New data from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) released May 1, 2026, reveals misinformation is causing adults to cut back or stop using sunscreen.
The survey is from its annual Practice Safe Sun Survey, which aims to show the influence of social media, misconceptions, and gaps in sun safety knowledge – especially among Gen Z
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The survey reveals a gap between perceived and actual sun safety, with awareness failing to translate into protective habits:
- While 57% of Americans regularly use sunscreen and more Americans report taking steps to protect their skin, one-third said they got a sunburn in the past year.
- Nearly half of Americans score a "C" or lower on AAD's sun safety quiz, which assesses knowledge related to sun protection, despite 67% rating their own habits as "good" or "excellent." Among Gen Z (ages 18-29), one-third received a D or F.
Misinformation Online Influences Sun Protection Decisions
- While 21% of Americans rely on Instagram or TikTok influencers for skincare advice, 36% of Gen Z name influencers from these platforms as their primary source.
- Nearly half of all Americans, and 64% of Gen Z, report encountering sunscreen misinformation online.
"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," said AAD President and board-certified dermatologist Murad Alam, MD, MSCI, MBA, FAAD. "Misinformation reinforces harmful tanning myths, leading people to underestimate the risks of UV light exposure and ignore protective measures. It's important to evaluate the source of medical information and make informed skincare decisions by seeking advice from a board-certified dermatologist. The reality is that window glass cannot stop harmful rays, and no amount of sun exposure is necessary or completely safe."
Tanning Myths Remain Pervasive
- 83% of all adults say sun exposure gives them a "healthy-looking glow," and 55% believe tanned skin looks healthier.
- More than half (52%) believe at least one tanning myth, including that tanning is safe if you don't burn (29%) or that a base tan can prevent sunburn or reduce cancer risk (19%).
"There is no such thing as a safe tan. Every time you tan or burn, you are also damaging the DNA in your skin and the more damage, the greater your risk of skin cancer," added Dr. Alam. "There is a disconnect driving high rates of sunburn, with consequences that go far beyond just temporary discomfort. Sunburns cause pain and embarrassment in the short term, and over time they make the skin look wrinkled, spotted, and old, while also dramatically increasing the risk of skin cancer."
Knowledge Gaps About Long Term Skin Protection Persist
- Half of adults (50%) worry about premature skin aging, and 43% are already seeing damage like wrinkles or dark spots.
- Looking back, 70% wish they had done more to protect their skin earlier in life.
- Yet knowledge gaps persist, with 21% unaware that sunscreen helps prevent premature aging and 26% not realizing it can help prevent dark spots.
"Data show that many Americans are learning about long term sun damage the hard way," said Dr. Alam. "The effects of UV exposure build over time – driving premature aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer, which is now the most common form of cancer in the United States. The good news is that much of this damage is preventable with simple, consistent sun protection habits."
To detect skin cancer early, perform regular self-exams. If you find any new or suspicious spots on your skin, or any spots that are changing, itching or bleeding, consult a board-certified dermatologist, your most trusted partner in protecting your skin and visit aad.org/skincancer to learn more and find a board-certified dermatologist near you.
