The Science
Your skin holds biological truths. We built the science to read them.
Mitra has generated the world's largest skin epigenetic dataset. Using this dataset, Mitra is pioneering research that will transform skin health and build tomorrow’s skin longevity treatments.
Reserve Your Test
SKIN EPIGENETICS- ACCELERATED AGING1,2
- PHOTO DAMAGE6
- SKIN CANCER & MELANOMA4
- WRINKLES + PIGMENTATION5
- INFLAMMATION3
What is epigenetics?
Your DNA is largely fixed. Epigenetics is different.
It reflects the biological signals that influence how your genes are expressed over time; signals shaped by factors including aging, environment, lifestyle, skincare treatments, and interventions.
These signals can reveal something chronological age cannot: how your body has aged on a molecular level.
Your skin carries these signals too; until now, no one could read them without a biopsy.
FURTHER READING
Mitra Age epigenetic test
Mitra applies this science to skin.
Reserve Your Test- Non-invasive skin sampling removes skin cells from the forehead for DNA extraction
- Using methylation sequencing (with patented, skin-specific wet-lab protocols and bioinformatics pipeline), Mitra captures 4 million genomic sites
- The test and biomarkers are backed by peer-reviewed research validating the novel skin epigenetic testing
- Results include novel insights and a plan for personalized recommendations for topical skincare, lifestyle and interventions to promote skin health
- Mitra’s age test is run in a CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited US lab
Mitra’s platform and science are supported by peer-reviewed publications
Conferences
Journals
Universities & Hospitals
Publications
Menéndez Vázquez, A et al., npj Aging
Skin is both the most visible and most environmentally exposed organ, with apparent aging phenotypes. DNA methylation clocks faithfully capture the progression…
Banila, C et al., British Journal of Dermatology
Ageing, disease and malignant transformation of the skin are associated with changes in DNA methylation. So far, mostly invasive methodologies such as…
Banila, C et al., Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Volume 143, Issue 5
Aging and sun exposure are the leading causes of skin cancer. It has been shown that epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation,…
For decades, reading skin biology was done either by invasive skin biopsy or visual inspection, which is superficial.
Mitra exists to change that.
Mitra is built with the world’s leading experts in dermatology, data science and biology
Dr. Kathy Fields
Co-founder of Rodan+Fields, Mitra's product advisor
Dr. Kay Durairaj
Plastic surgeon, PI of Mitra's estrogen study on menopausal skin
Dr. Lesley Clark-Loeser
Dermatologist, PI of Mitra's estrogen study on menopausal skin
Dr. Doris Day
Dermatologist, PI of Mitra's estrogen study on menopausal skin
Dr. Mahdi Moqri
Biology of aging scientist at Harvard, data advisor to Mitra
Dr. Katrina Abuabara
Dermatologist, advisor to Mitra on inflammatory skin conditions
Citations
- 1Menéndez Vázquez, A. et al. Epigenetic age predictors for non-invasive assessment of human skin. npj Aging 12, 11 (2026). (opens in a new tab)
- 2Horvath, S. DNA methylation age of human tissues and cell types. Genome Biology 14, 3156 (2013). (opens in a new tab)
- 3Humaloja, L. et al. Longitudinal association of circulating inflammatory biomarkers with epigenetic ageing in the Young Finns Study. Scientific Reports 16, 15543 (2026). (opens in a new tab)
- 4Micevic, G. et al. Aberrant DNA methylation in melanoma: biomarker and therapeutic opportunities. Clinical Epigenetics 9, 34 (2017). (opens in a new tab)
- 5Schallen, K. P. et al. Non-ablative fractional laser 1940-nm treatment modulates epigenetic signatures associated with skin aging in a split-face investigation. Scientific Reports 16, 17695 (2026). (opens in a new tab)
- 6Vandiver, A. R. et al. Age and sun exposure-related widespread genomic blocks of hypomethylation in nonmalignant skin. Genome Biology 16, 80 (2015). (opens in a new tab)