Olay enthusiastically reports that their “new study reveals that lifestyle choices supersede genes when it comes to ageless looking skin,” in a press item summarizing the data.
Lifestyle
Remarking on the findings, Olay principal scientist, Frauke Neuser, says in the release that “the results of the study tell us that exceptional skin ageing is overwhelmingly determined by external environmental and behavioral factors that are within our control, with genetic factors playing a much smaller role.”
Given that, it’s perhaps unsurprising that sun care is key: “It comes down to smart lifestyle choices, the most important ones being: avoiding sun (UV) exposure and daily sunscreen use to mitigate its ageing effects, keeping the skin well-hydrated and having a positive mental attitude,” Neuser tells the press.
Olay found that women who commonly used sunscreen were 78% more like to be what the company is calling ‘an exceptional skin ager’. That term refers to someone who looks more than 10 years younger than their chronological age. Earlier research from Olay indicates that some 10% of women are exceptional skin agers by virtue of genetics.
Choices
That’s good news for skin care brands, Olay included; and it’s good news for consumers who invest money in skin care product purchases and invest time in to their skin care routines. “This is exciting news as it puts the future of women’s skin firmly in their hands and highlights the importance of having an effective anti-ageing skincare regime. These findings will also help inform new Olay product innovation coming later this year,” affirms Neuser.
The skin care maker’s findings indicate that beyond skin care other aspects of lifestyle can impact skin aging. For instance women who self-reported having a positive attitude were 30% more likely to be exceptional skin agers.
Olay also found that regular exercise, 8+ hours of sleep each night, multi-vitamin use, living in or near a city, among other things to also be “positive predictors of ageless looking skin.”
Conversely women with frequently dry skin were 30% less likely to fall in that category. And, those who sunbathe frequently were 35% less likely.