Collaborative Post
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
Sadly, some ethnicities age better than others. Do you ever look at a Spanish person and wonder why they look 20 when they’re 50? Or why do Asian people (specifically Japanese and Korean) have glass skin?
Well, there’s a reason for it. You might not like it, but there is. And if you’re from one of the countries with less than favourable statistics about ageing (the UK and US), then you’ll have been envious of another ethnicity’s skin at one point or another. Or at least wondered how they stay looking so young.
Read on to discover their secrets to smooth skin and a youthful glow.
Skincare Philosophies
Some cultures have a better attitude towards skincare – and they have better access to it. If you have TikTok, search for Korean glass skin and see the different methods of people trying to achieve the look.
Still, many East Asian cultures emphasise preventative skincare from a young age. If you’re 40 and using Loreal’s anti-ageing day and night cream, it probably won’t have the effect you’re hoping for. You could try anti wrinkle injections; that’ll work better.
The Melanin Factor
Melanin is the pigment responsible for skin colour. Sadly, for all of us melanin-deficient people, it’s a significant factor in how different ethnicities age. And there’s science that backs it up. It’s not just good luck. The dermis is thicker with people with more melanin – that’s Hispanics, Latinos, Africans, etc. Melanin also prevents photoaging – AKA, if we brits sit in the sun without factor 100, we’ll notice it later. Melanin also protects the elastic fibres so deep wrinkles are less common.
Basically, if you could bottle up melanin and make it a skin care cream, you’d make billions.
Genetic Heritage
Then there’s genetics – something you also can’t help. But don’t go attacking your parents too quickly. You can delay and almost alter genetics if you treat your body right, but there’s only so much you can do. Genetics do influence your skin elasticity and how quickly wrinkles will appear. Some people simply have better genetics, but even people with melanin can have bad genetics that even melanin can’t help.
Still, some ethnicities are more lucky genetically than others. For example, some Asian ethnicities have genes that produce more collagen. No amount of collagen creams produces the same effect, but they do help.
Dietary Habits
Yes, you are what you eat. Your diet has a big influence on how you look. If you eat processed food and drink alcohol often, it’s proven to age you fast. Compared to the UK and US, different ethnicities tend to have a diet higher in antioxidants, healthy fats, and less processed foods. It’s the Western world that loves McDonald’s, a cheeky Nandos, or an In-and-Out burger.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids supports skin elasticity and combat inflammation, which can accelerate ageing.
Understanding why some ethnicities age better than others reveals a complex tapestry of factors, from the biological to the environmental. While genetics and melanin levels offer certain advantages, lifestyle choices and skincare practices play a vital role in maintaining youthful skin.