Study Reveals That Certain Lifestyle Choices Might Matter More Than Genes When it Comes to Exceptionally Youthful Looking Skin
Olay, in collaboration with personal genetics company 23andMe, recently
conducted a study to identify factors associated with exceptional skin
aging. In this particular study, external factors (nurture) had a larger
effect on exceptionally youthful skin appearance than two identified
genetic variations (nature). More specifically, sunscreen usage and
positive attitude were positively correlated with younger-looking skin,
while sunbathing and frequent dry skin have a negative association with
skin aging.
The collaboration was inspired by a breakthrough discovery made last
year when Olay identified biological commonalities among a group of
women called ‘exceptional skin agers’. During the brand’s largest
research endeavor, the Multi-Decade and Ethnicities Study (MDE Study),
Olay scientists found that 10% of women looked more than 10 years
younger than their actual age and shared a unique gene expression
fingerprint, effectively enabling their skin to behave like that of
someone much younger. This led to questions about why some women look
more than 10 years younger than their actual age; due to their
environment and lifestyle choices, or a genetic predisposition.
Most recently, in a study with over 155,000 participants conducted in
collaboration with 23andMe, Olay researchers learned that women can take
control to achieve exceptional skin aging. The work will be presented at
this year’s AAD Annual Meeting1.
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Women who almost always used sunscreen were 78% more likely to be an
exceptional skin ager, compared to women who almost never do.
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Women who reported they had a positive attitude towards themselves
were 30% more likely to be an exceptional skin ager.
Similarly, women with less than ideal skincare habits were less likely
to achieve successful skin aging.
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Women who frequently sunbathed were 35% less likely to be an
exceptional skin ager.
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Women who frequently or always suffered from dry skin were 30% less
likely to be an exceptional skin ager.
Additional positive predictors included: activity and energy levels,
living in an urban area, regular exercise, eight or more hours of sleep
a night, multi-vitamin usage and high self-rated health. Additional
negative predictors included: smoking cigarettes and a body mass index
of over 25.
“These findings are incredibly exciting because they show that women can
actively take beauty into their own hands,” said Dr. Frauke Neuser,
Principal Scientist, Olay Skin Care, P&G. “In this study, having skin
that looks exceptionally young – ageless – was not down to luck;
genetics plays some role, but factors within women's control have larger
effects. Future genomics and genetics research might enable us to
provide increasingly personalized services and product solutions for
women around the world.”
Inspired by these insights and the discovery of the 10% exceptional skin
agers, Olay re-engineered some of its most loved products with new
ingredients to help more women’s skin look ageless. Specifically,
several new or reformulated Olay Regenerist, Luminous and Total Effects
products, containing Carob Seed Extract, carnosine or increased amounts
of antioxidants respectively, have been shown to deliver visible results
and youthful looking skin.
New Olay Regenerist, Luminous and Total Effects will be available at
local retailers beginning January 2017.
About Olay
Olay is a worldwide leader in skin care and has been trusted by women
for over 60 years. Olay continues to hold to the philosophy it was
founded on: to maintain a deep understanding of women’s changing needs
and to combine products that fit their needs with the latest advances in
skin care technology. The end result—superior product performance women
have come to expect from Olay. It brings healthy, beautiful skin to more
than 80 million women on five continents.
About Procter & Gamble
P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest
portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®,
Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®,
Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®,
Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G
community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide.
Please visit http://www.pg.com for
the latest news and information about P&G and its brands.
About 23andMe
23andMe, Inc. is the leading personal genetics company. Founded in 2006,
the mission of the company is to help people access, understand and
benefit from the human genome. 23andMe has more than 1 million customers
worldwide with over 80 percent consented to participate in research.
23andMe, Inc. is located in Mountain View, CA. More information is
available at www.23andMe.com.
[1] AAD 2017, Poster #5530: Genetic and Lifestyle Factors Contribute
to Youthful Facial Appearance. R Osborne, J Tiesman, F Neuser, M Tamura,
W Safi, MH McIntyre, SS Shringarpure, IB Hallgriìmsdoìttir
