David Khoo leads Olay’s scientific communications work to develop new skin care cosmetics for women in the Asia-Pacific region; and overseas the development of diagnostic and educational tools that help women identify the right skincare approaches for their unique skin needs.

David Khoo
David Khoo

1) Don’t smoke or hang out in smoky places – next to sun exposure, cigarette smoke is another significant cause of skin aging, so avoid it when you can.

2) Don’t bring your iGadget to bed – lack of sleep can weaken your skin barrier, causing it to lose moisture more quickly so it takes on a dry, tired appearance. The glow of an electronic screen actually causes a delay in the release of the sleep hormone melatonin, so that you’ll find it harder to fall asleep.

A lesson in creme brulee conducted by Olay Senior Scientist, David Khoo, brings to life the effect of sugar on skin at the Olay Total Effects session
A lesson in creme brulee conducted by Olay Senior Scientist, David Khoo, brings to life the effect of sugar on skin at the Olay Total Effects session

3) Cut down on sugar – processed sugar is cheap energy, and it can show on your skin. It sticks to the collagen proteins in your skin and makes it brittle and yellow, so that skin is more prone to wrinkling and can even take on a yellowish hue.

4) Find time to relax – emotional stress can be surprisingly harmful to your skin, affecting its ability to recover from damage. Find a de-stressing ritual that works for you: a daily stroll, quiet breathing or meditation. Your skin will thank you.

Olay Senior Scientist, David Khoo, gives an insight into the increase in modern day stressors that affect skin
Olay Senior Scientist, David Khoo, gives an insight into the increase in modern day stressors that affect skin

In addition to having a healthy lifestyle, you can also use a great skincare product, one backed by extensive research and whose ingredients are recognized by dermatologists the world over. Olay Total Effects is such a product.

Advice for women in 20s 30s and 40s:

Olay Total Effects
Olay Total Effects

In your 20’s
Many women at this age don’t believe that they need anti-ageing skincare, but our studies have shown that signs of ageing are beginning to appear, including small dark spots, uneven pigmentation on the cheek, and fine lines and wrinkles around the eye, especially when smiling. At the same time, women may still be experiencing excessive oiliness as they transition out of their teenage years. That’s why it’s important to take some basic maintenance and protective measures by using a good cleanser, an all around moisturizer that can tackle several of the emerging skin ageing concerns, and a good sunscreen that helps to prevent further sun damage, which has a cumulative effect on skin.

In your 30’s
Dark spots are more visible. Oiliness and acne are less of a concern. On the other hand, your skin may be a bit drier than before and this can make lines and wrinkles more prominent. At the same time, it can also have a dull, uneven texture. Skin-nourishing night creams are no longer an option – they are a must-have product, in addition to a daily anti-aging moisturizer and sunscreen.

Olay Total Effects
Olay Total Effects

In your 40’s
Lines and Wrinkles may start to become evident on the brow and cheek, dryness and loss of elasticity may become a greater concern. Women may notice that their skin doesn’t respond as well to anti-ageing products. It could be because the skin cells don’t have the energy to respond – a phenomenon known as ‘skin fatigue’. Look for products that actively aim to re-energize skin’s appearance.