The manual

Lee Kynaston

Dna-testing times

As with illness, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to skincare – which is why we use shave cream to minimise razor burn and sunscreen to prevent wrinkles. The ultimate preventative action, though, comes from understanding how your DNA affects your skin and hair so you can tailor your grooming regime to accommodate those quirks.

A Circledna test (available at Superdrug), for example, revealed I have a high genetic risk of hyperpigmentation (had I known this years ago, I’d have been extra-vigilant about sun protection) and a greater need for antioxidants – molecules essential for healthy skin and hair. Meanwhile, 23andme’s test can tell you – among other things – whether you’re prone to dandruff and bald spots. They may sound gimmicky but tools like these take some of the guesswork out of good grooming and could save you money in the long run. Great if, like me, thriftiness is in your genes.