+Deep) [Email](mailto:?subject=Skin%20Health%20is%20Gene%20Deep&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.casi.org%2Farticles%2Fskin-health-is-gene-deep)

BM

### Bri Mesenbring, MS, CNS, LDN

Clinical Application

## Clinical Considerations in Practice

 In clinical practice, practitioners considering the topics discussed above may also weigh nutrient form, delivery and formulation, alongside individual patient variability.

### Practitioner Formulation Example

![Designs for Health Genomic Spotlight™](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/lemtscrs/production-www/eab681aef9f9b46b760e053a06b71b1b78d2d5b4-1200x1200.png?w=128&h=128&fit=max&auto=format)

Designs for Health Genomic Spotlight™

Functional genomic assessment

[Explore Formulations →](https://www.designsforhealth.com/products/genomic-spotlight)

## Continue your research

#### [Research & Education How Akkermansia Supports GLP-1 Production and Metabolic Function May 27, 2026](https://www.casi.org/articles/akkermansia-supports-glp-1-production-metabolic-function)

#### [Research & Education Overcoming the Anaerobic Barrier: A New Approach to Probiotic Manufacturing May 12, 2026](https://www.casi.org/articles/overcoming-the-anaerobic-barrier-a-new-approach-to-probiotic-manufacturing)

#### [Science Update Bifidobacterium Postbiotic Promotes Healthy Body Composition and Akkermansia Genus: A Randomized Controlled Trial Apr 14, 2026](https://www.casi.org/articles/bifidobacterium-postbiotic-promotes-healthy-body-composition-and-akkermansia-genus-a-randomized-controlled-trial)

#### [Science Update A Case Report on Anaerostipes caccae Supplementation in a 47-Year-Old Female with Long-Term Food Intolerances Apr 09, 2026](https://www.casi.org/articles/a-case-report-on-anaerostipes-caccae-supplementation-in-a-47-year-old-female-with-long-term-food-intolerances)

![casilogoresize2-2](https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casilogoresize2-2.png)

An educational publication of [**Designs for Health**](https://www.designsforhealth.com). Peer-reviewed nutrition science, free for everyone.

#### Sections

- [Science Update](https://www.casi.org/articles/tag/science-update)
- [Research & Education](https://www.casi.org/articles/tag/research-education)

#### Terms & Conditions

- [Privacy Notice](https://www.designsforhealth.com/privacy-notice)
- [Terms of Use](https://www.designsforhealth.com/terms-of-use)

CASI.org © 2026 All rights reserved

 Do not sell my personal information 

Built with care · Peer-reviewed since 1996

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BreadcrumbList",
  "itemListElement" : [ {
    "@type" : "ListItem",
    "item" : "https://www.casi.org/",
    "name" : "Home",
    "position" : 1
  }, {
    "@type" : "ListItem",
    "item" : "https://www.casi.org/articles",
    "name" : "The CASI Library",
    "position" : 2
  }, {
    "@type" : "ListItem",
    "name" : "Skin Health is Gene Deep",
    "position" : 3
  } ]
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@id" : "https://www.casi.org/articles/skin-health-is-gene-deep",
  "@type" : "WebPage",
  "dateModified" : "2026-09-17"
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Bri Mesenbring, MS, CNS, LDN",
    "url" : "https://www.casi.org/articles/author/bri-mesenbring-ms-cns-ldn"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-04-29T19:56:19.505Z",
  "datePublished" : "2024-09-18T04:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Skin Health is Gene Deep",
  "image" : [ "https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casi/featured/skin-health-gene-deep-9-17.jpeg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://www.casi.org/articles/skin-health-is-gene-deep",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casilogoresize2-2.png"
    },
    "name" : "CASI.org"
  }
}
```