A new survey commissioned by the Melanoma Research Alliance and carried out by Talker Research reveals that Americans typically start taking sun-related skin care seriously at age 26. In other words, many people aren’t adopting essential habits—like daily sunscreen use—early enough, thus putting themselves at a higher risk for sun damage and skin cancer.
The survey polled 2,000 U.S. adults and found that 79 percent have experienced sunburn, yet only 20 percent use facial sunscreen, and 21 percent apply body sunscreen daily. It also revealed some confusion about the importance of year-round sun protection. “The survey also looked at how sunscreen usage varies by season, with one in five Americans dropping the use of sunscreen all together post Labor Day,” the study reported. “Despite the chance of a sunburn regardless of the weather, seven in 10 Americans think sunscreen is a ‘summer essential’ while only three in 10 respondents include sunscreen in their ‘winter essentials.’”
“There are many common misconceptions about the importance of sunscreen and protecting your skin from the sun,” said Dr. Marc Hurlbert, CEO of Melanoma Research Alliance, in the survey report published by Talker Research. “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.” His advice aligns with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), which recommends using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every day.
That’s not the only concerning insight from the report. Others include the fact that “54 percent of respondents prioritize their normal doctor appointments over dermatology visits, and about half are more likely to see a dermatologist for other skin-related issues like rashes, itchiness or eczema rather than to check for melanoma. Additionally, some people skip sunscreen based on the UV index or overcast conditions—a risky choice since UV rays can still cause skin damage even on lower UV index days or when it’s cloudy.
All this serves as a crucial reminder: wear sunscreen daily, especially if you’ll be outside or exposed to light. “At Melanoma Research Alliance, we always say the best sunscreen is the type that you’ll use daily,” Hurlbert added. “Whether it’s mineral or chemical sunscreen, or paired with the use of wide brimmed hats and UPF clothing, it’s important to protect yourself daily, and visit your dermatologist annually for a skin check.”
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