Secret of Younger Looking Skin Revealed by Scientists

The first part of human DNA, the genetic code, is the reason why some people appear older or younger than others. According to the research reported in journal Current Biology, the mutations formed a part of genetic makeup that protected the skin from harmful UV radiation. It is important to note that these genes can lead to red hair that can cause confusion in the study findings by skin, hair color and eyes.

The study about "perceived age" was organized by Unilever and Erasmus University Medical Centre in the Netherlands. Dr. David Gunn, a senior scientist working with the company says that nearly everyone is familiar with the concept of perceived age.

He told the BBC News website: "You meet two people you haven't seen for 10 years, and you happen to notice one doesn't look a day older than you remember and then the other person you think 'Wow what happened to them?'."

During the research, 2,693 people's DNA was scoured to look for mutations that were common in younger looking people. The answer was MC1R gene which is responsible for making melanin, affecting skin pigmentation and offering protection against UV radiation from the sun. But this gene comes in variety of forms, such as the one that causes red hair and is nicknamed the "ginger" gene.

Prof Manfred Kayser, from Erasmus, told the BBC News website: "The exciting part is we actually found the gene, and that we did find the first means we will be able to find more.

"It is exciting because this is a well known phenomenon that so far cannot be explained - why do some people look so much younger?"

For now, the researchers are unable to explain why MC1R gene has such an effect. They tested several ideas that some variants may even reverse the skin damage caused by sun. However, it doesn't appear to be the case.

Prof Ian Jackson, from the UK Medical Research Council's Human Genetics Unit, said that even though the study is interesting, it is not the exactly the fountain of youth.

He said: "MC1R is the major gene involved in red hair and pale skin, and what they're trying to say is it's got an impact on making you look slightly younger that isn't to do with paler skin, but I'm not so sure."