Media release 29 August 2006
Research from 2006 Olay National Skincare Survey Says:
Women Need to Improve Their Sun Protection Behaviour
Most Kiwi women take good care of their skin. They cleanse and moisturise on a daily basis - yet many are going without
daily SPF protection.
The 2006 Olay National Skincare Survey results show that New Zealand women’s sun protection behaviour is mixed. When
intentionally out in the sun out at the beach (77%) or sunbathing (79%) or the majority always apply sunscreen. However,
when outside walking or jogging (34%), playing sport (42%) or washing the car (39%) they are not as disciplined with
applying a sunscreen
Overall, the vast majority of women (89%) use moisturiser daily, but 45% of women do not use sunscreen as a daily part
of their skincare regime and whilst 70% of women said they would not like to live without moisturiser only 15% said the
same of sunscreen.
Funnily enough, many women (41%) see high sun exposure as the main factor contributing to ageing of the skin. Smoking is
seen as the second main contributing factor.
Dr Anthony Tam, a leading skincare doctor with a special interest in skin cancer says of the findings “It is
encouraging to see that many New Zealand women are using sunscreen as part of their skincare regime, but there is
definitely room for improvement. Reducing total exposure to UV by using SPF protection daily will help to reduce your
chances of getting skin cancers.”
Although the amount of women who use sunscreen has increased (7%) since 2005, the frequency with which they apply
sunscreen has declined. Since 2005, the percentage of women who apply sunscreen daily in summer is down by 18% and in
winter, it has fallen 24%.
“The length of unprotected exposure time it takes to cause sun damage can vary hugely depending on skin type and the UV
index for the day. On average with a UV index of 12 it would take skin type 2 (white skin) 12 minutes to burn” Dr Tam
explains “Because some skin cancers are related to total cumulative UV exposure, protection even in winter is important”
“A moisturiser with SPF is a good solution to encourage women to incorporate sun protection into their daily skincare
regime,” says Dr Tam. The results of the survey shows that there is some confusion among women as to whether moisturiser
with SPF offers the same protection as sunscreen with SPF, with only 53% agreeing that this is the case. Dr Tam
clarifies saying, “both offer the same protection, the difference being in the permanency and waterproof properties,
which has a direct relation on how frequently you should apply.”
The 2006 National Skincare Survey has been commissioned for the third consecutive year by Olay, a skincare brand trusted
by New Zealand women for over fifty years. Over 1000 New Zealand women over the age of 20 were questioned on their
behaviour and attitudes to skincare. The focus of this year’s survey was to ascertain New Zealand women’s views and
practises regarding sun protection.
Additional key findings from the 2006 National Skincare Survey
- Fine lines and wrinkles are the main ageing worry of women with 54% being concerned about having or getting them.
However most (57%) New Zealand women feel they look younger than their biological age and the majority (71%) put this
down to genetics.
- 5%, (62,200 ) of New Zealand women have undergone a cosmetic surgical procedure
- Most women (58%) see reality TV shows like ‘The Swan’ and ‘Extreme Makeover’ as having a negative influence on society
(only 21% think they have a positive influence).
- The average monthly spend on skincare products by New Zealand women is $32.
- The average monthly spend on skincare treatments at a spa or beauty therapy centre is $25.
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Notes to Editors
Please note any reference or use of figure derived from this research requires the following recognition as minimum
acknowledgement: “The Olay National Skincare Survey conducted by Colmar Brunton was commissioned by Procter & Gamble.”
1. Dr Anthony Tam: Biography
Born in New Zealand, Dr Anthony Tam, is an experienced and qualified GP Dermatologist and Dermatologic Surgeon Dr. Tam
graduated from the University of Otago in 1992 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. He has since
obtained a Fellowship of the Royal NZ College of General Practitioners and has worked alongside some of Auckland's
foremost Cosmetic, Plastic and Vascular surgeons. He regularly attends International Skin (Cancer, Cosmetic related)
Conferences and holds a Dermatology Diploma completed through the University of Cardiff. He is currently practising at
Skinsite, Newmarket, Auckland, www.skinsite.co.nz
2. Olay National Skincare Survey
For the third year in a row, Colmar Brunton has conducted a National Skincare Survey on behalf of Olay with the aim of
understanding Kiwi women’s attitudes to skincare.
This year, over 1,000 women from around New Zealand aged 20 and older were asked questions ranging from what their skin
care regime is, to whether they use moisturiser with a Sun Protection Factor.
The 2006 National Skincare Survey was conducted online, using the Colmar Brunton online panel CBcliqueTM. 1029 women
over the age of 20 years, from around New Zealand were surveyed. The average survey duration was approximately 15
minutes. As done in previous years, data has been weighted to reflect census proportions in terms of age, household
size, household situation and marital status.
3. Colmar Brunton
Colmar Brunton is the largest independent market research company in Australasia.
ENDS