Board-certified dermatologist urges sun protection to prevent
skin cancer
ROSEMONT, Ill., May 14, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- A new survey from the American Academy of
Dermatology revealed that Generation Z adults, ages 18-25, are at
risk for skin cancer due to increasing rates of tanning and
burning. To encourage safe sun habits, the AAD is shining a
spotlight on the ways that people can protect themselves from the
most common and one of the most preventable types of cancer—skin
cancer—this May for Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
According to the national survey of over 1,000 U.S. adults, 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.
In fact, while over 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—think the
latest viral skincare trends—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 board-certified dermatologist
Heather D. Rogers, MD, FAAD, who
sees the damaging effects of sun exposure every day in her
patients.
"Gen Z is obsessed with and avidly consumes skincare," Dr.
Rogers noted. "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," said 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."
Whether you're exposed to the sun's UV rays or visit an indoor
tanning salon, every time you tan, your skin is damaged. As this
damage builds, you speed up the aging of your skin and increase
your risk for all types of skin cancer, including melanoma, the
deadliest form of skin cancer.
To protect your skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays and
to reduce your 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.
"Nothing looks better in your 50s than sun safe habits in your
20s. The earlier you learn to protect your skin from the sun, the
longer your skin will look and feel healthy," noted Dr. Rogers.
To find a board-certified dermatologist in your area,
visit aad.org/findaderm.
More Information
Practice Safe Sun
Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Shade, Clothing, and Sunscreen
AAD B-Roll Library
About the Research
Versta Research conducted a national survey of 1,054 U.S. adults on
behalf of the American Academy of Dermatology. Sampling was
stratified by age, gender, region, race/ethnicity, income, and
education, and it was weighted to match current population
estimates from the United States Census Bureau. The survey was
conducted online from January 29 to February
8, 2024. Assuming no sample bias, the maximum margin of
error for full-sample estimates is ±3%.
About the AAD
Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of
Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential and
most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a
membership of more than 21,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD is
committed to advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and
cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails; advocating high
standards in clinical practice, education and research in
dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care because
skin, hair, and nail conditions can have a serious impact on your
health and well-being. For more information, contact the AAD at
(888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow @AADskin
on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube and
@AADskin1 on Instagram.
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SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology