THE SEAL OF RECOMMENDATION CONTINUES TO SET THE STANDARD FOR SUN-PROTECTIVE PRODUCTS

New York, NY (May 2007) – The rise in skin cancers, 90% of which are caused by sun exposure, has led to the creation of a vast number of sun protection products, often making it difficult to choose a product that is both safe and effective. To make identifying quality sun protection products easier, The Skin Cancer Foundation established its Seal of Recommendation program in 1979. It has since become the respected standard for ensuring the safety and efficacy of ultraviolet (UV) protection products.

The program – part of a nationwide awareness campaign – verifies the SPF of products, secures corroborative independent data that they won’t cause irritation and evaluates a series of tests to make sure all claims (such as water resistance)
are true.

"The Seal of Recommendation program is unique because it enables us to guide and educate consumers in their everyday lives," said Perry Robins, MD, President, The Skin Cancer Foundation. "We are reaching them when they are making important decisions about how to protect themselves from the sun."

To earn the Seal, a manufacturer must provide scientific data showing that its product sufficiently and safely aids in the prevention of sun-induced damage to the skin. The data are reviewed by a committee of photobiologists – experts in the study of the interaction between ultraviolet radiation and the skin. Every product awarded the Seal is monitored annually to ensure that it continues to meet the criteria. Seal of Recommendation requirements include:

• A sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater
• Validation of the SPF number by testing on 20 people
• Substantiated data that the product does not cause phototoxic reactions or contact irritation
• Substantiation for any claims that a sunscreen is water- or sweat-resistant

“Through the Seal of Recommendation Program, The Skin Cancer Foundation will continue to encourage high standards in sunscreens and other sun-protective products,” said Dr. Robins.

“The end goal is a reduction in the number of cases of skin cancer and in the signs of photoaging.”

Nearly 500 products from around the world carry The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation. For a full list of Seal products, click here.

The Skin Cancer Foundation is the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer. The mission of the Foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research. For more information, visit www.skincancer.org, or call 1-800-SKIN-490.