On this year's, World Health Day, the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) launched the #WearSunscreen campaign, a US-wide effort urging the public to protect their skin with sunscreen use every day.
Slightly more than half of Americans say they use sunscreen during the summer, and the #WearSunscreen campaign aims to change that - by encouraging the use of sunscreen all-year-round.
Campaign partners include the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) and the Health In Hand Foundation who, together with PCPC, will help to spread the word through spring and summer, amplifying a public health message: sunscreen saves lives.
Public health priority
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with more than five million cases diagnosed each year – more than all other cancers combined. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is also one of the most preventable.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, this year, an estimated 200,000 Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma. An estimated 20 Americans die from melanoma every day.
“Sunscreen is one of the most reliable and accessible tools we have to reduce the risk of skin cancer,” said Dr. Jane Yoo, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in New York City. “Just like brushing your teeth or clicking your seatbelt, wearing sunscreen should be a consistent part of your daily routine all year long. And the good news is – it works. Regular sunscreen use can cut your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma in half and lower your melanoma risk by 40%.”
Proven protection
FDA-regulated sunscreens – whether mineral or chemical – are proven to help prevent sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer when used as directed.
Consumers can find a wide variety of sunscreen formulations on shelves, which include ingredients that have undergone rigorous scientific evaluation and oversight.
“Sunscreens have been used effectively for decades. Yet, recent data suggests that the number of new skin cancer cases is expected to increase in 2025. We know that proper and consistent use of sunscreen can help prevent the disease, which is why we’re proud to partner with CHPA, and the Health In Hand Foundation to raise awareness and encourage use of sunscreen,” said Tom Myers, President & CEO at PCPC.
People are encouraged to post about their own sun safety habits, share why sunscreen matters to them, and tag friends and family to keep the momentum going.
“We hope this campaign not only raises awareness, but also shifts behaviour,” said Scott Melville, President & CEO at CHPA. “Our goal is for sunscreen to be seen not as a beach-day extra, but as an everyday essential, because that’s exactly what it is.”
PCPC launches sunscreen awareness campaign
