In today’s image-obsessed society where millions of photos are uploaded daily through digital networks such as Facebook and Flickr, how much of an impact can a common skin condition like acne have on the life of teens? Based on first impressions, teens with acne are perceived to have different personality and social traits than if they had clear skin, according to results of a new online perception survey sponsored by the American Acne & Rosacea Society (AARS), and co-authored by Dr. Eva Ritvo, psychiatrist and co-author of The Beauty Prescription.(1) The survey asked thousands of teens and adults to offer their impressions of a group of teens based solely on photos of their faces - with clear skin or digitally enhanced to simulate acne. The results, which are being released to mark the first-ever National Acne Awareness Month, also expose the significant lengths that teens with acne would go to if it meant they could get rid of their acne forever.(1a)

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In recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month and the increasing incidence of skin cancer in the United States, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) has created a free Skin Self Exam (SSE) kit available on the Society’s Facebook site. The kit and site were created to educate younger audiences about the potential dangers of skin cancer and the importance of early detection methods.

“Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and is the second most common cancer affecting women aged 20 to 29,” says Robert Weiss, M.D., president of the ASDS. “The 5-year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads is 99 percent; therefore, it’s critical that consumers perform regular self-skin exams. Through Facebook, the ASDS is pleased to provide young women and men who are at highest risk for skin cancer with resources that could potentially save their lives.

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