4 Things Gen Z Gets Wrong About Tanning and Sun Safety

Many Gen Z kids love the sun and tanning, but they don't know how to stay safe, according to a Neutrogena survey.

Fact checked by Sarah ScottFact checked by Sarah Scott

As part of Melanoma Awareness Month, Neutrogena developed a one-of-a-kind survey aimed at discovering the sun habits of Gen Z (those born roughly between the 1990s and the 2010s). Not only did they discover that many of these young people prioritize tanned skin over sunscreen usage, but 71% of them say that being outside such as at the pool or the beach is important to them. And an overwhelming 69% would prefer a job outdoors.

These facts do not bode well for future skin cancer cases—especially since 1 in every 3 cancers diagnosed is skin cancer. In fact, in the U.S., 9,500 news cases are diagnosed every day, and the prevalence has been increasing rapidly since 1990. Scientists attribute these increases to aging ,as well as increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) or sunlight, increased outdoor activities, ozone depletion, and genetics.

What's more, "tanning routines" and other tanning trends have been all over social media which may encourage Gen Z to partake in them.

So, what can be done to change the mindset of this up-and-coming generation? According to Annabelle Garcia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Sonterra Dermatology in San Antonio, it starts with promoting the idea that glowing, healthy skin is achieved through good self-care, not sun exposure.

"Shifting the mindset [means reminding people that] healthy skin comes in all shades," says Dr. Garcia. "Sun protection prevents wrinkles, sunburns, and lowers skin cancer risk. There are many beautiful celebrities and influencers who rock their natural skin tone."

What Gen Z Thinks About the Sun and Tanning

Of course, not everyone in this generation is into tanning and being in the sun. But to help parents whose children are, we spoke with dermatologists to sort out the facts from fiction when it comes to tanned skin and the sun. Here's what they had to say about common Gen Z beliefs.

Myth: Sunburns will eventually fade into tans

According to the survey, 61% of Gen Z believe that sunburns will eventually fade into tans. But dermatologists say this is a false assumption.

Sunburns are a form of skin damage, not a tan, says Dr. Garcia. When skin gets sunburned, it's the body's response to UV radiation injury. And while the redness and inflammation will fade, the damage has been done.

"In fact, even one blistering sunburn can increase your risk of developing skin cancer later in life," says Nkem Ugonabo, MD, MPH, a board-certified dermatologist. "Sun damage is cumulative and adds up over time and hence what young people do while growing up will affect their skin significantly later on in adulthood, and can increase risk of skin cancer down the road."

Plus, melanoma, which is one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer, is the most common cancer in young women under 30, adds Dr. Ugonabo. This type of cancer is often related to sun damage that occurred during the teenage years.

Related: How to Soothe A Sunburn

Myth: Obtaining a base tan can help prevent a sunburn

Among those surveyed, 48% of Gen Z believe that obtaining a base tan can help prevent sunburn.

Unfortunately, this is a common misconception, says Dr. Ugonabo. "A base tan affords very minimal protection from future sunburn or UV damage (about the equivalent of SPF 3 or less). There is no such thing as a safe tan and all tans, including a 'base tan' mean that there is damage being done to the skin."

When UVA and UVB light hit our skin, they penetrate the cells in the skin both superficially and more deeply, explains Kelly Olino, MD, FACS, the clinical director of the Smilow Melanoma Program and a surgical oncologist at Yale Cancer Center. The burn is due to severe damage to our cells and it generates inflammation—that's why sunburns are so painful.

"The 'tan' is the result of cells called melanocytes, which are deeper in the skin, that then produce melanin, the pigment that gives our skin color," explains Dr. Olino. "The more we damage the skin with UV exposure, the more the body makes extra melanin."

Eventually, this leads to DNA damage known as mutations and as these accumulate over time, they can cause normal cells to change and can eventually transform into skin cancer, Dr. Olino adds. "This damage is not limited to damage from the sun, but also from tanning beds, which are classified as true carcinogens by the World Health Organization."

Myth: The higher the SPF, the less you need to reapply

The survey indicates that 58% of Gen Z believe the higher the SPF, the less they need to reapply.

This also is a fictional assumption. According to Dr. Olino, SPF means the Sun Protection Factor and does not impact how much or how often you should reapply. "What the SPF means is how much longer by using sunscreen can you prevent UVB from damaging the skin."

For example, if your skin would turn pink after 20 minutes in the sun, using a SPF of 30 would prevent redness 30 times longer (or 600 minutes), she says. "A good rule is to apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every two hours—or after swimming or sweating. Also remember your lip balm and sunglasses."

When it comes to selecting a sunscreen, most dermatologists recommend looking for an SPF with at least 30 because this blocks about 97% of the sun's UVB rays, Dr. Ugonabo says. "Also ensure that the sunscreen has broad spectrum coverage, which means it protects from both UVA and UVB rays and is water resistant as well."

Myth: Prioritizing a tan over skin protection is OK

The survey showed 45% of Gen Z prioritize a tan over skin protection.

There's no doubt this is a risky practice that could impact young people down the road. Dr. Olino says for a skin cancer like melanoma, the lifetime risk increases by 80% with five blistering burns during childhood. Studies conducted on skin cancer risk support this.

"But the damage from sunburns is not limited to the sins of our youth," she adds. "The total number of sunburns—even as adults—increases the odds of getting melanoma. For example, if you have more than five sunburns you have a two-fold higher risk of developing melanoma."

What's more, she says premature skin aging—which can begin in the early teen years—can have a lifelong impact. Many people later in life seek additional care due to the cosmetic impacts, such as help with age spots, loose skin, spider veins, and other unsightly skin blemishes and changes. "It is also an issue of eye health—the same UV damage can lead to later development of cataracts and other damage to the eye."

What About Self-Tanning Lotions and Sprays?

If tan-looking skin is a priority for your young person, dermatologists say that self-tanners may be a reasonable alternative—especially because there is no safe way to balance the desire for a tan and the need to protect the skin from sun damage.

"Self tanners are a good option for those who desire to have a darker hue to their skin and most are based upon dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which was found to have skin coloring properties as early as the 1920s and works on the most superficial layer of the skin," says Dr. Olino.

According to Dr. Olino, DHA is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but there are some important things consider. When using self tanners or spray tans, your eyes and mucous membranes such as the nostrils, mouth, throat, ears, genitals, and anus, should not be exposed. You also should not inhale the tanner.

"Having a spray tan does not protect you from UV exposure," she says. "So you still need to apply SPF sunscreen as recommended."

Also, remember that some some self-tanners can irritate sensitive skin, adds Dr. Garcia.
She suggests doing a patch test before applying liberally.

Finally, remind your kids that sun safety is cool, Dr. Garcia suggests. "It shows you care about your health and future well-being. Embrace healthy, glowing skin that comes from good hydration, diet, and exercise."

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