Murad, Inc. partnered with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) to launch Shade America, a new program that will build shade structures in parks and playgrounds across America to provide shade from the sun’s harmful rays. Through the Shade America program, Murad’s goal is to provide shade to one million children over the next five years and offer sun safety education programs for school-age children.

According to the AAD, one out of five Americans will have skin cancer at one point in their lives. In an effort to reduce the incidence of skin cancer, the Shade America program was designed not only to provide physical shade, but also to promote the importance of seeking shade, wearing sunscreen, and checking skin regularly for suspicious spots. This May, Murad will begin building its first shade structure at Lafayette Park in Los Angeles, CA. Currently, there are plans for structures to be built at park locations in Scottsdale, AZ, Seattle, WA, Dallas, TX, Chicago, IL, Miami, FL and New York City.

“We are extremely excited about this partnership and also thrilled to be able to create a program that truly supports our mission to help young people lead healthier, happier and more connected lives. Educating the youth in our community about sun safety is a cause that Murad has been fully committed to and it is something I am personally very passionate about,” said Hilarie Murad, President of the Murad Family Foundation. “The Shade America program is a natural extension of our commitment to younger generations. Now, in addition to providing education, we will be able to offer physical protection where it is desperately needed. Working together with the AAD, we hope to make a difference and we are confident the new Shade America Program will reach its goal of shading one million children over five years.”

To help support the Shade America program, Murad is launching the Shade America Sun Safety Set, a limited-edition duo designed to promote youthful and healthy skin and provide powerful protection against sun damage. This special duo gives powerful UVA/UVB protection from Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 | PA+++ and quick sun damage correction from Advanced Active Radiance Serum—a Vitamin C rich formula that improves brightness, clarity, and radiance by 60 percent in less than one week, according to the company. Available for a limited time only, the set also includes a deluxe custom cosmetic bag that features a fabric print of Dr. Murad’s original art lined inside. Funded by the sales of this set, Murad will make a $125,000 donation to the Academy to support the Shade America program.

Shade America Sun Safety Set ($68) will be available on Murad.com and at Ulta and Massage Envy Spa beginning May 2015 through October 2015. For more information about sun safety, the Shade America program or the Shade America Sun Safety Set, please visit www.murad.com/shade.