AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION®

 

A Public Health Initiative

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has long advocated for the importance of healthy skin. With incidences of skin cancer increasing rapidly, the Academy wants to slow this trend by motivating the public to make better choices to improve their skin health.

As the largest association of dermatologists in the world, the Academy is uniquely positioned to lead the charge to help reduce the incidence of skin cancer by informing the public through the AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION® Program.

The AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION® Program is an Academy-driven public health initiative that was conceived to educate the public about the dangers of exposure to the sun. The AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION® provides a reliable method for choosing sun-protection products that have met a stringent set of evidence-based criteria established by the Academy that are aligned with FDA guidelines and that have been verified by a panel of dermatologists and an independent scientist. Proceeds generated above the cost of administering the program will help to support public education programs that reduce incidences of skin cancer and improve public health.

Products considered for participation include sunscreens, cosmetics, and moisturizers that provide broad-spectrum protection, garments and hats, shade structures, umbrellas, laundry additives, eye protection, and window films/tints.

Early in 2006 the Academy launched the Skin Cancer Awareness: Intervention Plan for Tomorrow (SCRIPT) Plan. The SCRIPT Plan's goal is to lead the charge to reduce skin cancer mortality in the next 10 years and to reduce incidences in the next 30 years. The effort includes promoting public education, developing statistical benchmarks, identifying research gaps, and more. Any fees above those necessary to administer the AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION® program will be directed to the Academy's SCRIPT Plan.

Examples of programs that will be advanced through the SCRIPT Plan with proceeds from the AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION® Program include:

  • Shade Structure Grant Program for the purchase of permanent
    shade structures for nonprofit organizations such as schools.
  • Providing free skin cancer screenings to the public.
  • Advocacy for federal and state legislation to regulate indoor tanning.
  • Distributing printed materials (brochures, pamphlets, posters, bookmarks, and flyers) for public awareness about sun safety. 
  • Paid advertising and public service advertising (TV, print, and radio).
  • SkinCancerNet at www.skincarephysicians.com/skincancernet.

How To Apply:

To receive more information or an application packet, please contact:

Elizabeth Jan Edgar, MS
Director of Development
American Academy of Dermatology
Call (847) 240-1037 or use our contact form.