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It is time for redheads to rejoice as a recent study has reported that people with redhead and related skin type look younger than their age because of their genes. The researchers have also discovered the gene that is partly responsible for this trait.

Dutch scientists have discovered a variant of the gene named MC1R which reportedly contributes to the redhead and the fair skin few westerners have. Scientists have also noted that variant MC1R gene which is responsible for the redhead is the one that makes people look younger than their age.

For the purpose of the study researchers from Erasmus University in Rotterdam included about 2700 Dutch Europeans that had redhead and fair skin. After detailed analyzes of the study participants, the investigators came to a conclusion that the MC1R variant gene present in the subjects is the reason behind their skin color and redhead. They also noted that the gene variant makes redhead look two years younger for their age.

Prof Dr Manfred Kayser, who co-wrote the study said that a gene for explaining age and skin color related issues is studied for the first ever time. He also noted that though looking young is desired by everyone, people's body and health have a role to play in their appearance.

"The association between these variants and perceived age wasn't influenced by age, sex, skin colour or sun damage," said Kayser, noted Stuff. "Although MC1R also affects red hair and pale skin, the association between these variants and perceived age wasn't influenced by skin colour or sun damage. Hence, its role in perceived age is independent of its role in pigmentation," Kayser explained.

According to the finding redheads look younger because they could be ageing slower than their age which also means that they could be healthier than their non-redhead counterparts. Kayser noted that the study shed light on investigation the association of other biological factors that influences ageing.

"The perception of age is one of the best and most exciting ways to measure how well people are ageing, which we hope will lead to further breakthroughs in health and ageing research in the near future," said Dr David Gunn, of Unilever, which participated in the study, reported The New Indian Express.