New research reveals that Americans typically start taking their sun-related skincare seriously at the age of 26.
A survey of 2,000 U.S. adults found that before their mid-20s, many Americans neglect proper skin care, which could explain why respondents are four times more likely to get sunburnt than to use sunscreen.
The study found that 79% of participants had experienced sunburn, while only one in five admitted to using facial sunscreen (20%) or body sunscreen (21%) daily.
Commissioned by the Melanoma Research Alliance, the largest private non-profit funder of melanoma research, and conducted by Talker Research, the survey also examined the sun protection habits of different generations.
The findings suggest that younger generations are taking their skin health more seriously than older generations. The results showed that Generation Z is more likely to wear sunscreen daily, whether for the face or body.
More than a third of Gen Z respondents reported wearing sunscreen every day (34% for body, 35% for face), compared to around a fifth of Generation X respondents (23% for body, 18% for face).
The survey also explored how sunscreen usage changes with the seasons, with one in five Americans completely stopping sunscreen use after Labour Day.
Despite the possibility of sunburn occurring regardless of the weather, seven in 10 Americans view sunscreen as a “summer essential”, while only three in 10 consider it part of their “winter essentials.”
Regardless of the time of year, 54% of those who have suffered sunburn are concerned about causing irreversible damage to their skin.
The survey revealed the top reasons that motivate people to wear sunscreen: concerns over skin cancer risk (41%), the convenience of sunscreen being included in daily moisturisers (31%), and the desire to prevent premature skin ageing (22%).
Interestingly, women were found to be more concerned about the risks of skin cancer than men, with only 39% of men stating that skin cancer risk would encourage them to wear sunscreen daily, compared to 42% of women.
Even though 72% of Americans feel knowledgeable about sun protection and 81% feel informed about the risks of melanoma, many still don’t incorporate sunscreen into their daily routine.
While 72% of respondents reported ensuring they wore sunscreen when outdoors or in direct sunlight, only 3% applied it in less obvious but potentially harmful situations, such as when exposed to screens, flying on aeroplanes, or while in nail salons.
“There are many common misconceptions about the importance of sunscreen and protecting your skin from the sun,” says Dr. Marc Hurlbert, CEO of the Melanoma Research Alliance. “No matter if it’s a sunny or cloudy day, if you plan to stay indoors, or if you’re sitting by a window, in a plane, or in a car, it’s important to wear sunscreen daily – all year round – to protect yourself from harmful rays that can cause melanoma.”
When seeking more information about sun protection, respondents were just as likely to turn to search engines like Google as they were to consult their doctor (32%).
Additionally, 12% look to social media for advice, with Facebook (57%), YouTube (53%), and TikTok (47%) being the most popular platforms for queries about sun protection.
The survey data also reveals that 39% of Generation Z prefer using online search engines for sun protection information, while 44% turn to social media, and 8% opt to not rely on any specific source.
Not only are many respondents lacking the use of sunscreen in their daily routines, but they are also skipping visits to the dermatologist. Only 34% of Americans surveyed see a dermatologist, and 21% visit less than once a year.
The survey found that 54% of respondents prioritise their regular doctor’s appointments over dermatology visits, with around half saying they are more likely to visit a dermatologist for other skin-related issues such as rashes, itchiness, or eczema, rather than for melanoma checks.
Despite the risks of melanoma, the survey also identified various reasons why people might skip sunscreen, including the time of year (28%), overcast or rainy weather (23%), and daily UV index levels (12%).
“At the Melanoma Research Alliance, we always say the best sunscreen is the type that you’ll use daily,” says Hurlbert. “Whether it’s mineral or chemical sunscreen, or paired with wide-brimmed hats and UPF clothing, it’s important to protect yourself daily and visit your dermatologist annually for a skin check.”
TOP 7 REASONS WHY AMERICANS CHOOSE TO WEAR SUNSCREEN:
- Avoiding sunburns: 58%
- Concerns about skin cancer: 56%
- Preventing premature skin ageing: 39%
- Skincare benefits: 31%
- Doctor recommendations: 19%
- Avoiding getting a tan: 8%
- Social media influence: 6%
