A recent study of twins has revealed some surprising facts about aging. Tests on twins have proved that when one looks significantly older than the other it is often the external factors, such as smoking, drinking and too much sunbathing, that have a detrimental effect on appearance. We probably knew that already but what we might find surprising is that  excessive and yo-yo dieting also added years to their faces. The more we preserve fat in our faces, especially in the middle cheek area, the more we preserve the facial proportions of our youth. So there is no need to aspire to the hollow cheeked, sharp boned, chiselled jaw look favoured by Madonna and Victoria Beckham as it may well end in tears. The study also found that marital status played a significant role, with divorcees looking older than their married or single counterparts. Depression had a huge role to play as persistent relaxation of the facial muscles can be attributed to long term anti-depressant use. Too much stress was another negative factor, causing skin complaints such as psoriasis and eczema as well as deep facial lines. Those who worry less appear to have that wonderful joie de vivre and optimism, both significant factors in cheating the biological time bomb. So eat well and don’t worry are the main lessons to be learned it seems if you want to remain youthful.

After reading about this, I went to collect my washing. On turning some black jeans inside out, I caught sight of the washing label. Alongside the symbols was a printed message – ‘have fun with your washing’ – how lovely. These particular  jeans are one of the oldest garments in my wardrobe, a product of H&M who I have always rated for the quality of their trousers. How strange that I had never noticed it before. Little things like this really help to ease your stresses and put a smile on your face. I hope you too have fun with your washday.

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