How much control do you really have over facial aging?

twin study- Dr. GuyuronA recent study on identical twins proved that good genes are not everything.  Dr. Guyuron, head of the department of plastic surgery at University of Cleveland and Case Western Reserve conducted a study on 200 sets of identical twins. Dr. Guyuron’s purpose of the study was to look at the factors that accelerate the aging process. Because identical twins are genetically programmed to age the same way they were ideal candidates to see how lifestyle factors affected the aging process.

Using still photographs of each twin set, the researchers asked an independent panel to rate differences in each twin’s appearance and whether one twin looked older than the other. They found several factors influenced facial aging, including sun exposure and smoking. Based on the assessment, 10 years of smoking added about 2.5 additional years of aging to a twin’s face, compared to a twin who didn’t smoke. Sun exposure, particularly among those who spent a lot of time outside playing golf or tennis, also increased the appearance of aging.

Stress also appeared to be a factor in aging. Divorced twins appeared, on average, at least two years older than a twin who was married or widowed. Notably, antidepressant use was also associated with an older appearance. Researchers said it may be that depression itself increased facial aging, or it’s possible that use of antidepressant drugs relaxed facial muscles in a way that increased the appearance of aging.

The researchers also found a surprising relationship between facial aging and body weight. A heavier body weight before the age of 40 was associated with an older appearance. However, in the women over 40, a heavier body mass index was associated with a more youthful look, compared to a thinner twin.

“Excessive loss of weight can be detrimental to youthfulness and attractiveness,’’ Dr. Guyuron said. “It’s a warning if you lose too much weight after the age of 40.’’

Here is a picture of Jeanne and Susan.

twin study-side view-sun exposure

For years, the similarities between Jeanne and Susan were uncanny. Growing up, the identical twin sisters not only were mirror images of each other, but also shared a bunch of preferences and personality quirks. Even now, living 1,000 miles apart — Jeanne in Ohio, Susan in Florida — “we’ll send identical Christmas cards to our parents and choose the exact same gift wrap,” Jeanne says. But they do have some differences, she adds: “We don’t have the same taste in men or in weather.”

In fact, unlike Jeanne, Susan is a lifelong sun worshipper. In addition, Susan began smoking in her late teens, and although she stopped for six years in her 20s, she averaged a pack and a half a day for 16 years before quitting in her late 30s. Jeanne never smoked. Over time, it seems, these habits have made a remarkable difference in the way they look. Now, “Susan looks ten years older than I do,” Jeanne acknowledges. “In fact, when we meet new people I’ll say, ‘She’s my sister,’ but I never say she’s my twin.”

The twins were surveyed, photographed and then visually analyzed by an independent panel.  The results revealed a perceived age difference between divorced and non-divorced subjects, with divorced subjects showing approximately 2 years more visible aging signs. Subjects who had used antidepressants also exhibited more noticeable signs.

Women who didn’t drink looked younger than their twins who did. Since the study didn’t track the amount or type of alcohol that drinkers consumed, though, it wasn’t able to suggest exactly what constitutes too much. Actually, research has shown that resveratrol, a substance found in red-wine grapes, can delay aging, Guyuron points out. But in general, excess alcohol consumption can damage blood vessels in the skin. Also, “the liver plays a major role in the quantity and quality of the collagen fibers within the skin layers,” Guyuron says. Translation: Heavy drinking’s harm to liver function can cause wrinkles.

Boomers concerned about physical signs of aging have stepped up their use of facial fillers and injections to combat wrinkles in recent years. There were more than 1.5 million injectable filler procedures performed in 2007, according to ASPS statistics.

But those measures can be costly – and temporary. That’s why sunscreen, good nutrition, exercise and other natural methods for looking and feeling good are becoming just as attractive. Even small steps like getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water can help refresh one’s appearance.

Editors Note: For years we thought it was all in our genetics.While we may not have control over stressful events in our lives we can use like Shaklee Stress Relief

products like Shaklee Stress Relief which blunts the damaging cortisol form stress and take plenty of antioxidants such as Vita C, Vita E, CoQ10, and Vivix.

Also using an anti-aging skin care line such as Shaklee’s Enfuselle will actually prevent skin damage and repair damage from the sun.

Here a couple of before and after pictures of damage repair after using Enfuselle.

enfuselle before after

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