Atlanta, We’ve Got a Problem. We’re Ranked 13th Most Wrinkle-Prone U.S. City in 2040

Today is Global Wellness Day, and we agree: One day can change your whole life. Let’s start off with a major question: What will the year 2040 look like for you, for us and for our city? While we can’t imagine the technological advances or developments that lie ahead, a new study from anti-aging pioneer RoC^® Skincare offers a preview of what we can expect to see when looking in the mirror several decades down the road. Yet, one thing is clear, the decisions made today can and will impact our skin health in the future.

To shine a light on this topic, RoC^® Skincare partnered with independent research firm Sperling’s Best Places for the 2016 RoC^® Wrinkle Ranking: a city by city look at the metropolitan areas’ risk for skin damage and premature aging by the year 2040. The analysis is based on factors commonly known to affect skin health – lifestyle, occupational and environmental influences.

For its third year, RoC^® Wrinkle Ranking predicts that in the year 2040, Philadelphia will reign as the most wrinkle-prone city in America, due to high stress levels, more airborne pollution, lengthy commute times and higher than average smoking rates. On the other end of the spectrum, San Jose will claim the least wrinkle-prone title in 2040, thanks to its shorter commute time, smaller population size and anticipated shift toward a wetter climate.

What about Atlanta?
We ranked unlucky 13. Contributing to our projected ranking is our high population (5^th highest) and rapid anticipated growth into 2040. A lengthy commute and exposure to air pollution come with the territory of living in one of the largest metro areas.

How were these numbers determined? RoC^® Skincare and Sperling’s Best Places performed a meta-analysis, which combined the findings of original research with existing related research in the field of the study. All data was adjusted by the current population to arrive at “per capita” figures, providing an accurate comparison between cities of varying sizes. Each metropolitan area in the study received points for each of the criteria based on their relation to the other metropolitan areas’ scores in that data category, and category scores were weighted and aggregated to determine an overall “Wrinkle Index” score to rank the top U.S. metro areas.

Another sticky situation for Atlanta, currently we have the fourth most gum chewers in the country. What does this have to do with our skin? While we may boast fresh breath, some experts believe the act of chewing can cause lines and folds around the mouth due to muscle overuse.

“Our skin is a canvas that reveals a lifetime of environmental influences, behavioral choices and genetics,” says architect and urban futurist Dr. Cindy Frewen. “While our lifestyle choices are reflected in our faces, there’s no need to necessarily relocate just yet – there are variables studied in the Wrinkle Ranking that are within your control – from smoking and commuting to protecting your skin with sunscreen, serums and moisturizers.”

On the upside, we can be proud of both a skin cancer forecast and smoking rate below average. Let’s continue using the SPF and kicking “butts!”

How can RoC^® Skincare help our numbers? As a leading French skincare brand for more than 50 years, committed to developing anti-aging formulas for beauty that lasts, RoC believes it’s the power of methods, not the promise of miracles that help skin look and feel its best at every age. Considered a pioneer in the world of anti-aging, RoC was the first to discover the method of stabilizing retinol, their products are safe and effective for daily use. Our fav? Their Retinol Correxion Day Cream. So, let’s get our RoC on.