Walgreens, is helping to raise awareness about skin health this summer with a series of programs to educate the public about skin cancer risks and the importance of early detection. Through interactive, community-focused events featuring dermatologists, knowledgeable pharmacists and specially-trained beauty consultants, Walgreens will offer free resources to help people protect their skin during the summer months.
According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States, and also one of the most preventable. It’s estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. When skin cancer is detected and treated early, it is highly curable.
“As a leader in healthcare, Walgreens is dedicated to helping our customers take proactive measures to safeguard their health and wellbeing,” said Chet Robson, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Walgreens. “Long summer days are meant to be spent outdoors, but we want people to understand that overexposure to the sun can be harmful if proper precautions are not taken. Through our partnership with The Skin Cancer Foundation, we’re able to deliver our expertise to even more people this summer to help them keep their skin healthy.”
“As a dermatologist, year after year, I see firsthand the effects of sun overexposure during the summer months. That’s why I’m excited to partner with Walgreens this summer to help educate people about the importance of sun protection,” said Rachel Nazarian, M.D., F.A.A.D., Schweiger Dermatology Group.
Destination: Healthy Skin Public Education Partnership
For the second year in a row, Walgreens has collaborated with The Skin Cancer Foundation on its Destination: Healthy Skin program to offer free full-body skin cancer screenings in cities around the country. The national mobile education program features a customized RV with two private exam rooms where local dermatologists volunteer their time to provide the screenings to the public.
A new addition to the Destination: Healthy Skin program includes the opportunity for attendees to receive a high-tech facial image scan to examine sub-surface sun damage utilizing the Canfield® Reveal imager system. This exclusive camera technology helps reveal the cumulative effect of sun exposure and will provide visual proof of the importance of consistent sun protection.
In select markets, Walgreens will host interactive skincare experiences featuring Walgreens beauty consultants specially trained in sun care. These experts will be onsite to distribute sunscreen samples, educate visitors on the importance of sun protection and provide advice for staying safe in the sun. Walgreens will participate in community health events at Destination: Healthy Skin events in cities including:
- San Diego – June 20-21
- Santa Monica – June 23-24
- San Francisco – June 29-30
- Salt Lake City – July 5-6
- Denver – July 13-14
- Omaha – July 20-21
- Chicago – July 24-25
- Indianapolis – July 27-28
- Louisville, KY – August 1-2
- Nashville – August 4-5
Visit https://www.destinationhealthyskin.org/tour-schedule/ to view the full list of tour stops.
Safe and Effective Products
In addition to offering access to trained skin care specialists, Walgreens carries an expansive line of skincare products, including Walgreens-branded sunscreens that have earned The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation for providing effective and safe sun protection.
This year, Walgreens Sunscreen Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50 received the highest score of “Excellent” by Consumer Reports, and is also free of oxybenzone – an ingredient which has been banned by Hawaii and Key West due to their damaging effects on coral reefs.
Walgreens also offers a wide range of mineral-based sunscreens to ensure customers have plenty of skin protection options, and in-store beauty consultants can recommend cosmetics and skin care products that offer additional protection from the sun.
To further educate consumers about the importance of protecting their skin, Walgreens has launched a national advertising campaign along with the hashtag #saveyourskin.
