That’s right, it’s time for another ‘wait, which one is which?’ story of a mother and daughter looking like they’re the same age.
Elementary teacher Joleen Diaz is 43 and mum to 19-year-old Meilani Parks – but they’re often mistaken for sisters.
That’s due to Joleen’s incredibly youthful looks, which completely erase the 23-year age gap between them.
The confusion isn’t helped by the pair’s close bond. They often snap selfies together and pose in matching bikinis, which makes it harder to tell who’s the mum and who’s the daughter.
‘We are very close,’ says Joleen. ‘We do lots of things together – travel, shop, work out.
‘And sometimes just lay on the couch and talk.’
Thankfully, Meilani doesn’t take offence when people think her mum is her sister.
‘I don’t think she minds,’ says Joleen. ‘While she was growing up, she would often hear people tell me they thought her mother was her sister.
‘I was pretty young when I had her, so it’s not entirely impossible that we could be sisters.’
Joleen credits her youthful appearance to the classics – there’s no easy-to-copy secret, just a good skincare routine and a healthy lifestyle.
She says: ‘I’ve always lived a healthy, active lifestyle.
‘I rarely drink alcohol, I get a lot of rest, and eat a balanced, healthy diet.’
‘I religiously take care of my skin, and everyday wash my face in the morning and before I go to bed.
‘I began taking care of my skin at a young age, around 12 or 13.
‘My mom used to buy Mary Kay and I would secretly use her skin care products.
‘A product that has shown dramatic change for me is, tretinoin. Most people know it as Retin-A. I’ve been using it now for about a year and a half, and I’ve seen my skin just get better and better.’
Oh, and sun protection is vital. Take Joleen’s skin as your reminder to slap on the sunscreen every single day.
‘I absolutely use sunscreen, every day, even on cloudy, rainy days,’ Joleen says. ‘I also use a vitamin C serum day and night.’
‘Having good skin gives me confidence, even on the days I don’t look my best.’
Meilani follows the same strict skincare plan, so in 23 years time she’ll probably look the same age.
Joleen got her started on the same routine at the age of 12.
Don’t get disheartened if you haven’t been taking the same amount of care – it’s never too late to start looking after your skin.
And perhaps an easier lifestyle choice to adopt is Joleen’s ability to stay in the moment and not worry about the future.
‘I’m pretty pragmatic, and try not to worry too much about the past or anticipate worries in the future,’ she explains.
‘I live a pretty simple life and I’m content with what I have.
‘I’ve had my share of [clubbing and partying] – these days I’d rather stay home, drink a nice cup of hot tea, and watch a good movie.’
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