Here's Why Some People Don't Seem to Age, Ever (2024)

Science has found the key to the fountain of youth.

Here's Why Some People Don't Seem to Age, Ever (1)By Megan Friedman
Here's Why Some People Don't Seem to Age, Ever (2)

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You know that frustratingly gorgeous friend of yours? The one who puts on some Chapstick and walks out the door, no problem, and still gets carded at way past 21? Scientists have finally figured out what her deal is. And no, it's not (just) plastic surgery.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School paired with DNA analysis company 23andMe to figure out why some people seem to never age. They studied genetic data from 350 women from a variety of ages and ethnic groups. They then isolated people they deemed "exceptional skin agers:" people who were perceived to look younger than they actually were, but didn't have cosmetic surgery. Though they plan on studying more ethnicities, their first study focused on Caucasian and African-American women.

They found that genes have a lot to do with looking young. There are thousands of genes in everyone's DNA that focus on cell energy, skin formation, and antioxidant production, but "ageless" people express them differently, and often for longer while others peter out as they age. And that expression differs by race; the study found that women of African descent had skin that aged 10 years slower than Caucasian women.

The study was sponsored by Olay, and it's the longest-ever study the beauty brand has conducted. They plan to use this research to develop new anti-aging products that help "activate" these genes for those without the genetic prize. The findings will be presented at the annual World Congress of Dermatology in Vancouver.

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Here's Why Some People Don't Seem to Age, Ever (2024)

FAQs

What causes people to not age well? ›

Both obesity and underweight conditions can lead to loss of muscle mass, which may cause a person to feel weak and easily worn out. As people age, muscle function often declines. Older adults may not have the energy to do everyday activities and can lose their independence.

Why do some people look a lot younger than their age? ›

Genetics: Your genetics play a significant role in how you age, including the appearance of your skin, hair, and facial features. If you have inherited certain genes that promote healthy aging, you may look younger than your age.

Why some people age slower than others? ›

Genetics: Some people may have inherited genes that help them age more slowly or protect them from age-related diseases. Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, stress levels, and exposure to toxins can all affect how quickly a person ages.

Why do some people not seem to age? ›

It arises from a complex mix of genetic traits and is influenced by factors like microbiome composition, environment, lifestyle, stress, diet, and exercise. Genetics were once thought to have no influence on aging or longevity.

Which ethnicity ages the slower? ›

Asian and Black people have more melanin and elastin in their skin. The melanin adds protection against UV. This is why their skin is darker and more supple. As a result, they age slower and look youthful even when they hit their 60s, they still look 30.

How do you get rid of wrinkles on your face fast? ›

Treatment
  1. Prescription creams and serums. Your doctor may prescribe an anti-wrinkle product with prescription-strength retinoids. ...
  2. Botox injections. ...
  3. Chemical peel. ...
  4. Facial fillers. ...
  5. Laser resurfacing. ...
  6. Deoxycholic acid injections. ...
  7. Face-lift and neck lift.
Dec 12, 2023

At what age does your face change most? ›

Most people begin to notice a shift in the appearance of their face around their 40's and 50's, with some also noticing a change in their 30's. But with these physical changes brought on by aging also comes a change in the appearance of our face - Luckily, there is treatment available.

How can I look 20 years younger naturally? ›

8 Ways to Maintain a Youthful Appearance
  1. Stay out of the sun. While it's true that the sun isn't the only factor in the overall appearance of your skin, it does play a huge role. ...
  2. Drink plenty of water. ...
  3. Get some ZZZs. ...
  4. Rub it in. ...
  5. Eat a diet rich in plants. ...
  6. Get moving. ...
  7. Establish a good routine. ...
  8. Limit alcohol and caffeine.

What makes a face look younger? ›

Protecting your face from the sun is the single best way of keeping it youthful. Much of the damage comes from the UVA part of the light spectrum, so you need to put on sunscreen that protects against it and UVB light, which causes sunburn. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat is also a good idea. Creams and lotions.

Does exercise slow aging? ›

Anti-Aging Cardio Workout

The Brigham Young University study found that people who ran 30 to 40 minutes at high intensity five days a week were consistently biologically younger than those who followed more moderate exercise programs, or who led sedentary lifestyles.

How can I slow down my aging? ›

How to slow aging
  1. Eat better. ...
  2. Be more active. ...
  3. Quit tobacco. ...
  4. Get a healthy amount of sleep. ...
  5. Manage your weight. ...
  6. Control cholesterol levels. ...
  7. Manage blood sugar. ...
  8. Manage blood pressure.
Nov 6, 2023

What age do you age the most? ›

The results offer important new insights into what happens as we age. For example, the team suggests that the biological aging process isn't steady and appears to accelerate periodically — with the greatest bursts coming, on average, around ages 34, 60, and 78.

At what age does the body start to decline? ›

It's natural to lose about 10% to 15% of your muscle mass and strength over your lifetime. This steady decline starts around age 30 and speeds up after you hit 60.

Who looks younger than their age? ›

But a lot of people look several years younger than their original age and one of them is 63-year-old Dr Mark Hyman who looks about 20 years younger and the secret he suggests is his diet. According to Lad Bible, Dr Hyman boasts more than 23 lakh followers on Instagram and is the author of the book Young Forever.

Why do some people never get wrinkles? ›

Traditionally, Dr. Liotta explains that if you have thicker skin, the signs of aging are less noticeable. “When the dermis is thicker, cells are more densely packed together and more compact. You don't see fine lines and wrinkles as much.” DNA determines whether you were born with thick skin.

What is the disorder where your body doesn't age? ›

Progeria is extremely rare. If you've had one child with progeria, the chances of having a second child with progeria are slightly higher than the general population but are still low. If you have a child with progeria, a genetic counselor can give you information about the risk of having other children with progeria.

What is it called when your body doesn't age? ›

Progeria is also known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) or the “Benjamin Button” disease (named after the short story and movie 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button').

Is there a disease where you don't age? ›

Highlander Syndrome is a syndrome that not only slows his growth but prevents his body from ageing. However, his id proof shows his date of birth to be 1989.

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