Identical Twins & Skin Aging: Many believe we can do nothing about how old we look. Wrinkles and sagging skin are inevitable characteristics dealt to us by Nature or our fate due to genetics. While it may seem hard to believe, we have far more control over how our skin ages than previously thought.
Article Update July 2022
A new skin aging study on identical twins has been published, titled “Objective assessment of facial skin aging and the associated environmental factors in Japanese monozygotic twins [1].”
In the study, 67 pairs of identical twins were studied using medical interviews and photographic assessments with the VISIA® Complexion Analysis System to see differences in skin aging that may have resulted from genetics or environmental factors.
The study concluded several critical findings on skin aging differences from genetic factors vs. environmental factors:
- Up to 40% of changes that contribute to an aged appearance are reported to be due to nongenetic factors
- A correlation between smoking and skin aging was found
- Sun exposure has also been associated with an older appearance and can accelerate with age
- History of outdoor activities without sunscreen use has been correlated with an older appearance
- The use of antidepressants and medications for various diseases (diabetes, asthma, and cardiovascular disease) is associated with skin aging
- Marital status, alcohol consumption, and BMI have also been suggested to be associated with skin aging
We can see that factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and certain medications can significantly affect skin aging.
The Importance of Identical Twin Studies
Observing identical twins is an easy way to get answers if we want to know more about whether our environment or genes cause a phenomenon. Identical twins have the same DNA makeup. So if genes strictly determine skin aging, identical twins should have the same aging characteristics throughout their lives. However, research studies show that this is not true.
Identical Twin Siblings Can Show Drastically Different Signs of Skin Aging
A 2009 study by Bahman Guyuron illustrated how identical twins could exhibit very different signs of aging due to lifestyle differences. They looked at 200 pairs of twins and found strong correlations between perceived age and specific environmental facts that had to do with personal choices such as smoking, body mass (an index associated with overeating and weight gain), and sun exposure.
Numerous articles and studies on the internet discuss how UV rays from the sun are the number one cause of skin aging [2], up to 90%, according to a World Health Organization Report, “Sun Protection: A Primary Teaching Resource [3].”
According to this publication, “Chronic overexposure to the sun can change the texture and weaken the skin’s elasticity. Sun-induced skin damage causes premature wrinkling, sags and bags, and easy bruising. Up to 90% of the visible changes commonly attributed to aging may be caused by sun exposure.”
Also, when comparing genetically identical twins who received significant differences in how much sun exposure they received, their average perceived age difference was over 11 years.
What You Can Do To Slow the Progression of Your Skin’s Aging Process
Although you cannot control your genes, you can control your lifestyle and many environmental factors contributing to older-looking skin. Much of this comes down to making healthier choices, including limiting sun exposure. Although tanning was once associated with health, since many people wanted to achieve a healthy-looking glow, it is now known as detrimental to our skin.
Also, it is essential to apply sunscreen daily, even on overcast days.
Besides limiting sun exposure, eating a regular healthy diet rich in antioxidants with food choices such as dark leafy green vegetables and colorful fruits would also be essential.
Further Reading
Identical Twins Hair Loss Study: Is Hair Loss Caused by Genes or Environment?
Can Dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitis Affect Your Hair Transplant Results?
References
- 1. Ichibori R, Fujiwara T, Tanigawa T, et al. Objective assessment of facial skin aging and the associated environmental factors in Japanese monozygotic twins. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2014;13(2):158-163. doi:10.1111/jocd.12081
- HuffPost. 2022. The Number One Cause of Skin Aging. [online] Available at: <https://www.huffpost.com/archive/ca/entry/dermatology-aging-skin_b_2697274> [Accessed 28 July 2022].
- Avoidable?, I., sun?, H., protection?, W., necessary?, W., protection?, D., use?, W., protection?, I., sunglasses?, W., traveling?, W., vulnerable?, A. and sun?, H., 2022. Radiation: Protecting against skin cancer. [online] Who.int. Available at: <https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-protecting-against-skin-cancer> [Accessed 28 July 2022].
