Study Finds Over 30% of Adults Don't Use Sunscreen

Yahoo News/YouGov recently conducted a survey that revealed disturbing data about sunscreen usage habits among adults in the U.S. From May 10 to 13, 1,794 participants provided insights on their sunscreen application frequency and reapplication practices. Here, we discuss some of the key findings from this research.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises applying an SPF 30 or higher, water-resistant sunscreen to all exposed skin every day. But, per this study, many adults in the U.S. are not prioritizing sun protection. Worryingly, 33 percent of participants reported never wearing sunscreen.

There were also differences in sunscreen usage between genders; 42 percent of males admitted they do not use sunscreen compared to 25 percent of females. Further, 29 percent of respondents confessed to only using sunscreen a few times a month. Of note, a mere 12 percent of adults said that they incorporate sunscreen into their daily routine.

It's important to remember applying sunscreen is not an onerous task. The market offers many user-friendly formulas designed to feel like traditional skin care products, such as the EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen which is popular among beauty buffs and celebrities.

Other findings included that nearly 30 percent of adults rarely or never reapply sunscreen. Despite AAD's advice to reapply every two hours, or after swimming or perspiring, even when wearing water-resistant sunscreen, many don't comply. With a wide variety of innovative sunscreen formulas on the market, such as the e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable All Set For Sun Sunscreen (a spray that allows reapplication without interfering with makeup), there is no reason not to reapply.

The survey also indicated that 80 percent of adults have had at least one sunburn, with 64 percent experiencing multiple sunburns. Sunburns can have serious health implications, leading to skin damage and even skin cancer. Dr. Vicky Zhen Ren, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine, stated to Yahoo Life that both sunburns and tanning, whether indoors or outdoors, cause DNA damage in skin cells. Frequent episodes of tanning and/or sunburns increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.