Sequential Skin was founded in 2018 by scientists-turned-entrepreneurs Dr Oliver Worsley and Dr Albert Dashi.
The Singapore-based start-up helps consumers to identify the right products from them based on a simple analysis of their genetics and microbiome.
It is conducted with the help of a skin patch, which must be applied to the forehead for 10 seconds before removing it and sending it back to the company for analysis.
Houdart explained to CosmeticsDesign-Asia that the microbiome and DNA should not be isolated but combined in order to get a holistic view of the skin condition.
“There's clearly a link between the composition of the microbiome and the balance of the microbiome and some reactions, even skin ageing. If you test only the DNA, you only get one part of the story. With the microbiome, you have the holistic view of the skin state.”
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Houdart added that the microbiome varies more than people realise.
“In a pilot study we conducted last year, we tested a panel of people in Spain, where the climate is dry and Asian skin here in Singapore, where it is very humid. And we've noticed difference in terms of microbiome composition. Yes, the differences are linked to DNA as well but definitely the environment has some influence.”
Moving forward, Houdart believes more importance will be placed on the microbiome testing in the future.
“Now consumers show concern about how ingredients interact with their skin and the microbiome. Definitely if you want to have the most relevant product that suits your skin, you need to know more about your skin, and it’s no longer about visible signs like wrinkles and pimples. but testing the skin on a molecular level is really crucial.”
To find out more about Houdart and Sequential Skin, check out our podcast above or on Apple Podcast.
