Olay reveals new insights on danger of air pollution on skin health
NEW YORK — Procter & Gamble’s Olay has teamed up with dermatologists to reveal new insights into the impact of air pollution on skin health as it prepares to launch newly formulated anti-aging moisturizers from Olay Total Effects.
Olay recently conducted a clinical study across the least and most polluted districts of Beijing, measuring multiple aspects of skin health and appearance on more than 200 women, while recording their lifestyle and skin-care routine choices. The detailed analysis showed that subjects living in the highly polluted district had significantly worse skin hydration than subjects living in the cleaner suburbs, despite making better lifestyle choices (such as cleansing routines, water consumption and greater skin-care product usage). In addition, lower levels of important biomarkers, indicating compromised skin-barrier function, were found in the urban subjects.
While not wholly unexpected to see impaired skin condition linked to high air pollution, P&G stated that this study is the first to provide sound scientific evidence that skin-barrier function and skin hydration are among the most immediate and significant threats air pollution imposes on our skin.
Collaboration between Olay scientists and Wei Liu, head of the Dermatology Department at the General Hospital of the Air Force, Beijing, demonstrated that concerns about air pollution are not just perception but reflected by real science. The team looked at the relationship between air quality and incidence of dermatological skin conditions among patients in Beijing over a year-long period, and revealed a clear correlation between spikes in air pollution and increases in the number of patients suffering from skin problems, such as urticaria (hives). While researchers indicated that further research is needed and underway, these results show that air pollution is not just affecting skin on a cosmetic level, but can pose a real threat to skin health, too.
Speaking on the study’s findings, Olay senior scientist Frauke Neuser said, “Olay’s commitment to working towards the next generation of pollution-focused skin care solutions couldn’t be timelier. This evidence shows that it is vital for skincare today to incorporate pollution-fighting, skin-repairing ingredients. One of our essential ingredients, Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3), is supported by over 15 years of data and published research that proves its ability to restore and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, whilst improving skin hydration and promoting skin-surface exfoliation. Our team of leading scientists are constantly searching for the latest scientifically robust technologies that can complement and improve our products.”
While Olay boasts a number of ingredients for environmental protection in current product offerings, starting in January 2015, it will launch three newly formulated anti-aging moisturizers from Olay Total Effects. These daily moisturizers have been formulated with 40% more vitamins (including vitamin E, an anti-oxidant that helps protect against oxidative damage caused by environmental stressors) and the highest level of Niacinamide in an Olay skin care product.