Why Gen Z is Choosing Tanning Over Skin Protection

To kick off Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Daniel Condie, MD, double board-certified dermatologist and micrographic dermatologic surgeon at U.S. Dermatology Partners in Texas, discussed persistent misconceptions surrounding sun exposure and highlighted their clinical implications, particularly among younger patients.

He began by noting that social media continues to fuel harmful trends, including intentional UV tanning during peak sunlight hours, ongoing use of tanning beds, and the belief that obtaining a “base tan” offers protection against future sunburn. Additional trends, such as deliberately creating tanning lines for cosmetic effect, reflect a broader cultural normalization of unsafe sun behaviors. Compounding these issues is growing misinformation about sunscreen safety, which may deter appropriate use despite its well-established protective benefits.

Condie emphasized that younger populations, particularly Gen Z, appear especially vulnerable to these myths, which is “scary to think about.” Citing recent survey data from the American Academy of Dermatology, he noted that a substantial proportion of young adults prioritize tanning over skin protection—an alarming trend given the long-term risks associated with ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

From a clinical perspective, while skin cancer remains more prevalent in older adults, Condie routinely treats patients in their 20s to 40s, underscoring that early-onset skin cancers are not uncommon. These cases are frequently linked to cumulative UV damage, including prior tanning bed use and a history of childhood sunburns.

Surgical management via Mohs micrographic surgery is generally consistent across age groups; however, reconstructive considerations may differ. Younger patients often present with less skin laxity, which can make closure more technically challenging, and may face greater difficulty adhering to postoperative restrictions due to work or lifestyle demands.

In patient counseling, Condie tailors his approach by age. For younger patients, he stresses the cumulative nature of sun damage and the importance of preventing early-life sunburns, a known risk factor for future skin cancer. For older adults, he reinforces that photoprotection remains beneficial regardless of prior damage, with evidence supporting sunscreen use in reducing the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

“I really want them to avoid getting sunburns,” Condie stressed. “We should do everything we can to minimize how often our patients get sunburns, especially in childhood.”