La Roche-Posay Expands SOS---Save Our Skin Program in Collaboration with the Women's Dermatologic Society to Promote Year-Round Sun Safety

NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one American dies every 57 minutes from melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. And a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control reports that 14.3% of men and 29.9% of women regularly use sunscreen on both their face and other exposed skin, with men more likely than women to never use sunscreen.

For the fifth year, La Roche-Posay, a worldwide expert in ultraviolet (UV) protection, has helped educate the public about sun safe behavior in order to prevent skin cancer with its SOS – Save our Skin Campaign. Earlier this year, the brand partnered with global survey organization Ipsos to discover where the U.S. stands from a global perspective on worldwide sun safety practices. The survey, conducted in 23 countries on over 19,000 men and women aged 15-65, found that Americans have slightly better sun habits and awareness compared to other countries. However, the numbers reveal there is much more work to be done. This year, La Roche-Posay introduced SKINCHECKER, a campaign under SOS that encourages individuals to be proactive in the skin cancer screening process for themselves and their loved ones, and visit the dermatologist.

Taking it one step further, La Roche-Posay partners with dermatologists through the Women's Dermatologic Society (WDS) to provide free, consistent checkups. This July, La Roche-Posay and the WDS exclusively sponsored the SunSmart Chicago event, offering free skin cancer screenings to the public. The event resulted in 670 screenings (359 Female and 311 Male) conducted by Co-Chair of the Women's Dermatologic Society Service Committee, Dr. Rebecca Tung, and her team, where 69 individuals were recommended biopsies, 84 referred, and one man's early detection resulted in a spin-off event.

Coach Ross Forman, trainer for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Chicago Marathon experienced first-hand the great value of free skin cancer screenings. In the midst of a training run, Coach Ross noticed the SunSmart Chicago tent, urging him to get the bump on his chest examined. Forman said, "I had this spot on my chest for some time, and it just wasn't going away…Dr. Tung told me that she could have me in and out, and screened, in 90 seconds." Dr. Tung detected skin cancer within seconds and two daters later, Forman had the basal cell carcinoma removed. Shortly after, Forman encouraged his team to get screened by Dr. Tung. His early detection has made him an advocate for daily sun safety habits and consistent skin checks.

"To further encourage the appropriate use of daily and year-round sun safety precautions, the WDS has teamed up with La Roche-Posay for another year to raise awareness and educate all demographics," said Dr. Rebecca Tung. "Our message continues to grab the attention of many individuals; however, there is still much to do about educating the public on the benefits of regular sunscreen application. Our mission is to prevent skin cancer with proper protection and early detection every single day of the year."

Since daily sunscreen use cuts melanoma incidences in half, La Roche-Posay continues to pioneer and formulate products packed with UVA/UVB and antioxidants, combining sunscreen and skincare, as a second level of defense.

La Roche-Posay will continue to encourage year-round sun protection by offering $5 off and free shipping on their Anthelios AOX, Anthelios SX and Anthelios 50 Primer through December 31^st by using PROMO code DAILYSPF at checkout. Visit www.laroche-posay.us.

For more information, story angles or interviews with Dr. Tung, WDS or the brand, please contact:  Simone Byrd at [email protected] |Creative Media Marketing | 212.979.8884

For additional information about La Roche-Posay, visit www.laroche-posay.us and "like" the La Roche-Posay Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LaRochePosayusa.

About LA ROCHE-POSAY and ANTHELIOS
Recommended by more than 25,000 dermatologists worldwide, La Roche-Posay offers a unique range of daily skincare developed with dermatologists to meet their standards in efficacy, tolerance and elegant textures for increased compliance. The products, which are developed using a strict formulation charter, include a minimal number of ingredients to reduce side effects and reactivity and are formulated with active ingredients at optimal concentrations for increased efficacy. Additionally, La Roche-Posay products undergo stringent clinical testing to guarantee efficacy and safety, even on sensitive skin. 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. The range features advanced patented sunscreen technologies, including 100% mineral-based UV protection formulas, as well as those developed with Mexoryl™SX, a unique, key ingredient that acts as a short wave UVA filter, and most recently, CELL-OX SHIELD™ XL, a powerful, synergistic combination of filters that provides UVA/UVB and antioxidant protection using 21% fewer ingredients. All Anthelios sunscreens are known for their effective, broad-spectrum protection as well as their fast-absorbing, lightweight and cosmetically elegant texture.

About SOS – Save Our Skin
Now in its sixth year, La Roche-Posay continues its SOS – Save Our Skin to not only inform Americans about the dangers of UV rays and the importance of sun safety, but to also encourage true behavioral change, such as incorporating sun protection in their daily routines and visiting their dermatologists for regular skin checks. In partnership with the Women's Dermatologic Society (WDS), the SOS – Save Our Skin campaign lives through a series of initiatives, including skin checks at sporting events, local hospitals and drug stores as well as free skin checks offered to all L'Oreal corporate employees. To learn how to do a self-check and choose the right protection, visit www.sossaveourskin.com.               

About the WDS
The Women's Dermatologic Society, founded in 1973, is dedicated to helping dermatologists fulfill their greatest potential and assisting them in making a contribution to the specialty and society. To achieve this goal, the Society relies on the active participation of its members, who represent a diverse cross-section of professional subspecialties. The mission of the Women's Dermatologic Society is to support dermatologists by striving to: promote leadership and the development of relationships through mentoring and networking; demonstrate a commitment to service through community outreach and volunteerism; provide a forum for communications and research relevant to women's and family issues; advocate excellence in patient care and education, and promote the highest ethical standards. www.playsafeinthesun.org and www.womensderm.org

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SOURCE La Roche-Posay