According to a new study by Harvard university, it was identified that a group of genes that allow some people to look up to 10 years younger than their actual age.

The scientists studied 1 million people with private genetic database. They found that 10 percent of white and 20 per cent of black Americans carry the “genetic recipe” for youthful skin. The group of ‘younger genes’ basically fall in seven categories which affect several areas including DNA repair and ability of the skin that protects it against damaging environmental factors. The study also covers the production of elements in the skin called lamellar bodies that produce lipids, molecules containing fats, waxes and nutrients that help to keep the skin moist.

“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,” said Alexa Kimball, professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the research team.

“They have other characteristics in their skin which confer good ageing, which until now we had no idea about,” Kimball said.

The study will appear in a series of publications, including the International Journal of Dermatology, later this year.

By Lizitha