According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), adult members of Generation Z—defined as those born between 1996 and 2010—may participate in unsafe sun exposure or tanning behaviors without knowing the associated risks of developing skin cancer. In a new survey, researchers asked 1,000 adults aged 18 to 25 years to respond to questions regarding their skin-care habits and found that 71% of them acknowledged being unfamiliar with the risks of overexposure to ultraviolet light and getting sunburned. Additionally, 40% of them were unaware of the risks of tanning and 59% of them reported believing that tanning was healthy for the skin. Concerningly, researchers also discovered that 20% to 30% of respondents answered that they cared more about getting a tan than about protecting their skin from sun damage and cancer. The researchers stressed that individuals who have previously experienced even one blistering sunburn or underwent one tanning session may be 50% to 75% as likely to develop melanoma. In light of Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May, the AAD recommended that individuals reduce their risk of skin cancer by spending as much time as possible in the shade when outdoors, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM; wearing sun-protective clothing such as long sleeves, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses; and applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher prior to heading outdoors and every 2 hours after application. Individuals who discover new or changing moles on their skin should visit a dermatologist immediately for assessment.
May 25, 2023