Tanning Is Trending Again — Here's What's at Stake
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AAD (2025): 64% of Gen Z respondents often forget sunscreen; only 34% cite cancer prevention as the top reason to wear it.
The AAD reports 64% of Gen Z respondents say they often forget to apply sunscreen.
Frequently asked questions
Does sunscreen cause cancer?
No credible evidence shows sunscreen causes cancer; the established science is that UV exposure causes skin cancer and sunscreen helps prevent it. The myth usually stems from misread filter-absorption studies or one-off benzene contamination findings (benzene is a manufacturing impurity, not a sunscreen ingredient).
Is sunscreen actually bad for you?
For the vast majority of people, no — major dermatology bodies consider sunscreen safe and effective, and the proven risks of unprotected UV (skin cancer, premature aging) are far greater. The FDA is studying how some chemical filters are absorbed, but absorption alone does not mean harm.
r/SkincareScience: 'Can someone fact-check the anti-sunscreen TikToks?'
Sources & citations
- American Academy of Dermatology survey of U.S. adults, May 2025 (Gen Z sun habits)
- aad.org ↗