Innovative American Academy of Dermatology Public Service Advertisement Campaign Sends Strong Message to Teens About Dangers of Indoor Tanning.

Be Safe, Don't Go There. Indoor Tanning is Out

NEW YORK -- On an average day, more than one million Americans tan in tanning salons. Of the customers, 70 percent are Caucasian girls and women, aged 16 to 49 years. These numbers continue to rise each year, despite research which demonstrates the risks of indoor tanning, including premature aging such as age spots and wrinkles, and even worse, the danger of skin cancer. To help educate the public, particularly teenagers, the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) is taking an inventive approach to communicate the risks of indoor tanning by launching a public service advertisement (PSA) campaign in which teens speak to teens in their own language.

Speaking today at Academy, Arielle N.B. Kauvar, MD, FAAD, dermatologist and chair of the Academy's Council on Communications, debuted the Academy's PSA campaign, while other leading dermatologists briefed the media on a variety of medical, surgical and cosmetic skin conditions.

"Some teens aren't aware of the risks associated with indoor tanning, instead they believe it is safer than tanning outdoors. Others know the risks but are still engaging in this risky behavior," said Dr. Kauvar. "The objective of this campaign is to specifically target teenage girls at a young age before they start tanning and educate them in a peer-to-peer manner that will encourage them to avoid this unnecessary health risk."

The Academy's 2006 -- 2007 skin cancer PSA campaign speaks to teens in a language they can understand, instant messaging (IM). Approximately 53 million American computer users -- most of them teens -- use IMs. Many exchange IMs more frequently than e-mail. It has a language all its own, and the Academy has developed this campaign specifically for teens who use it.

This aggressive campaign consists of television, radio and print advertisements that highlight the risks of skin cancer and skin damage that indoor tanning can cause. It is launching at Academy and is being distributed throughout the country during October. For more information about the campaign or to view the television, radio and print ads, visit www.aad.org/skincancerpsas. To read this news release in its entirety, please click here (http://onekit.enr-corp.com/1000639/Main%20release%20-%20PSAs.pdf).

In addition to the debut of the Academy's skin cancer PSA campaign, brought together dermatologists from across the country who shared facts and tips on helping people of all ages keep skin healthy from head to toe. Please see the news releases in the left sidebar for more information on topics such as cosmeceuticals, nail care, hormones and the skin, children's skin care, and lip and mouth conditions.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional information about Academy or the skin cancer PSA campaign, please contact the Academy Communications Department at [phone].

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. A sister organization to the Academy, the American Academy of Dermatology Association is the resource for government affairs, health policy and practice information for dermatologists, and plays a major role in formulating socioeconomic policies that can enhance the quality of dermatologic care. With a membership of more than 15,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or http://www.aad.org/.

To view full electronic news release: http://onekit.enr-corp.com/1000639/