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- The latest edition of the American Academy of Dermatology’s annual survey on American sun behavior found that a significant percentage of adults got a sunburn in the past year.
- The survey found that the consequences of getting a sunburn extend beyond health and aesthetics, impacting other aspects of Americans’ lives.
- Dermatologists share their most crucial tips for avoiding sunburns and getting safe sun exposure.
It’s easy to roll your eyes when you hear someone talk about the importance of wearing sunscreen. You’re likely well aware that it should be worn everyday, especially when you like to do workout outdoors; it’s best to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30; and that wearing it is key to slowing signs of aging and preventing potentially deadly skin cancers.
But knowing those facts and actually applying them to your daily skincare regimen are two different things. And despite ubiquitous messaging about the importance of sunscreen (and the fact that it’s one of the only skincare ingredients actually proven to work) many Americans struggle to make it a proper fixture of their everyday lives.
As a result, people are still getting sunburnt at alarming rates and facing not only increased cancer risk, sun spots and wrinkles, but also negative social consequences, according to a new survey from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).“There is a disconnect driving high rates of sunburn, with consequences that go far beyond just temporary discomfort,” Murad Alam, MD FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and President of the AAD says in a news release about the survey.
Meet the experts: Joshua Zeichner, MD, FAAD, is the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital; Cindy Wassef, MD, FAAD, is a dermatologist at Premier Health Associates in Randolph, New Jersey; Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in the New York metropolitan area. Murad Alam, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and President of the American Academy of Dermatology.
There are already countless reasons to make sunscreen a skincare mainstay, but this survey just added one more to the list. So, here’s what experts want you to know about the survey’s findings—including how, exactly, neglecting sunscreen influenced Americans’ social lives, plus strategies dermatologists recommend to avoid the health and social consequences of getting burned.
What did the survey find?
Researchers polled 1,132 American adults on their sunscreen use habits and skincare concerns for the American Academy of Dermatology’s annual Practice Safe Sun Survey. The survey found that 57 percent of Americans regularly use sunscreen, but one-third of the respondents said they had a sunburn in the past year. “While it’s encouraging that over half of Americans are using sunscreen, young people and adults are navigating an overwhelming amount of conflicting information about sun
protection,” says Dr. Alam.
Worse yet, nearly half of Americans scored a “C” or lower on the AAD’s sun safety quiz, which assesses knowledge related to sun protection, even though two-thirds of respondents rated their own knowledge as “good” or even “excellent.” Translation: There’s a pretty major gap between what many Americans think of as best-practice for protecting their skin from the sun, and the realities of it.
The survey also found that more than 80 percent of adults feel sun exposure gives them a healthy glow, while 21 percent didn’t know that sunscreen helps prevent premature skin aging. As dismal as these results may sound, they’re unfortunately not all that surprising. After all, decadesworthof research has been dedicated to dispelling misconceptions about sunscreen, how it works, and the benefits it provides our skin. And despite the efforts by the scientific community to squash misunderstanding and provide clarity to the public, myths continue to prevail—especially since social media platforms have become an engine for misinformation, according to the survey.
So perhaps what’s most interesting (and quite surprising) about the recent survey is that it found that members of Generation Z—the tanning bed-obsessed folks who managed to get the most severe sunburns out of any generation, according to the survey data—reported a noticeable impact on their social life when they got a sun burn. In fact, more than a quarter of them said they felt embarrassed when they got a sunburn in the past year, while 18 percent avoided taking photos of themselves because of it. And it makes sense: Many people are aware that sunburns are easily preventable, so it’s easy to feel self-conscious if you wind up with one anyway, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, FAAD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital.
So sure, getting a sunburn is physically uncomfortable and can even have far-reaching health consequences by raising cancer risk. But for many, that hazard doesn’t feel like a tangible reality until they suddenly notice a strange, unfamiliar mole on their skin. If any of that rings true for you, let the potential for embarrassment be yet another reason to slather on sunscreen.
Why are people still getting sunburned?
