It’s May, and while that means warmer weather and thoughts of summer fun, it also brings a serious reminder from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): we’re failing when it comes to sun safety, and much of it is because of the confusing and often downright wrong information floating around online. Imagine your kids, or even you, scrolling through TikTok and seeing someone confidently declare that SPF is a scam, or that you need to “get your vitamin D” by baking in the sun without protection. That’s exactly the kind of misinformation that’s leading millions of Americans to cut back or even stop using sunscreen, putting them at a much higher risk for skin cancer. The AAD’s latest “Practice Safe Sun Survey” paints a clear picture: many of us are engaging in risky sun behaviors, not because we don’t care about our health, but because we’re being led astray by social media, old wives’ tales about tanning, and a surprising lack of real-world knowledge, especially among younger generations.
This problem is particularly acute for younger adults, specifically Gen Z (ages 18-29). While many in this age group might confidently say they know a lot about protecting their skin, the reality is starkly different. The AAD’s sun safety quiz, which tests fundamental knowledge about sun protection, revealed that a shocking one-third of Gen Z scored a “D” or “F.” This is despite the fact that a large majority of Americans, including Gen Z, rated their own sun safety habits as “good” or “excellent.” It’s like thinking you’re acing a test because you feel good about it, only to find out you’ve barely passed, or even failed. This dangerous gap between what we think we know and what’s actually true is a major concern. It means that while the intent to be safe might be there, the actions taken might be completely ineffective, leaving skin vulnerable to the sun’s harmful rays.
The digital world, while a source of endless information, has a dark side when it comes to health. The survey found that a staggering 16 million adults have either reduced or completely stopped using sunscreen because of claims they encountered online. Think about that for a moment: 16 million people potentially increasing their risk of skin cancer because a trendy influencer or a dubious website made a convincing but false argument. This online influence is like a siren song, particularly for younger individuals. While about one in five Americans overall rely on Instagram or TikTok for skincare advice, a whopping 36% of Gen Z looks to these platforms and their influencers as their primary source of information. It’s a dangerous game of telephone where vital health information gets distorted, and nearly half of all Americans, and an even higher 64% of Gen Z, admit to encountering misinformation about sunscreen online. Dr. Murad Alam, the AAD President, underscores the problem, stating, “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.” He reminds us that there’s no safe amount of sun exposure without protection, shattering common misconceptions.
One of the most stubborn myths that refuses to die is the idea that a “healthy glow” from a tan is harmless, or even beneficial. It’s an image deeply ingrained in our culture – the bronzed vacationer, the perfectly tanned model. But the truth, as dermatologists tirelessly point out, is that any tan is a sign of UV damage. It’s your skin trying to protect itself from an assault, and every time it happens, it increases your risk of skin cancer and accelerates the aging process. Despite this undeniable medical fact, an astonishing 160 million American adults got a suntan in 2025, with nearly 60 million actively seeking one out, often swayed by appearance ideals and false narratives. The survey revealed that 83% of adults equate sun exposure with a “healthy-looking glow,” and 55% genuinely believe tanned skin looks healthier. More than half of us still cling to at least one tanning myth, like believing a tan is safe as long as you don’t burn (29%) or that a “base tan” somehow protects you from future burns or cancer (19%). Dr. Alam emphasizes, “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.” It’s a harsh reality that temporary discomfort from a sunburn is just the tip of the iceberg; long-term consequences include wrinkles, spots, and a significantly increased risk of developing skin cancer, which is now the most common form of cancer in the United States.
It’s clear that while many people are now seeing the long-term effects of sun exposure on their skin, there’s still a significant knowledge gap about prevention. Half of all adults worry about premature skin aging, and 43% are already noticing signs like wrinkles or dark spots. Looking back, a poignant 70% wish they had done more to protect their skin earlier in life. This sentiment highlights a crucial point: many are learning about sun damage the hard way, through personal experience. Yet, despite these concerns and regrets, basic knowledge about how sunscreen works remains surprisingly low. A concerning 21% of adults don’t realize sunscreen helps prevent premature aging, and 26% are unaware it can help prevent dark spots. It’s like knowing you want to save money for retirement but not understanding how a savings account or investment works. The desire is there, but the practical knowledge needed to achieve the goal is missing. The good news, as Dr. Alam reminds us, is that much of this damage is preventable with simple, consistent sun protection habits.
The message from the AAD is urgent and clear: we need to arm ourselves with accurate information and take proactive steps to protect our skin. In a world awash with digital noise, it’s more important than ever to be discerning about where we get our health advice. This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the AAD is urging everyone to prioritize safe sun practices. This means not only consistently using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that offers broad-spectrum protection, but also seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours. Crucially, it also means being a critical consumer of online content and turning to trusted sources like board-certified dermatologists for guidance. Early detection is also key, so regular self-exams and checking in with a dermatologist for any new or changing spots are vital. Our skin is our body’s largest organ, and it deserves our care and protection from the daily assault of UV radiation. Let’s make sure our desire for healthy, beautiful skin is backed by accurate knowledge and consistent action, safeguarding our health for years to come.