Generation Z adults, ages 18-25, are at risk for skin cancer due to increasing rates of tanning and burning, finds a new survey from the American Academy of Dermatology.
Fully 52% of Gen Z adults were unaware of one or more sunburn risks, such as increased risk of developing skin cancer or premature skin aging, according to the national survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults. In fact, while more than 50% of Americans get a grade of “A” or “B” for sun protection knowledge, 32% of Gen Z adults receive a failing grade of “D” or “F.”
In spite of a generational enthusiasm for skincare, one in four Gen Z adults are already reporting skin damage from the sun. More than one in four (27%) of Americans say they use sunscreen only when nagged by other people, however that percentage increases in the Gen Z crowd to 37%.
These new statistics are not a surprise to Seattle-based dermatologist Heather D. Rogers, MD, who sees the damaging effects of sun exposure every day in her patients.
“Gen Z is obsessed with and avidly consumes skincare,” Dr. Rogers notes in a news release. “Despite sunscreen being in this category, it hasn’t been embraced with the same fervor. We’ve seen tremendous advancement in sunscreen options over the past 10 years that can and should be easily incorporated into a routine. However, we are not seeing its use at the level we would expect considering the evidence showing regular use of sunscreen slows the aging process and decreases risk of skin cancer.”
Another area of concern? Tanning. Twenty-eight percent of Gen Z survey respondents said getting a tan was more important to them than preventing skin cancer, with 70% reporting tanned or darker skin in 2023.
“Image is so important to this age group,” says Dr. Rogers. “This is a generation incredibly focused on beauty with a significant fear of aging. Tanned skin seems to have visual appeal, and projects the image of good times, however what people don’t realize is that tan skin is a sign your skin has been injured.”
Encourage all patients to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and to reduce their risk of skin cancer and damage. Dr. Rogers and the AAD recommend the following tips:
- Seek shade when appropriate. Remember, the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Wear sun-protective clothing, such as a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection, when possible.
- Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.
- When outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
- Use extra caution near water and sand, as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
- Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from tanning beds can cause skin cancer and premature skin aging.
Don’t forget to perform regular skin self-exams to detect skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable, and see a board-certified dermatologist if you notice new or suspicious spots on your skin, or anything changing, itching, or bleeding.
