Genes, Sunburns, and Skin Health

Blake Roth

Alright, welcome back to Deep Dive with Blake and Amy. Today, we’re getting into something that’s, well, kind of personal for me—genes, sunburns, and skin health. Amy, I gotta admit, I was that kid who’d get sunburned even on a cloudy day in Tennessee. Like, I’d come home from a baseball game looking like a lobster, and my mom would just shake her head. Turns out, there’s a lot more to it than just forgetting sunscreen, right?

Amy Johnson

Oh, absolutely. And you’re not alone, Blake. There’s a whole set of genes that can make you more or less likely to burn, or even develop skin cancer down the line. The big one people talk about is MC1R—the melanocortin 1 receptor gene. If you’ve got certain variants, you’re more likely to have red hair, fair skin, freckles, and, well, burn like crazy. That’s because you make less of the protective dark pigment, eumelanin, and more of the red-yellow pheomelanin, which doesn’t really block UV.

Blake Roth

Yeah, so basically, if you’re a redhead, you’re not just unique, you’re genetically set up to be a little more crispy in the sun. But it’s not just MC1R, right? There’s TYR, which is all about melanin production, and if you get certain mutations there—or in TYRP1 or OCA2—you can end up with albinism, which is like, extreme sun sensitivity. That’s a whole other level.

Amy Johnson

Exactly. And then there’s the DNA repair genes, like XPA and XPC. If those are mutated, you get conditions like Xeroderma Pigmentosum, or XP for short. That’s where even a little sun exposure can cause severe burns and a sky-high risk of skin cancer. Thankfully, those mutations are rare, but they really show how much our DNA can set the stage.

Blake Roth

And then you’ve got genes like IRF4. I always mix up the letters, but I think the CT variant is linked to lighter skin and more sun sensitivity. And HERC2—if you’ve got the AA genotype, that’s actually associated with darker pigmentation, so a little more natural protection. It’s wild how these all interact. Like, you could have one gene saying “burn,” another saying “nah, you’re good.”

Amy Johnson

Right, and it’s not like your risk is written in stone, but these genes definitely tip the scales. And then there are the big cancer risk genes—CDKN2A and CDK4 for melanoma, PTCH1 for basal cell carcinoma, and even BRCA1 and BRCA2, which most people know for breast cancer, but can also play a role in melanoma risk. It’s a whole web of factors.

Blake Roth

So, bottom line, if you’re like me and you’ve always burned easily, there’s probably a genetic reason. But it’s not just about your DNA, right? There’s more to the story.

Amy Johnson

Yeah, so let’s talk about the Fitzpatrick skin type scale. It goes from Type I—super fair, always burns, never tans—all the way to Type VI, which is very dark skin that rarely burns. But here’s the thing: even if you’re a Type VI, you’re not immune to skin cancer. You just have more natural melanin, which helps, but it’s not a force field.

Blake Roth

That’s a good point. I think a lot of people with darker skin tones feel like they don’t have to worry about sun protection, but the risk is still there. It’s just lower, not zero. And then you’ve got all these other factors—how much sun you get, whether you had a lot of sunburns as a kid, family history, and even how many moles or freckles you have. More moles, higher risk, right?

Amy Johnson

Exactly. And then there are those rare cases, like Xeroderma Pigmentosum, where the risk is just off the charts. But for most of us, it’s this mix of genes and lifestyle. I’ll share something personal—my aunt had melanoma, and after that, I started doing yearly dermatologist visits. It’s a little nerve-wracking, but honestly, it’s worth it for peace of mind.

Blake Roth

You know, I always thought, “I’m not at risk, I’m not out there tanning on purpose,” but then I remember all those accidental burns as a kid. And, like, the environment matters too—cloudy days, reflection off water, all that stuff. It’s not just about lying on a beach.

Amy Johnson

Totally. And even things like antioxidant genes—SOD2, CAT—can affect how well your skin repairs UV damage. So, it’s not just about what you see in the mirror, it’s what’s happening under the hood, so to speak.

Blake Roth

So, if you’re listening and thinking, “Well, I don’t have red hair, I’m probably fine,” just remember, it’s a spectrum. And your habits matter just as much as your genes.

Amy Johnson

Let’s get into the testing side. These days, you can do a comprehensive genetic test with just a mouth swab—no blood draw, no drama. And the privacy stuff is actually pretty solid; most companies don’t sell your data, and you can even delete it if you want. But what do these tests actually tell you?

Blake Roth

So, they look at a bunch of genes—some related to skin health, some to nutrition, fitness, even how you process vitamins and minerals. For skin, they’ll check things like MC1R, IRF4, HERC2, and the XP genes. If you’ve got a family history of melanoma or you’re super sun-sensitive, it might be worth it to see if you’ve got any of those high-risk variants.

Amy Johnson

And even if you don’t, the practical steps are the same: avoid peak sun hours, use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, wear UPF clothing, and do regular skin checks. If you’re high risk, maybe see a dermatologist every year. And if you find something weird—a new mole, a changing spot—get it checked out. Early detection really does save lives.

Blake Roth

And if your test shows something concerning, or you’ve got a strong family history, genetic counseling can help you figure out what to do next. It’s not about living in fear, it’s about being proactive. Like, you wouldn’t drive without a seatbelt just because you’re a good driver, right?

Amy Johnson

Exactly. And honestly, even if your genes look “normal,” your environment and habits still matter. So, it’s about stacking the odds in your favor wherever you can.

Blake Roth

Alright, so let’s talk about the DRCgx test, because this is where things get really personalized. It’s not just about skin—it covers how your body processes vitamins and minerals, your fitness response, even your risk for things like inflammation or joint issues. It’s like a roadmap for your health, based on your DNA.

Amy Johnson

Yeah, and what I love is that it’s not a “one-size-fits-all” thing. You get insights into how you absorb nutrients—like, maybe you need more vitamin D, or you don’t process B12 as well. Even if you eat a perfect diet, your genes might mean you’re not getting everything you need at the cellular level. That’s huge for long-term health.

Blake Roth

And it’s not just about what you’re missing, it’s about what you can optimize. Like, if you know you’re more sensitive to UV, you can double down on sun protection. Or if you’re at higher risk for certain skin issues, you can be more vigilant with checks and prevention. It’s all about making smarter choices, not just guessing.

Amy Johnson

And the privacy thing—just to circle back—is actually pretty reassuring. They don’t sell your data, and you only need to do the test once. As science evolves, they update your report, so you’re not left behind. It’s kind of empowering, honestly.

Blake Roth

So, whether you’re a sunburn-prone kid from Tennessee or just want to know how to take better care of your skin, these tools can really help you own your health. And that’s what we’re all about here, right?

Amy Johnson

Absolutely. Alright, that’s a wrap for today’s episode. If you’ve got questions about your genes, sunburns, or anything we talked about, send them our way. We’ll be back next time with more deep dives. Blake, always a pleasure.

Blake Roth

You too, Amy. Thanks for listening, y’all. Take care of your skin, and we’ll catch you on the next one. Bye!

Amy Johnson

Bye, everyone!