Do YOU have the younger gene? Scientists identify genetic recipe that knocks years off our age – and you’re twice as likely to have it if you are black.

Harvard scientists led a study involving almost one million people with private genetic database 23andMe and found one in ten white and a fifth of black Americans carry the ‘genetic recipe’ for youthful skin.

The genes fit into seven categories that affect areas such as DNA repair and the performance of the skin’s barrier against damaging environmental factors.

A spongy material between skin cells, retains a better structure among black people.

The discovery could explain the youthful appearance of celebrities such as the actress Halle Berry, 48, and the model Iman, 59, wife of musician David Bowie.

–Super Model Iman

Young genes? Model Iman is well-known for her youthful looks as scientists suggest this could be down to her gene pool.

Researcher Alexa Kimball, professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, said: ‘Many of us felt that people with darker skin aged better because of more pigment and better photo [sunlight] protection, but we have found there is much more to it than that.
‘They have other characteristics in their skin which confer good ageing, which until now we had no idea about.’

This project suggests they could be amongst the lucky few with the genetic recipe to naturally keep them young-looking.

–younger-gene-Scientists-identify-genetic-recipe

–Actress Halle Berry

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.

–harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/news/a11162/how-genes-affect-aging

–Super Model Iman

Thanks to good genes, lots of ultraviolet ray-shielding melanin, natural oils and some say the grace of God…

More fab findings from Allure’s survey:

  • 64 percent of black women say they aren’t worried about the physical signs of aging.
  • 81 percent of black women think they look younger than other woman their age.
  • 65 percent of black women have no intention of considering anti-aging treatments or procedures in the future.

The results show that most African Americans do indeed celebrate their age-defying looks.

–huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/19/black-women-aging-allure-survey

–Actress Halle Berry

I personally have seen  dark skin women in their 60’s that can pass for 40. The dead give away was their demeanor.