VIDEO from Neutrogena and Synaptic Digital: Neutrogena® Brand Ambassadors Jennifer Garner, Miranda Cosgrove and Gabrielle Union Unite for a New Public Service Announcement Campaign to Help Fight the Skin Cancer Epidemic

LOS ANGELES, May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Skin cancer is a national epidemic and on the rise with a record 2 million cases diagnosed annually, but most Americans are still not following dermatologists' prevention advice including proper sunscreen application and regular skin cancer checks.  Neutrogena®, the #1 dermatologist-recommended skincare brand, continues its Choose Skin Health™ Campaign, in partnership with the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), to help fight the skin cancer epidemic.  This summer, a star-studded Choose Skin Health™ PSA will urge Americans to take skin health seriously and sign up for a free skin cancer screening with a dermatologist in their town at www.chooseskinhealth.com.  

See video from Neutrogena  at:  http://inr.synapticdigital.com/neutrogena/chooseskinhealth/

The one-minute PSA video features three actresses who share a personal passion for this cause, providing education on the dangers of sun exposure and urges everyone to practice safe sun habits.  

Young Women & Tanning

• A recent survey found that most females (86%) who reported using an indoor tanning bed in the last year knew it could increase the risk of skin cancer, but Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, still has become the most common type of cancer for young adults.
• In the PSA, Miranda Cosgrove, actress and recording artist, warns young women and teens about the dangers of tanning.  "If I could say one thing to teens that want to go out and get a tan, I would say don't do it," states Cosgrove.  

Skin of Color & Sun Myths

• There is no natural protection from the sun and, everyone, regardless of skin color, can get skin cancer.  Unfortunately, many believe that non-Caucasians are immune to this disease, leading skin cancer to be the most deadly among African Americans. As few as 48 percent of melanomas in African Americans are diagnosed at an early stage, compared to 74 percent in Hispanics and 84 percent in Caucasians.
• Gabrielle Union, actress, knows that "it doesn't matter what race you are," you should always protect your skin from the sun and get regular skin cancer checks.

Americans & Skin Cancer

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with more than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people diagnosed annually. Yet, only one in five people wear sunscreen on a daily basis, even though 94% of Americans know that prolonged exposure to the sun can cause skin damage and even skin cancer.
• Jennifer Garner, actress and Neutrogena Brand Ambassador said, "I am proud to be a part of the Choose Skin Health™ education campaign.  Sun safety is important, and I encourage you to visit www.chooseskinhealth.com to learn how you can best protect your skin."  

"Everyone should learn about sun safety.  We should limit our exposure to the sun and never use tanning beds.  In addition, using sunscreen when we know we will be exposed to the sun should be as automatic as putting a seatbelt on when you get into a car," said Dr. Jeffrey Dover, MD, FRCPC, Immediate Past-President of ASDS.  "The other key component is skin screening.  We are proud that our members are providing free skin cancer screenings across the country, and we encourage people to download the Skin Cancer Self Examination Kit on the campaign Web site, www.chooseskinhealth.com."  

For more information on the Choose Skin Health™ education campaign, including to view and share the PSA video, download the Skin Cancer Self Examination Kit or to find a local free skin cancer screening, visit:  www.chooseskinhealth.com.

About ASDS

With more than 5,000 members, ASDS, founded in 1970, is the largest specialty organization in the world exclusively representing dermasurgeons, board-certified physicians who are specifically trained to treat the health, function and appearance of the skin and soft tissue, with both medically necessary and cosmetic procedures, using both surgical and non-surgical methods.  For more information on cosmetic skin procedures and referrals to ASDS members in your state, please visit www.asds.net.

About Neutrogena

A worldwide leader in premium, dermatologist-recommended skin, hair and cosmetics products, Neutrogena 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 is a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, the world's most comprehensive and broadly based health care products company.  

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SOURCE Synaptic Digital; Neutrogena

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