A mother and daughter who get mistaken for sisters on social media regularly leave strangers stunned by revealing the 23-year age gap between them.
Joleen Diaz, 43, and 19-year-old daughter Meilani Parks, both from northern California, enjoy an enviably close relationship, and spending so much time together often gives rise to confusion.
Now the single mother has revealed that she keeps her skin looking as youthful as her daughter’s by maintaining good old-fashioned clean living.
She continued: ‘I’ve always lived a healthy, active lifestyle. I rarely drink alcohol, I get a lot of rest, and eat a balanced, healthy diet.’
The youthful mother, whose beauty regime is centered around skincare, also believes the key to retaining the appearance of her skin was starting early, around the age of 12.
Mother Joleen Diaz (right), 43, and daughter Meilani Parks (left), 19, both from northern California, have a 23-year age gap between them
The mother (left) and daughter (right) are often thought to be sisters due to Joleen’s youthful appearance
Joleen (left) and Meilani (right) share a tight relationship and even carry out their day-to-day activities together
Elementary teacher Joleen said: ‘We are very close. We do lots of things together, travel, shop, work out. And sometimes just lay on the couch and talk.
It is due to the closeness she shares with her mother that teenager Meilani does not take offence when people think her mother is her sister.
Joleen continued: ‘I don’t think she minds. While she was growing up, she would often hear people tell me they thought my mother was my sister.
‘I was pretty young when I had her, so it’s not entirely impossible that we could be sisters.’
Joleen (left with Meilani) said she does not think her daughter minds that strangers think they are siblings
Joleen (left and right) has revealed that she has always lived a healthy, and rarely drinks alcohol
The youthful mother (left with daughter) said getting rest and eat a balanced and healthy diet has helped maintain her good skin
She said: ‘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.
‘Living in California, sun protection is naturally key. I absolutely use sunscreen, every day, even on cloudy, rainy days. 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.’
Joleen (right), who washes her face in the morning and before she goes to bed, insists that her daughter (left) follows the same rigorous routine
Joleen (pictured) said a product that has shown dramatic change for her is tretinoin which is known by most people as Retin-A
The youthful mother now insists that her daughter follows the same rigorous routine in order to maintain her radiant skin.
She said: ‘Yes I do. I had her start around age 12.’
However Joleen also believes that a relaxed attitude is key to keeping a youthful glow.
She continued: ‘I’m pretty pragmatic, and try not to worry too much about the past or anticipate worries in the future.’
Joleen and her partner split up amicably 13 years ago ago but the family still get along, and regularly vacation together.
The mother added: ‘I live a pretty simple life and I’m content with what I have.’
The youthful Joleen (left with motherJoanne and daughter Meilani ) said she also protects her skin by using sun protection
The 43-year-old mother (left and right) added that maintaining a good skincare regime helped give her the confidence she needed
The youthful mother (pictured) said that despite looking young she preferred to stay at home and drink a nice cup of hot tea rather than go to clubs or parties
Despite her youthful appearance, Joleen is not one to tag along with her daughter to clubs or parties and does not foresee them doing so in the future.
Joleen said: ‘Meilani and I have never gone clubbing or partying together. And I don’t foresee us doing that anytime in the near future.
‘I’ve had my share of doing both and these days I’d rather stay home, drink a nice cup of hot tea, and watch a good movie.’
After discovering Joleen and Meilani are mother and daughter, social media users have been quick to share their confusion – with some in disbelief at the reality of the relationship.
Social media users were left shocked upon discovering the pair were mother and daughter
One user wrote: ‘Wow!! You still look so good! You’re a Supermom haha.’
While another questioned: ‘Are you really a mom???’
Another person added: ‘Who had who at this point.’
Meanwhile others have pointed out the pair look so alike the could be twins, with one asking: ‘Are you twins?’