By Walter Ang
August 3, 2009
Manila Bulletin
 |
| Via daphneosena.livejournal.com |
Seven commercially available products such as creams with beech extract, with idebenone, with retinol, with beta-hydroxy acid, with folic acid, and with vitamin C and E were included in the study.
Conducted by Olay manufacturer Proctor and Gamble (P&G) in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, to test its own product against others, the study used three key technical measurements to assess the creams' effectiveness: strengthening of the skin's moisture barrier, increased rate of skin exfoliation, and protection from free radicals. A third-party survey conducted at the 21st World Congress of Dermatology showed that 9 out of 10 dermatologists concur with these standards.
Criteria
Repairing the skin's moisture barrier is one key way to fight skin ageing. As people grow older, the skin's natural moisture is reduced, making skin drier and more prone to wrinkles. Moisturized skin maintains an even tone and appears more radiant, while lines and wrinkles are minimized.
Increasing exfoliation is another way to help make skin appear younger-looking. As people age, the rate at which their skin cells are produced and shed slows down, resulting in dull complexion. Increasing the exfoliation rate of skin cells allows new skin to brighten the skin tone.
Finally, protection from damaging free radicals is the third benefit an anti-ageing cream should provide. Exposure to UV rays, smoke and pollution damage the skin, causing spots and wrinkles to appear over time.
Testing methods
To test whether a product restores the skin's moisture barrier function, the study measured the rate of the skin's water loss over a 30-day period. Products that help restore the skin's moisture barrier should reduce the rate of water loss in the skin.
To evaluate whether a product enhances the skin's appearance via exfoliation, the rate of surface cell turnover was measured. A product that helps increase the exfoliation rate should result in a higher cell turnover rate.
Finally, to assess whether a product protects skin from free radicals, the study measured the amount of lipid peroxides on the skin. Lipid peroxides are created when UV rays and free radicals attack the skin. Effective products should cause a reduction in the amount of lipid peroxides in the skin.
Winner
Olay Total Effects performed better on all three criteria compared to the other creams. "We're very pleased that Olay Total Effects scored well in the study. It means we were able to achieve our goal of creating a balanced product that addresses the multiple signs of ageing that women worldwide are concerned about," said P&G skin care scientist David Khoo. "We were very relieved by the results!" he added with a laugh.
The cream with beech extract and the cream with folic acid, came in second and third, respectively. Both creams scored relatively well on all three factors. However some creams, like the one with retinol, were good at providing only one or two benefits instead of all three. "Retinoids may deliver anti-wrinkle effects but those effects may come with irritation and redness," said Khoo.
According to Khoo, Olay Total Effects scored highest because of its unique VitaNiacin Complex. "We took into consideration the different causes of skin ageing, both internal factors and external, and that's how we were able to come up with a product that simultaneously targets multiple changes that occur during the ageing process," he said.
To restore the skin's moisture barrier, it has niacinamide (vitamin B3) and pro-vitamin B5 that help skin retain its natural moisture.
Niacinamide also works with panthenol and vitamin E to provide a host of benefits, such as reduction of hyperpigmented spots and oil secretion, and reduction of wrinkles through stimulation of collagen synthesis.
To protect skin from free radicals, it contains an effective combination of broad spectrum sunscreen and anti-oxidants Vitamin C and E.
Convinced
Broadcast journalist Daphne Oseña-Paez has been using Olay Total Effects for several years now. "It's really part of my job not to take things at face value so when I'm surrounded by all these new creams, I do my research before buying into it," said Daphne. "I have very sensitive skin and I like Olay Total Effects because it really works for me. This new study is proof that I've made the right choice."
She was made an Olay Ambassador because of her trust in the product. She is joined by seasoned actress Angel Aquino as the newest Olay Ambassador. Both women will host the Olay Total Effects Swap on August 29, from 2pm - 3pm, at the Activity Center of SM Megamall Building A.
"We invite all women to bring their current anti-ageing cream and we will swap it for a free bottle of Olay Total Effects. It's a really great chance to discover the best anti-ageing cream for yourself, so don't miss it!" said Angel.