Could your DNA reveal your Facial Attractiveness? Upload raw DNA data to learn more about yourself and genomics science.
Having a beautiful face isn’t everything, but it sure is nice to be easy on the eyes. Whether you love it, hate it, or feel neutral about it, physical looks play a big role in our everyday confidence and how we move around in the world.
Previous research has shown that attractiveness can get people a long way: it’s associated with better performance in school and a better career. It’s no wonder that the global cosmetic industry is worth $500 billion.
So, how do you know if you have attractive facial features? While you can rely on your perception or on what other people say about you, the only way to truly find out is if it’s in your genes through facial attractiveness analysis.
Facial Attractiveness and Genetics
While a couple of studies have suggested that genetics explain some variability in facial attractiveness, a recent study by Hu and colleagues is among the first to identify which genes drive this difference in beauty in the population.
Using over 4000 samples from Wisconsin high school graduates of European descent, investigators sought to identify gene loci that could be linked to facial attractiveness.
What did they find? Two gene loci were found to be statistically significant: the ANTXRLP1 pseudogene (which is close to the ANTXRLP gene) and the CDC42EP3 gene (or LINC00211 RNA-coding gene).
The ANTXRLP gene is associated with skin pigmentation, while the CDC42EP3 gene is associated with height. In addition, they looked at females and males separately, because many of the variants they found were sex-specific.
Interestingly, female facial attractiveness was negatively associated with BMI, meaning that, among girls and women, people with lower BMI tend to have more attractive faces, and vice versa. On the other hand, male facial attractiveness was positively associated with blood cholesterol (which is important in testosterone production).
Facial Attractiveness Analysis of Your Raw DNA File
If you’re wondering what your genes tell you about facial attractiveness, you can now find out by taking a genetics test.
Genetics tests are available through many companies, like AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage. So, you might have already completed a test. If this is the case, you can ask for your raw DNA file and then upload it to a different website that offers physical traits and facial attractiveness analysis.
If you haven’t had a genetics test, you’ll need one before learning all about your physical traits.
While this study has several limitations, including the lack of diversity within the study population, it provides an interesting first look into how our DNA can influence how attractive our faces are.
A Word on Beauty and Attraction
While it might be fun or even important for you to find out if you have attractive facial features, remember that there are a few ways to become more attractive – even if it’s not in your DNA. Smile, and don’t forget to make eye contact.
So what does your DNA say about your facial attractiveness? Log on to Genomelink to find out.
Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash
