Why Some Women Look Young for Their Age

    November 2009 in “ PLOS ONE ”
    David A. Gunn, Helle Rexbye, C.E.M. Griffiths, P. G. Murray, A. Fereday, Sharon D. Catt, Cyrena C. Tomlin, Barbara H. Strongitharm, David I. Perrett, Michael Catt, Andrew E. Mayes, A.G. Messenger, Martin R. Green, Frans van der Ouderaa, James W. Vaupel, Kaare Christensen
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    TLDR Women look young for their age due to larger lips, less sun damage, and genes that prevent gray hair and wrinkles.
    The study analyzed the facial appearance of 366 Caucasian women, including 204 Danish twins and 162 British subjects, to determine which features influence perceived age and the impact of genetic versus environmental factors. It found that perceived age is significantly associated with skin wrinkles, hair graying, lip height, and sun-damage appearance. Genetic factors were shown to have a substantial influence on hair graying, hairline recession, and lip height, while environmental factors had a more significant impact on hair thinning. The study concluded that women who look young for their age tend to have larger lips, minimal sun exposure, and genetic factors that protect against hair graying and skin wrinkles. Perceived age was suggested as a more accurate biomarker of aging than chronological age, with both genetic and environmental factors contributing to the aging appearance. The heritability of these features varied, with hair graying having the highest heritability at 90%.
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