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

A number of new products have been awarded the Seal this year, including: Doctor's Dermatologic Formula (DDF) Matte Finish Photo-Age Protection SPF 30; NIA24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30; Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion SPF 55; NO-AD Maximum Sunblock SPF 45 Lotion; Disney Ariel Sun Pals SPF 30 Sunblock Spray; Kinerase Cream SPF 30; Freeze 24∙7 Ice Shield Face, Facial Cleanser SPF 15; Shiseido The Makeup - Dual Balancing Foundation SPF 17; L'Oréal Men's Expert Vita Lift SPF 15; PCA SKIN pHaze 30 Perfecting Body Hydrator SPF 30; Skin Effects by Dr. Jeffrey Dover Sunscreen Lotion with DermaplexTM Technology SPF 60; Coppertone Sport No-Rub Sunscreen Continuous Spray SPF 50; Anthélios SX Daily Moisturizing Cream with Sunscreen SPF 15; Mary Kay Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20; Coolibar Infant Sun Protection Joey Baby Sun Romper UPF 50+ or Joey Baby Sun Hat UPF 50+; Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 30 Retractable Brush; True Blue Spa Glove Me Tender SPF 15 Hand Lotion; Clarins Paris Sun Wrinkle Eye Contour Care Ultra Protection SPF 30; Vertra Sun Resistant Face Stick Tinted SPF 38; Hawaiian Tropic Duo Pack Sunscreen & Lip Balm with Hawaiian Tropic Oil free Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50+ and Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen Lip Balm for Sensitive Skin SPF 45+.

"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.