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While the Dangers of Sun Exposure are Widely Understood Americans Fall Short of Adequately Protecting Themselves from the Sun

Posted on: Monday, 15 June 2009, 07:03 CDT

NEUTROGENA(R) Releases Results of Sun Protection Survey

LOS ANGELES, June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, so why did 60% of American adults report that they rarely or never put on sunscreen? NEUTROGENA(R), the #1 dermatologist recommended suncare brand, conducted a survey to explore Americans' sun protection habits and behavior. The results, released today, reveal that although Americans recognize the direct link between sun exposure and skin cancer, with 80% of adults agreeing that sun exposure can be deadly, the majority of Americans are still not wearing sunscreen. Those who never wear sunscreen cited the fact that "it is not part of my daily routine" as the number one-reason they don't apply sunscreen.

Unfortunately, those who do apply sunscreen are often still falling short of adequately protecting themselves because they aren't applying enough sunscreen to receive adequate protection. The study showed that only 27% of Americans reported using at least one ounce of sunscreen, the dermatologist-recommended amount of sunscreen. This under-application of sunscreen could be the reason that 70% of adults reported getting sunburned at least once per year.

Dr. Darrell S. Rigel, MD, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University Medical Center, explains, "Under-application of sunscreen can translate to having significantly less sun protection than indicated on the SPF value on the label. If you apply half the dermatologist-recommended one ounce of sunscreen, you get the protection of only the square root of the SPF. So by applying only half-ounce of SPF 70, actually gets you an SPF 8.4." NEUTROGENA(R) has introduced Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 100+ with superior photo-stabilized Helioplex technology. The breakthrough formulation offers the highest level of photo-stabilized broad-spectrum SPF available. "Sunscreens with very high sun protection factors compensate for real-world application habits. They offer consumers a type of insurance against under-application," says Dr. Rigel.

Although misconceptions regarding safe sunscreen application are common and must be addressed, the study was encouraging in that it showed sunscreen users are making an effort to be safe in the summer. Sixty-five percent of sunscreen users reported that they typically use an SPF of 30 or higher and 70% of adult sunscreen users reported that they use more sunscreen today than they did in their 20s. It is the sunscreen user's daily sun protection habits that are more troubling, as the survey results revealed that just 13% apply it every day.

One of the most concerning statistics that the survey found was that the majority (51%) of American adults have never visited a dermatologist. An annual skin exam, coupled with regular self skin checks and daily sun protection habits, is the best way to ensure a lifetime of skin health. That is why NEUTROGENA(R) is providing consumers with a resource where they can receive a free skin cancer screening this summer and learn how to perform a self-check at www.neutrogenaskinhealth.com.

While protecting themselves from the sun, Americans also need to ensure they are receiving the daily recommended amount of vitamin D. According to the NEUTROGENA(R) Sun Protection Survey, 32% of Americans are somewhat concerned that using sunblock will prevent them from getting enough of the essential vitamin D. Although exposure to sunlight helps the body to produce vitamin D, the American Academy of Dermatology warns that vitamin D should not be obtained from unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation(1). Registered Dietitian Elizabeth Somer explains, "In addition to dietary sources, a supplement with vitamin D, such as VIACTIV(R) Calcium Soft Chews, which provide 125% of the Daily Value of vitamin D in each chew, can help you get the vitamin D you need, without the risk of skin cancer and premature aging associated with unprotected sun exposure."

NEUTROGENA(R) offers a breadth of sun protection products to encourage skin health for every age and lifestyle.

NEW 2009 NEUTROGENA(R) Sun Products

• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 100+ -- Offers the highest level of photo-stabilized broad-spectrum SPF available.
• Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunblock SPF 90+ -- Offers the highest, photostabilized SPF face protection available. This superior broad-spectrum sun protection works to neutralize free radicals, protect skin against sun damage and helps to maintain younger-looking skin longer.
• Neutrogena(R) Ultimate Sport Sunblocks SPF 55 or SPF 70+ -- Developed with a patent-pending waterproof technology that is 3X more waterproof than waterproofing testing standards, the breakthrough formula effectively withstands early sunscreen wear-off, including sweat, water, wipe-off and rub-off
• Neutrogena Pure & Free(TM) Baby Sunblock SPF 60+ with PureScreen(TM) -- A new photo-stabilized, non-whitening physical sunblock with minerals titanium and zinc oxide, clinically proven to be as "gentle-as-water" on baby's skin. Pure & Free(TM) contains 100% naturally sourced sunscreen ingredients.
• Neutrogena WaterGuard Kids Sunblock SPF 70+ -- Formulated with an exclusive breakthrough waterproof technology that effectively withstands the reasons for children's early sunscreen wear-off including: sweat, water, wipe-off and rub-off.

About NEUTROGENA(R)

A worldwide leader in premium, dermatologist-recommended skin, hair and cosmetics products, NEUTROGENA(R) Corporation has been providing consumers with health and beauty improvements for over 40 years. The Company manufactures and markets a line of premium-priced skin and hair care products that are distributed in more than 70 countries. Headquartered in Los Angeles, NEUTROGENA(R) is a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, the world's most comprehensive and broadly based health care products company.

About VIACTIV(R)

Consumers may recognize the VIACTIV(R) Brand -- which has recently increased vitamin D levels to 125% of the Daily Value in each of its VIACTIV(R) Calcium Soft Chews -- as the innovators who offer alternative delivery methods for incorporating calcium and multivitamins into a daily diet. VIACTIV(R) Calcium and Multi-Vitamin Soft Chews provide convenient, great-tasting ways for women to supplement a healthy diet and help them obtain the recommended amount of essential vitamins and calcium each day. More information about VIACTIV(R) Brands is available at www.viactiv.com. VIACTIV(R) Dietary Supplements are marketed by McNeil Nutritionals, LLC.

(1) American Academy of Dermatology, Position Statement on Vitamin D

SOURCE NEUTROGENA

Source: PR Newswire

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