Half of Gen Z Got Sunburned in 2024 - and Most Still Believe Tanning Myths (AAD 2025)
If you grew up on social-media skincare, this AAD survey reveals the tanning myths you may have absorbed - and the simple facts that actually protect you.
An AAD survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults (released May 20, 2025) found 50% of Gen Z adults were sunburned in 2024, 57% believe tanning myths like 'a base tan protects against sunburn,' and only 34% recognize skin cancer prevention as the main reason to wear sunscreen.
The American Academy of Dermatology stresses that there is no such thing as a safe tan from the sun or a tanning bed - a tan is the skin's response to UV injury. Dermatologists emphasize that a 'base tan' provides minimal protection while still accumulating the damage that raises skin cancer risk.
Questions we get a lot
Does a base tan actually protect you from sunburn?
No - the AAD says a base tan offers very little real protection and is itself a sign of UV damage. Its 2025 survey found 57% of respondents still believe this myth. Building a tan to prevent burning still accumulates the DNA damage that raises skin cancer risk.
How common is sunburn among Gen Z?
The AAD's May 2025 survey found that half of Gen Z adults reported being sunburned in 2024. Sunburn is a clear sign of overexposure to UV and a known risk factor for skin cancer. The findings suggest many young adults underestimate their sun exposure.
What's the main reason dermatologists want you to wear sunscreen?
Skin cancer prevention - though the AAD's 2025 survey found only 34% of respondents named it as sunscreen's main benefit. Sunscreen also helps prevent premature aging and sunburn, but its biggest health payoff is reducing skin cancer risk. Daily broad-spectrum use is the practical takeaway.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'My friends swear a base tan stops you from burning on vacation - is there any truth to that or is it a myth?'