Skincare survey reveals disconnect between skincare knowledge and daily routine

Canadian women surveyed believe they have healthy skincare habits, but few are putting it into action

TORONTO, June 12, 2014 /CNW/ - City living impacts skin and can make all skin sensitive, but only one quarter of women surveyed are actively trying to protect their skin from the elements.

Simple^®, a complete range of facial skincare products perfect even for sensitive skin, surveyed Canadian women (18-32) to find out more about what women know about different city skin triggers and what they are doing to take care of their skin.

Results revealed* that many women are aware of both the environmental and lifestyle-related factors, ranging from pollution (51%) to lack of sleep (74%), that can impact the look and feel of their skin and 3 in 4 women surveyed identify themselves as having healthy skincare habits, such as washing their face. Yet when it comes to putting their knowledge into practice their behaviours show there is room for improvement. Shockingly, less than half (46%) of the women surveyed usually remove their make up before bed and almost 1 in 4 have gone as long as 2 days without washing their face.

"We were surprised to see how many women are aware of the impact their city environment is making on their skin, but how little were actually doing anything about it," says Michelle St-Jacques, Skin and Deo Director, Unilever Canada. "Simple believes in a holistic approach to skincare. It's more than just the products you use, it's about taking steps in different aspects of your life - whether it be reducing stress levels, or adjusting fitness or diet – to ensure that you are being kind to skin whenever possible."

As a result, Simple^® is launching "Kind To City Skin" – a global initiative designed to help women understand the impact that city living – both environmental and lifestyle–related factors – can have on their skin and providing them with tips, information and products to help them make the necessary steps to take care of it.

In launching "Kind To City Skin," Simple^® has also created a provocative time–lapse video dramatizing the potential affects city living can have on a woman's face in just 14 days: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn-nW42VSrU. Simple^® is inviting women everywhere to view the video and join the conversation by using the hashtag #KindToCitySkin.

"Your skin goes through a lot over the course of a day. I see this with my patients everyday, but it is something that affects all women," says dermatologist Dr. Debra Luftman.  "The survey statistics and the video that Simple^® has created help to illuminate this and I am thrilled to be working with them to help more women adopt a holistic skincare approach."

Holistic Skincare Habits across the Country

Skincare Regimen:

• A quarter of women surveyed are actively trying to protect their skin from environmental elements such as the sun or wind.
• Less than half (46%) of the women surveyed say they usually remove their make up before bed.
• 24% of women surveyed say that the longest they have ever gone without washing their face is 2 days.

Diet and nutrition:

• 3 in 4 of women surveyed are aware that their diet can have an impact on the health of their skin, YET only 38% of the women surveyed consider themselves to be healthy eaters.

Stress management:

• 3 in 4 of women surveyed are aware that their stress level can have an impact on the health of their skin, YET half (51%) have a difficult timing coping with stress AND 1 in 4 (24%) say they actually skip steps in their skincare routine when they are stressed.

Exercise and fitness:

• Almost half (48%) of the total women surveyed are unaware that their exercise habits can impact the health of their skin for the better.
• 75% of the women surveyed confess that they exercise less often than they should.

Connect with Simple:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/simpleskinCA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleskincare
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/simpleskincarecanada

About Simple® in Canada
As the UK's number one skincare brand**, Simple® expanded to Canada in February, 2012. Simple® offers a complete range of facial skincare products that are dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and pH balanced. All Simple® products have no dyes, artificial perfumes or harsh chemicals that can upset skin and contain skin-loving ingredients and added vitamins for natural, healthy-looking skin. With its complete line of 15 products including cleansers, wipes, moisturizers and eye care, Simple® has a product for each step of the skincare routine – making it perfect even for sensitive skin. Simple^® is sold in all mass retailers, drug stores, grocery stores and online for a suggested retail price of $7.99-17.99.

*About the survey

From May 5^th to May 9^th, 2014, an online survey was conducted among 1,531 randomly selected Canadian women age 18-32, who are Angus Reid Forum panelists. The margin of error—which measures sampling variability—is +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to age, gender and region Census data to ensure a representative sample. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

**Symphony IRI Group UK Non-Medicated Facial Skincare Units 52 w/e 3rd December 2011

Video with caption: "Video: Simple® shows the affects that a city lifestyle can have on skin". Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn-nW42VSrU

Image with caption: "SIMPLE® uncovered the truth about women aged 18-32 holistic skincare habits in a recent survey. (CNW Group/Simple)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140612_C2435_PHOTO_EN_3624.jpg

SOURCE: Simple