La Roche-Posay and WDS Expand Sun Protection Campaign

La Roche-Posay and the Women's Dermatologic Society (WDS) are taking their Time Out, Protect Your Skin (TOPS) initiative national. Launching this year in five public and private schools across the country, the TOPS program will increase awareness about sun protection and instill good skin health habits for young children by integrating sun safety education into the curriculum at targeted schools. Given that only approximately 25 percent of children apply sunscreen when going outside, TOPS is designed to educate and inform children at an early age about the importance of safe sun practices. In addition to “sun-proofing” each school by installing shade-bearing awnings and other methods of shade protection over highly trafficked play areas, the TOPS initiative supplies schools with La Roche-Posay's Anthelios sunscreen, informational pamphlets and UV bracelets that change color to let students know when they are being exposed to UV rays. The program also seeks to educate students and the public by integrating grade-level appropriate materials (provided by the American Skin Association) into the curriculum and organizing educational presentations by WDS members.