La Roche-Posay Raises Awareness on Sun Safety Habits for Those Most Susceptible to The Sun's Harm

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Jun 15, 2017, 10:17 ET

NEW YORK, June 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In summer 2016, La Roche-Posay, a worldwide expert in ultraviolet protection, launched a revolutionary device combining high-tech and skin wellness – My UV Patch, the first-ever stretchable skin sensor designed to monitor UV radiation in real-time. The goal was to determine if connected health technology could improve sun safety habits, and in its first year, 76% of users said it is a useful tool, 69% felt their skin was better protected and 80% would recommend it.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation 23% of lifetime sun exposure occurs by age 18[1] and the American Academy of Dermatology cites that experiencing five or more blistering sunburns between ages 15-20 increases one's melanoma risk by 80% and nonmelanoma skin cancer risk by 68%[2] which means young adults are at higher risk for skin cancer. La Roche-Posay encourages parents and caregivers to heighten sun behavior awareness within their families by using the My UV Patch and mobile app (available both on iOS and Android).

The My UV Patch mobile app offers a kid-friendly version with simplified information, gamification and rewards. The gaming aspect presents two cartoon characters with whom children are able to play and also incorporates the children's scanned results via a blue heart. This version also encourages them to share results with caregivers and once they hit the "safe zone," their character receives a reward.

Taking it one step further, La Roche-Posay partners with dermatologists through the Women's Dermatologic Society (WDS), and this year they're teaming up for TOPS program: Time Out, Protect your Skin. They'll work in tandem to provide summer camps across the U.S with education on sun safe behaviors starting at a young age, samples of My UV Patch and the recently launched Anthelios 60 Dermo-Kids (ranging $19.99-$29.99 on LaRoche-Posay.us). It's specifically made with effective ultra violet protective ingredients that are gentle on children's sensitive skin, and of course incorporate effective UVA and UVB protection.

About LA ROCHE-POSAY ANTHELIOS
A leader in advanced UVA formulation research and innovation for over 15 years, La Roche-Posay's Anthelios sunscreen range is trusted and recognized by dermatologists all over the world for providing effective UVA and UVB protection. All Anthelios sunscreens are known for their effective, broad-spectrum protection as well as their fast-absorbing, lightweight and cosmetically elegant texture. For additional information visit www.LaRoche-Posay.us.

[1] http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts; Godar DE, Urbach F, Gasparro FP, Van der Leun JC. UV doses of young adults. Photochem Photobiol 2003; 77(4):453-457
[2] https://www.aad.org/media/stats/conditions/skin-cancer; Wu S, Han J, Laden F, Qureshi AA. Long-term ultraviolet flux, other potential risk factors, and skin cancer risk: a cohort study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomar Prev; 2014. 23(6); 1080-1089. - See more at: https://www.aad.org/media/stats/conditions/skin-cancer#sthash.RenFL7YU.dpuf

SOURCE La Roche-Posay