Spas Now Offer Genetically Customized Treatments
Could DNA testing and monitoring help you fight aging?
It's widely accepted that genetics affect our health and how we age, so it's not surprising that spas, wellness centers and beauty companies are hopping onto the DNA bandwagon with genetically customized treatments, products and supplements.
The Road to Wellville?
Spas and resorts like Little Palm Island in Florida and Bella d'Oro in California are now offering blood, urine and swab tests, touting DNA analysis as the future of wellness. Breakthroughs in DNA testing have led to its use in detecting bird flu, human papillomavirus, cystic fibrosis, heart disease and various cancer genes. Scientists are studying ways to induce DNA repair, so why not apply the knowledge to nutrition, beauty and anti-aging as well?
Massaging the Market
Apparently, consumers are eager to embrace the possibilities, paying as much as $2,800 for executive physicals including DNA testing, which the California WellBeing Institute began offering in 2007. Companies have already hit the market with personalized skin creams and other "cosmeceuticals." And nutrigenomics is a growing field with diets and products based on variation in genes linked to metabolism. Penn State University and the University of California, Davis have entire departments dedicated to nutrigenomics. Pioneers like Salugen, Genelex and Lab 21 offer testing programs and even DNA franchises, and Suracell provides a personal genetic health program online, directly to consumers.
Hope or Hype?
Only the future will tell. In theory, monitoring DNA means watching changes in genetic production and how they affect overall health. If we learn more about what causes DNA to break down, then we may also learn how to correct the causes of wear and tear. If people can actually chart changes linked to their lifestyle choices — skin care, diet, smoking, exercise — will they be more likely to make changes? While researchers admit they don't know how clinically relevant this new wave of tests, products and treatments are, it is a promising concept that may take the rejuvenating services of spas to a much more literal level.
Read more on the subject …
- Reinventing Longevity by Shane Michael, Travel & Leisure
- Join the Club Los Angeles Business Journal
- Let's Get Genetical by Jennifer Kahn, New York Times
