A new study commissioned by Olay has found that external factors such as UV exposure and skin hydration play a much bigger role in skin ageing that genetics.¹

Olay partnered with personal genetics company 23andMe to carry out the large-scale study, which revealed that it is nurture over nature that has the most impact on skin age.

Olay first discovered that 8% of women are “exceptional skin agers”, with skin that looks at least 10 years younger than their actual age, in its Multi-Decade & Ethnicity (MDE) Study last year. Olay scientists discovered that for these women, their skin ages much more slowly than the average population and has a unique gene expression fingerprint. While we all have these genes, they work harder in the lucky 8% and perform more like they do in young skin.

The new study was carried out to determine why this 8% have a younger skin age – because they are born with it (nature) or because of the environment they are in and the choices they make (nurture) – and the findings suggested the latter.

Informed by the outcomes of the study, Olay has reformulated its key Regenerist and Total Effects products with even more scientifically-proven ingredients that help contribute to a visibly younger skin age, encouraging skin to act more like the 8%. 

Using genomic tools, Olay scientists identified new ingredients, such as carob seed in Olay Regenerist 3 Point Super Age-Defying Cream; carnosine (a tone perfecting di-peptide) in Olay Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream; and the inclusion of double the amount of anti-oxidants in Total Effects Effects Day Moisturiser SPF15, to turbo-boost the already proven anti-ageing formulations. RRP from £14.99.

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 Hallgrímsdóttir