WILTON, Conn., April 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Eucerin, the trusted skincare brand recommended most by dermatologists, announced today that Top Chef judge and contributor to Food & Wine Magazine Gail Simmons is the newest member of its esteemed Skin First Council. Founded in 2010, the Eucerin Skin First Council was formed to bolster public dialogue about skin health and devise new ways to educate and empower consumers to treat skincare more like healthcare. In 2011, the Council has evolved to include a cross-country movement aimed at creating a skin-savvy nation. This multidisciplinary expert panel includes renowned dermatologist Deborah Sarnoff, MD; pharmacoeconomics leading expert Rajesh Balkrishnan, PhD; and Eucerin Skin First Ambassador Sara Kate Gillingham-Ryan, food writer and founding editor of Apartment Therapy's TheKitchn.com.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110428/LA91273-a)

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110428/LA91273LOGO-b)

"I'm truly honored to be part of this important movement and in such esteemed company with the Skin First Council," says Gail Simmons. "I am thrilled to share my experience and wellness tips with women outside of the kitchen. Skin health has always been of the utmost importance to me as I've always had very sensitive skin and an allergy to the sun. With fair, sensitive skin and the tendency to burn easily, it's important for me to be proactive in taking the daily steps necessary to maintain beautiful, healthy skin."

The Eucerin Skin First Council draws experts from a diverse cross section of professional fields including medicine, education and lifestyle to demonstrate the important role skin health plays in society. These advocates have joined together to raise awareness of the issue and commit to encouraging Americans to make the health of their skin a top priority and take the Eucerin Skin First Pledge.  To date, more than 100,000 people across the country have pledged to put the health of their skin first.  

"We are pleased to have Gail join the Skin First Council in its second year," adds Catherine Lair, Director of Marketing for Eucerin. "Her voice will allow us to reach even more women, help them understand the importance of skin health and ultimately recognize the impact that one's skin health has on her overall well being."

May marks Skin Cancer Awareness month. The Skin First Council announcement is a continuation of the brand's commitment to spreading the skin health message. In March, Eucerin kicked off a new year-long effort to create a skin-savvy nation through the SkinFIRST EXPRESS – an interactive mobile experience. Tour stops include some of the country's most beloved cities and the experience allows consumers to learn skin care tips, take the Eucerin Skin First Pledge on mobile iPad pledge stations and receive product samples as well as dermatological advice in select markets.

For more than 100 years, Eucerin has combined leading international research and design with trusted skin care expertise to bring consumers effective products that allow them to feel confident with healthy, glowing skin. For more information on Eucerin and the Eucerin Skin First Council, visit www.facebook.com/EucerinUS.

About Eucerin

Eucerin is produced by Beiersdorf AG, a leading manufacturer of branded consumer products for skincare. With over 125 years of experience in research and development and a strong global presence, Beiersdorf produces NIVEA, the world's largest skincare brand, as well as, Eucerin, NIVEA for Men, NIVEA Lip Care, Aquaphor and La Prairie. For more information visit www.facebook.com/EucerinUS or www.beiersdorfusa.com.

About Beiersdorf AG

Cosmetics company Beiersdorf AG is based in Hamburg, Germany, and has over 19,000 employees worldwide. Its sales in 2010 amounted to euro 6.194 billion. The company has been listed on the DAX since December 2008. Beiersdorf's Nivea is the world's largest skin care brand*. Other names in its successful international brand portfolio include Eucerin, La Prairie, Labello, 8x4 and Hansaplast/Elastoplast. Subsidiary tesa SE is one of the world's leading producers of self-adhesive products and system solutions for industry, craft businesses, and consumers. Beiersdorf has nearly 130 years of skin care experience and is known for its innovative and high-quality products.

* Source: Euromonitor, Skin Care Products excluding Scents and Hair Dyes by Sales, 2009

SOURCE Eucerin