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Why Do I Look Younger Than My Age?
If you examine a group of people, you likely will see a lot of variation regarding how each person looks, grooms himself, presents herself, dresses and acts. All of these factors contribute to a person’s perceived age, or how young or old he appears to others. Other factors play a role as well, such as the degree of skin damage and wrinkles and the amount of gray hair or hereditary thinning or baldness. Those who look younger than their age usually show less signs of aging and present themselves in a younger manner than others.
Genetics
Your genetic background affects how young or old you look at a certain age. The natural aging process, which begins in the 20s, causes some people to turn gray in their 20s and others in their 40s, according to the American Academy of Dermatology 14. The natural aging process is called intrinsic aging, or internal aging. Caused by a slowdown of cell reproduction, natural aging causes wrinkles, gray hair, sagging skin, hair loss, excessive hair growth and all of the other symptoms associated with aging 12.cause:
- Caused by a slowdown of cell reproduction
- natural aging causes wrinkles
- gray hair
- sagging skin
- hair loss
- excessive hair growth
- all of the other symptoms associated with aging 12
If you have a slower genetic clock, you will look younger than other people your age.
Damage
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Another form of aging is called extrinsic or external aging. This form of aging is caused by external factors and can be controlled. Other factors that contribute to extrinsic aging include smoking, face sleeping, alcohol and drug use, disease and gravity. Skin looks younger in the absence of these factors.
- Another form of aging is called extrinsic or external aging.
- This form of aging is caused by external factors and can be controlled.
Skin Care
People who take care of their skin with a daily skin-care routine often look younger than their non-conscientious counterparts 12. In addition to skin care, some cosmetic treatments such as:
- chemical peels
- microdermabrasion
- laser therapy
- face lifts
- Botox
- collagen injections result in younger-looking skin
Sun damage accounts for the majority of skin damage and skin aging, according to Medline Plus 12. Avoiding the sun and using sunscreen keeps skin younger looking. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you use a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection and a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater 4.
Gray Hair
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Hair turns gray because of the buildup of hydrogen peroxide in hair follicles, according to a report published in the February 2009 issue of the "Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal." The buildup occurs over time because of the wear and tear of the follicle and blocks the production of melanin, which is responsible for hair color.
Gray hair advances perceived age substantially. People who color their hair all over or blend away their gray hair with color services appear younger than those with graying hair.
- Hair turns gray because of the buildup of hydrogen peroxide in hair follicles, according to a report published in the February 2009 issue of the "Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal."
- People who color their hair all over or blend away their gray hair with color services appear younger than those with graying hair.
Considerations
Weight, health and vitality also affect how old a person looks. If you are active, energetic and healthy, you will appear younger than your age. Posture also plays a vital role, as do body weight and muscle tone. Clothing, hairstyle, makeup and personality also play a role.
- Weight, health and vitality also affect how old a person looks.
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References
- Aging Skin Net: Causes of Aging Skin
- Medline Plus: Skin Aging
- "Milady's Standard Textbook of Cosmetology"; Milady, Diane Carol Bailey and Margrit Attenburg; 2008
- American Academy of Dermatology: Sunscreen FAQs
- American Lung Association. Your aging lungs. Updated September 11, 2018.
- Medline Plus. Aging changes in the heart and blood vessels. Updated January 6, 2020.
- John Hopkins Medicine. It's never too late: five healthy steps at any age.
- National Institute on Aging. What is aging? National Institutes of Health.
Writer Bio
Kathy Mayse began her writing career as a reporter for "The Jackson-County Times Journal" in 2001. She was promoted to assistant editor shortly after. Since 2005, she has been busy as a successful freelancer specializing in Web content. Mayse is a licensed cosmetologist with more than 17 years of salon experience; most of her writing projects reflect this experience.