Eucerin Unveils New Skin Health Research; Invites America to Pledge to Put Skin First With Introduction of Eucerin Skin First Council

New skin health awareness effort demonstrates need to elevate skincare as part of healthcare

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May 20, 2010, 09:00 ET

WILTON, Conn., May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Prompted by the findings of a new white paper detailing the important role of skin in overall health care and quality of life, Eucerin recently unveiled the Eucerin Skin First Council and online Skin First Pledge (www.EucerinUS.com/skinfirst) encouraging Americans to make their skin health a top priority. Through the Eucerin Skin First Council and Pledge, Eucerin shines a light on this critical health topic and asks the public to commit themselves to prioritizing skin health. To take the Skin First Pledge, visit www.EucerinUS.com/skinfirst. In addition, Eucerin has joined forces with HealthyWomen/HealthyWomen.org, the nation's leading independent health information source for women, to inspire people to take the pledge. For every pledge made, Eucerin will make a donation to HealthyWomen.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100520/LA07879LOGO)

"We are thrilled to take this step toward advancing public understanding of the importance of skin health," said Nicolas Maurer, Vice President, Marketing, Beiersdorf Inc, parent company for Eucerin. "Many see skin care as purely external but, through offering the Eucerin Skin First Pledge, we hope people will stand up and recognize the true value of nurturing the body's largest organ to ensure the utmost in health."

HEALTH EXPERTS EMPHASIZE THE NEED TO PUT SKIN FIRST

For over 100 years, Eucerin has combined leading international research and design with trusted skin care expertise to bring consumers clinically effective products that allow them to feel confident with healthy, glowing skin. To bolster public dialogue about skin health and devise new ways to educate and empower consumer health awareness, the Eucerin Skin First Council was formed. This multidisciplinary expert panel includes renowned dermatologist Deborah Sarnoff, MD, leading expert in pharmacoeconomics Rajesh Balkrishnan, PhD, and mother, activist and one of the world's leading supermodels Veronica Webb.

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 in agreement that now is the time to raise awareness of the issue and commit ourselves to incorporating healthy skin behavior into our daily routines including grooming, child care and interactions with health professionals.

The Council published its Skin First Manifesto, "The Physical, Economic and Emotional Benefits of Healthy Skin," a digital white paper summarizing the important health stories the skin can tell and how we may use those stories to be better informed about other health conditions and overall well-being. Through its efforts, the Council hopes to encourage the public to put their skin first and to help them navigate the path to health. Through the release of the Skin First Manifesto the Council members lent their unique perspectives to demonstrate the urgent need to raise awareness of the importance of skin health.

"Throughout my career and my life, protecting my health has always been one of my top priorities," said Webb. "As a model and actress, glowing skin is both a personal goal and a professional asset, and I've come to realize that achieving this is really beyond beauty and about health. As women, we're always trying to 'do it all,' and by getting our priorities straight about our health, we can truly achieve anything, from raising a family to having a successful career to maintaining a look that simply glows from good health."

"The founders of modern dermatology helped create the Eucerin brand, so its insight and experience with skin care is undisputed," said Dr. Sarnoff. "As a physician in private practice, I want to empower my patients to know their skin and recognize what it's telling them before a problem arises. Through the Eucerin Skin First program, consumers everywhere – whether their skin is healthy or in need of special care – will now have the tools needed to better understand the important role the skin plays in overall health."

"Participating in the Eucerin Skin First Council has been an exciting opportunity to explore the practical function of skin health," said Dr. Balkrishnan. "It is eye-opening to note that in a recent study, skin diseases were among the top 15 groups of medical conditions, taking a financial toll of approximately $39.3 billion per year in medical services and lost productivity. If we make skin health a top priority, we will see a powerful impact on quality of life from a financial, emotional and practical perspective."

Reframing the Skin Health Discussion: The Eucerin Skin First Council White Paper

The Eucerin Skin First White Paper provides an overview of the important role of skin in overall health in quality of life, exploring the most common skin conditions and proper maintenance options. It additionally explores the economic impact of prioritizing skin health and its effect on quality of life and overall productivity. The white paper provides valuable insights into the effects of healthy skin on overall health, appearance and self-esteem.

Healthy skin is constantly under attack from external elements like ultraviolet light, pollution, temperature changes, humidity, and dryness, which can overcome the skin's healthy balance and weaken the skin's protective barrier, affecting its health over time. However, statistics show that many Americans are not focused on protecting their skin, despite the dollars allocated to treating skin issues. For example, in 2005 the CDC reported that only 56 percent of adults practiced at least one of the three sun-protective behaviors (use sunscreen, wear sun-protective clothing or seek shade). As uncovered in the Skin First white paper, simple measures to put skin first can help to alleviate ongoing skin issues and potential ailments
Maintaining skin health requires a healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management. Unhealthy skin not only poses a threat to one's physical health, but also affects a person's mental health, image and self esteem.
At any given time, one out of every three people in the United States is suffering from a skin disease, and the US spends nearly $42 billion a year in direct medical costs on just the 22 most common skin diseases (out of more than 3,000). Indirect costs related to lost productivity and intangible costs related to poor quality of life make up billions more.
The skin provides one of the most important components of the body's immune system. Maintaining its health and protective barrier is critical to maintaining an individual's overall health.

For more information on Eucerin and the Eucerin Skin First Council, visit www.EucerinUS.com.

About Eucerin

Eucerin provides gentle, effective skin care that dermatologists trust. With a full line of clinically proven products for cleansing, moisturizing, healing and protection, you're sure to find products that are just right for you and your family.

About Beiersdorf AG

Beiersdorf AG, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, is a leading international company of branded consumer products for skin and beauty care. Beiersdorf stands for leading international brands like NIVEA, Eucerin, la prairie, Juvena, Labello, 8x4, Futuro, Florena, Hansaplast/Elastoplast and Tesa, 125 years of experience in research and development, and strong international presence. For more information, visit www.beiersdorf.com.

About HealthyWomen

HealthyWomen is the nation's leading independent health information source for women. For more than 20 years, women have been coming to the HW for answers to their most pressing and personal health care questions. HW provides health information through our wide array of online content and print publications that is original, objective, reviewed and approved by medical experts and reflects the latest advances in evidence-based health research. For more information, visit www.HealthyWomen.org.

SOURCE Eucerin