Nature vs. Nurture - Which Factors Keep you Forever Fabulous?

Hi Beauties! Long-time, no see! I’ve been traveling a bit, and airplanes are just about the only place nowadays where I get to catch up on my magazines. Now that I’m back, I’ve got tons to dish about, beginning with an article in Allure that I think every lass worth her lip gloss should know about!

We’ve all been told a million times – “Stay out of the sun,” “Don’t smoke,” “Eat your veggies!” All great tips for looking and feeling young; but just how much of a difference do these vices really make? Will your superior DNA swoop in and save the day? Will your sun protection obsession ever pay off? Allure’s September issue shared the scoop, with a story that chronicled a recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The research, which examined the effects of different environmental factors on the appearance of identical twins, resulted in some fascinating conclusions. What I learned was that – even though my mom is beautiful – I can’t count on her genes to make up for my indiscretions. The good news? All of us have more influence on the way we age than we think.

So how drastic are the effects of environmental factors? Take a look at these “identical” twins!

These 61-year-old sisters are a prime example of why you should stay out of the sun and skip the cigarettes! Susan, the unfortunate sibling on the right, smoked for 16 years, and sun bathed for more than that. Jeanne, meanwhile, avoided the sun and the smokes. The differences are shocking, and undeniable!

Don’t fret, ladies, it’s not too late! The scientists who conducted the study came up with the following guidelines:

- Cigarettes not only take years off your life –they add years to your appearance. 2.5 years for every 10 years you smoke, to be exact!

- Sun bathing can have an effect on a woman’s skin as early as her 20s! Years of sun bathing can cause up to 80% of all skin aging. (The good news for you outdoorsy gals is that, according to the study, sunscreen can minimize or prevent those effects! Phew!)

- Catherine Deneuve was right when she said that “after a certain age, a woman needs to choose between her face and her behind.” After the age of 40, thinner women appear older than women who are a bit more buxom. (Another reason to have cupcakes at your 40^th birthday celebration!)

- Anti-depressants, excessive alcohol consumption and extreme stress (such as divorce or financial crisis) can also add years to the appearance.

Want to read the full story? Check out the article at the following link:

http://www.stylelist.com/blog/2009/10/30/what-keeps-a-woman-looking-young/

Happy Halloween, you fabulous things!