There are likely a few factors at play, according to dermatologists. For one, “many people underestimate exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation and may forget to wear sunscreen on cloudy days or forget to reapply as often as is needed,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in the New York metropolitan area. (The general rule of thumb is to re-apply every two hours when exposed to the sun, but let’s face it, this can feel tedious in day-to-day life.)
Instead, many people only wear sunscreen when they’re headed to the beach or pool, Dr. Zeichner says. But opportunities to accumulate sun exposure and increase risk of burning are omnipresent in daily routines: “You can get a sunburn on your commute to work, sitting outdoors while having lunch, or even taking a midday walk in the park,” he adds. “If you don’t recognize that you are exposed to the sun, then you won’t be able to take steps to protect yourself.”
Doctors have an easy solution.
Making sunscreen a part of your self-care routine is crucial, says Cindy Wassef, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist at Premier Health Associates in Randolph, New Jersey. “Put on your sunscreen like you put on your body lotion—first thing out of the shower, so you can ensure you do not miss any spots.” To help make it a habit that actually sticks, Dr. Garshick recommends thinking of putting on sunscreen “just like brushing your teeth every morning,” a small, non-negotiable step that just becomes part of your routine.
You can also experiment with different formats and textures until you find a sunscreen you enjoy the experience of applying. After all, the best sunscreen is one that you’ll actually use consistently, Dr. Zeichner says. So if you find traditional lotions a hassle, for instance, Dr. Wassef recommends trying sprays or sticks—they're quick, easy to reapply, and could save you from a lot more than just a burn.
While it’s tempting to slather on sunscreen while you’re getting ready in the morning and pat yourself on the back for the rest of the day, Dr. Zeichner stresses that reapplication is crucial. And when engaging in activities like swimming or vigorous exercise that makes you sweat, every couple hours won’t cut it: You’ll have to reapply every time your skin gets wet. “Chemical sunscreens are inactivated by UV light exposure and mineral sunscreens clump, making them less effective with time,” he adds. So the point is, SPF is not a simple one-and-done deal if you want to truly reap the benefits.
And, of course, avoiding a burn is about more than just slathering on SPF regularly. It’s also about avoiding exposure altogether when possible. “Sit in the shade when you can,” Dr. Zeichner says. “Wear sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses. And if you have a choice, participate in activities during off-peak sun hours like before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.”
Clearly, the importance of sunscreen can’t be overstated. But it’s totally fair if plucking one off the shelf feels overwhelming. To give you one less thing to worry about, here are a few options Women’s Health editors love:
Expert-Recommended Sunscreen To Safeguard Your Skin
This face and body sunscreen flaunts advanced protection in a fast-absorbing, velvety texture that leaves feeling skin hydrated and looking smooth. It also has a sun protection factor of 60, and stays water-resistant for 80 minutes.
This mineral sunscreen is formulated especially for those with sensitive skin since its hypoallergenic, paraben-free and fragrance free. Plus, the sunscreen contains aloe vera to soothe and moisturize while protecting from the sun.
If you’re looking for a sunscreen that does the job of SPF, skincare and makeup at all once: This is the pick for you. This tinted, mineral sunscreen offers a sun protection factor of 50, alongside vitamin E for antioxidant protection.
Sure, putting on sunscreen is one more thing to squeeze into your already busy day. But if a future sunburn could mean sitting out of photos or feeling self-conscious at your next social event, that's worth thinking about. The good news: making SPF a daily habit doesn't have to be complicated. A little consistency now is a lot easier than dealing with the consequences later.
Korin Miller is a seasoned freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Everyday Health, Food & Wine, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University and lives by the beach.
Katie Mogg is the beauty editorial assistant at Women’s Health. Since starting college at Northeastern University in 2020, her bylines have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, NBC News and The Boston Globe. She strives to help readers lead happier and healthier lives through science-backed stories that explain how to care for hair, skin and nails. When she’s not working, Katie enjoys live music, strolling through Central Park, planning her next beach getaway, and sharing hotpot with friends.
