How do my genes affect skin aging?

Intrinsic aging is a process that happens to everyone. The rate at which intrinsic aging happens is determined by the genes you inherited from your family tree. However, the good news is that this natural process has relatively little to do with what causes your skin to look old. All of us over time gradually lose some collagen and elastic tissue, important components that keeps the skin plump and smooth. Some lucky souls are blessed with genes that slow down that loss. Still, even people who are programmed to lose collagen at a brisker rate won’t show particularly dramatic effects unless the causes of extrinsic aging accelerate the process.

Watch as board certified dermatologist Dr. Anne Chapas explains how your genes and heredity can affect skin aging.