American Academy of Dermatology PSA Highlights Dan

ROSEMONT, Ill., May 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Memorial Day signals the unofficial start of summer, many teen girls will be eager to get out of school and spend time outside — and some may want to get a tan. But a new public service advertisement from the American Academy of Dermatology encourages those who are thinking of tanning to think again.

Released in conjunction with Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May, the new AAD PSA “ Protect Yourselfie ” uses social media imagery to remind teenage girls that tanning could lead to skin cancer and premature aging, and encourages them to protect their skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Melanoma is the second most common cancer in young women ages 15-29, and research suggests that the majority of melanoma cases are attributable to UV exposure from the sun and indoor tanning beds.

“We hope this PSA reminds young women that tanning is dangerous — and potentially deadly,” says board-certified dermatologist Suzanne M. Olbricht, MD, FAAD, president of the AAD. “Every time you tan, including trying to get a base tan, you increase your risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, which kills one person every hour. On top of that, UV rays can make your skin age prematurely, leading to wrinkles and age spots. Don’t try to change your skin by tanning; keep it safe by protecting yourself from harmful UV exposure.”

During Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the AAD is recognizing “Skin Cancer Heroes” — patients and survivors, the friends and loved ones who have helped and supported them, and the board-certified dermatologists who have detected and treated their skin cancer. The AAD encourages everyone, including young women, to be their own Skin Cancer Heroes by taking steps to prevent skin cancer: staying out of indoor tanning beds, and protecting themselves from the sun by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

To learn more about how to protect your skin and prevent skin cancer, visit ProtectYourselfie.net .

Contacts Nicole DiVito, (847) 240-1746, ndivito@aad.org               Amanda Jacobs, (847) 240-1714, ajacobs@aad.org

More Information “Protect Yourselfie” PSA ProtectYourselfie.net Skin cancer fact sheet Indoor tanning fact sheet SpotSkinCancer.org

About the AAD Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 19,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org . Follow the AAD on Facebook  (American Academy of Dermatology), Twitter (@AADskin) or YouTube (AcademyofDermatology).

About SPOT Skin Cancer™ For more information on skin cancer prevention and detection, visit the AAD website SpotSkinCancer.org . There, you can find instructions on how to perform a skin self-exam, download a body mole map for tracking changes in your skin and find free SPOTme ^®  skin cancer screenings in your area. SPOT Skin Cancer™ is the AAD’s campaign to create a world without skin cancer through public awareness, community outreach programs and services, and advocacy that promote the prevention, detection and care of skin cancer.

To view a media-rich version of this release, go to: http://aad.new-media-release.com/2018/protect_yourselfie/