According to a new study, Americans only start taking their sun-related skin care seriously at age 26.
The survey of 2,000 American adults found that before their mid-20s, Americans aren’t taking proper care of their skin — which may be why respondents are four times more likely to get sunburned than to use sunscreen. against the sun.
The survey found that 79% have experienced sunburn, while only a fifth admit to using face sunscreen (20%) or body sunscreen (21%) every day.
Commissioned by the Melanoma Research Alliance, the largest private non-profit funder of melanoma research, and conducted by Talker Research, the survey also looked at sun protection habits of different generations.
Younger generations seem to be taking their skin health more seriously than older generations, as results revealed that Gen Z are more likely to use sunscreen every day, whether it’s body sunscreen or the face.
Over a third of Gen Z respondents reported wearing sunscreen daily (34% for body, 35% for face), compared to about a fifth of Gen Xers (23% for body, 18% for face ).
The survey also looked at how sunscreen use varies by season, with one in five Americans ditching sunscreen all together after Labor Day.
Despite the possibility of a sunburn regardless of the weather, seven in 10 Americans think sunscreen is a “summer essential,” while only three in 10 respondents include sunscreen in their “winter staple.”
Regardless of the season, 54% of those who have had a sunburn are concerned about permanent damage to their skin.
The survey found that the main reasons motivating people to use sunscreen include concerns about the risks of skin cancer (41%), the convenience of sunscreen included in daily moisturizers (31%) and fear of aging premature skin (22%).
The survey showed that women were more concerned about the risks of skin cancer than men. Only 39% of men report that the risk of skin cancer would encourage them to wear sunscreen every day, compared to women (42%).
Despite 72% of Americans feeling knowledgeable about sun protection and 81% feeling informed about the risks of melanoma skin cancer, many respondents still do not include sunscreen in their routine.
Seventy-two percent of respondents reported that they make sure to wear sunscreen when outdoors or in direct sunlight, while only 3% do so in less expected but potentially harmful situations, such as when looking at a screen, on an airplane or in a nail salon. .
“There are many common misconceptions about the importance of sunscreen and protecting your skin from the sun,” says Dr. Marc Hurlbert, CEO of the Melanoma Research Alliance. “Whether it’s a sunny or cloudy day, whether you plan to stay indoors, or whether you’re sitting by a window, on a plane or in a car, it’s important to use sunscreen every day – all year round – to to be protected. protect yourself from harmful rays that can cause melanoma.”
When looking for more information about sun protection, respondents were just as likely to turn to search engines like Google as they were to their doctor (32%).
Twelve percent also turn to social media, with Facebook (57%), YouTube (53%) and TikTok (47%) being the top platforms respondents are looking to for their sun protection questions.
Survey data reveals that 39% of Gen Z prefer online search engines for sun protection, while 44% turn to social media, with 8% choosing not to rely on any specific source for such information.
Not only do respondents miss using sunscreen in their daily lives, they also miss visits to the dermatologist as only 34% of Americans surveyed go to a dermatologist, with 21% visiting less than once per year.
The survey also reveals that 54% of respondents prioritize their regular doctor appointments over dermatology visits, and about half are more likely to visit a dermatologist for other skin-related issues such as rashes, itchiness or eczema rather than check for melanoma.
Despite the risks of melanoma, the survey also found various factors that influence people not to use sunscreen, including the time of year (28%), cloudy or rainy weather (23%) and daily UV index levels (12%).
“At the Melanoma Research Alliance, we always say the best sunscreen is the kind you’ll use every day,” says Hurlbert. “Whether it’s mineral or chemical sunscreen, or combined with the use of wide-brimmed hats and UPF clothing, it’s important to protect yourself every day and visit your dermatologist annually for a skin checkup. ”
7 TOP REASONS WHY AMERICANS CHOOSE TO WEAR RIGHT GUARDS:
- Avoiding sunburn 58%
- Skin cancer concerns 56%
- Prevention of premature skin aging 39%
- Skin care benefits 31%
- Doctor’s recommendations 19%
- Tan avoidance 8%
- Social media 6%
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans; the survey was commissioned by the Melanoma Research Alliance and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between August. 3 to August. 8, 2024.
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Image Source : nypost.com