When it comes to aging, it's not you, it's them; you know, UV radiation, pollution, diet, etc. 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 Meeting.

Women who almost always used sunscreen were 78% more likely to be an exceptional skin ager, compared to women who almost never do. 

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 skin care habits were less likely to achieve successful skin aging.

Women who frequently sunbathed were 35% less likely to be an exceptional skin ager. 

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. 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 best-selling 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 this month.