A front page article in The Sunday Times last weekend (9 November) titled "City Air Makes Skin Age Faster" highlighted a new Olay-funded study showing that damage from air pollution means the skin of women living in urban areas ages faster than that of their rural counterparts. 

Beauty4Media reporta that the data presented by Olay and leading dermatologists this weekend in China, for the first time, provides sound scientific evidence that skin barrier function and hydration are among the most immediate and significant threats air pollution imposes on our skin.

Recognizing the lack of in-depth research in the area of air pollution and skin health, Olay conducted a clinical study measuring multiple aspects of skin health and appearance of over 200 women, across the least and most polluted districts of Beijing, while simultaneously recording their lifestyle choices.

Results found that despite making better lifestyle choices, such as cleansing routines, water consumption and greater skin care product usage; subjects living in the highly polluted district had significantly worse skin hydration than subjects living in the cleaner air suburbs.  

Speaking on the study findings, Olay Senior Scientist Dr. Frauke Neuser said: "This new evidence shows that it is vital for skincare today to incorporate pollution-fighting, barrier building ingredients."

"One of our essential skincare 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."

City dwellers needn't despair though as they can readily attain the protection afforded by niacinamide as it is the key active ingredient in Olay Total Effects Day Moisturiser SPF15. It is a super multi-vitamin moisturiser that helps give the appearance of younger-looking, more beautiful skin whilst protecting it to better stand the impact of an urban environment and the test of time.

And remember of course that Broad Spectrum UV protection, SPF 15 also works to protect skin from sun damage.