La Roche-Posay hopes to change the misconception that protection from the sun is not necessary for those with darker skin tones.

The La Roche-Posay SOS – Save Our Skin initiative supports the Women’s Dermatologic Society’s ongoing Play Safe in the Sun campaign. The company is taking the program nationwide this year.

One out of five Americans will get skin cancer – and, according to recent studies, skin cancer is a significant health risk for all ethnicities. Although melanoma incidence is higher in Caucasians, the 5-year survival rates for African Americans (78%) are significantly lower than that of Caucasians (92%).

People of color are more likely to wait until the disease has reached an advanced stage to visit the dermatologist, or worse, don’t visit the dermatologist at all.

La Roche-Posay’s campaign is raising awareness, while also spreading the word about its La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid, which has been developed to improve skin tone evenness, plus brighten color, with daily use for eight weeks.

Photo: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid, which was just honored by the Cosmetic Executive Women with this award.