The Role of Environment in Making You Look Old!!

A recent study involving identical twins implies that, genetics aside, your environment can have a huge impact on your perceived age. Factors such as divorce, work stress and junk food diets are the real culprits adding years to your face.

An individual's genetic heritage will determine, initially, the way in which a person ages - but the rate at which they age can be significantly accelerated if they introduce certain negative factors into their lifestyles. In this study, they looked at identical twins because they are genetically programmed to age exactly the same, and in doing so the researchers essentially discovered that, when it comes to your face, it is possible to cheat your biological clock.


During the study, researchers obtained comprehensive questionnaires and digital images from 186 pairs of identical twins. The images were reviewed by an independent panel, which then recorded the perceived age difference between the siblings.


Results show that twins who had been divorced appeared nearly 2 years older than their siblings who were married, single, or widowed. Antidepressant use was also associated with a significantly older appearance. Researchers found that weight also played a role in apparent age. In those sets of twins who were less than 40 years old, the heavier twin was perceived as being older, while in those groups over 40 years old, the heavier twin appeared younger.


According to the researchers, the presence of stress could be one of the common denominators in those twins who appeared older while the continued relaxation of the facial muscles due to antidepressant use could account for sagging. Other factors such as smoking, excess alcohol consumption and lots of sun exposure have been indicted for contributing to an aged look.


Of course, asthetic surgery and anti-aging medicine can 'rescue' you from the jaws of the clock, but awareness is critical and it's far easier to avoid negative factors in your lifestyle in the first place.


Visit our website for more information on Aesthetic Medicine and Anti-Aging Medicine, and then contact us online or call our Patient Care Coordinator at 972.239.6317 x134 for a FREE phone consultation and to setup an appointment.