Gen Z tanning surge: dermatologists warn of higher skin cancer risk

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Young people are increasingly treating the sun like an aesthetic tool — choosing when to bask or burn by following viral clips rather than medical advice. A new American Academy of Dermatology survey and a steady stream of TikTok tutorials show that this behavior is translating into higher burn rates, especially among Gen Z, with potentially serious long-term consequences.

How social media is reshaping sun behavior

Platforms like TikTok are popularizing quick formulas for when to tan, often using the UV index as a shorthand guide. Short videos that recommend specific index ranges for “safe” tanning have drawn hundreds of thousands of views and likes, giving many young viewers a false sense of control.

Dermatologists warn that this interpretation flips the science on its head. Dr. Susan C. Taylor, associate professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania and a former president of the American Academy of Dermatology, emphasizes that a higher UV index signals stronger ultraviolet radiation and greater need for protection, not permission to sunbathe. And a low index does not guarantee safety: measurable UV exposure can still cause significant burns on cloudy days.

What the new survey found

One-third of Americans reported experiencing a sunburn in 2025.

Gen Z showed the highest incidence of burns compared with older generations.

About two-thirds of respondents rated their own sun-safety knowledge as good or excellent, yet nearly half scored C or lower on the AAD’s knowledge quiz.

Among Gen Z participants, roughly one-third earned a D or F on that same quiz.

The disconnect between perceived expertise and actual understanding helps explain why social trends can override caution: if people believe they already know how to stay safe, they’re more likely to trust bite-sized online tips that fit a desirable narrative.

Why a tan is not harmless

Medical experts describe any darkening of the skin as evidence of cellular stress. Dr. Ellen Marmur, a dermatologist practicing in New York City, explains that tanning is the visible result of skin cells responding to DNA damage by producing pigment. That’s not a cosmetic neutral — it’s biology signaling harm.

Long-term consequences extend beyond temporary redness. Repeated UV exposure accumulates damage that can lead to premature aging — think wrinkles, sunspots and broken capillaries — and increased cancer risk. Statistically, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and experiencing five or more sunburns substantially raises the chance of melanoma.

Practical implications and safer choices

Dermatologists are not calling for a life lived indoors, but they urge realistic risk management. Options to avoid UV-driven damage include topical SPF, protective clothing, and non-UV bronzing products. Many clinicians also highlight that early use of tanning beds is associated with higher rates of skin disease later in life — a costly trade-off between a short-term look and long-term health expenses.

Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum SPF regularly, especially during peak sun hours.

Seek shade and cover up with clothing and wide-brim hats when possible.

Consider sunless tanners or bronzers for a tan without UV exposure.

Be skeptical of social-media “rules” that treat the UV index like a tanning manual.

This cultural shift among younger users ties public health, social media influence and personal finance together: short-form content is driving behavior that could raise future medical and cosmetic costs. For readers today, the practical takeaway is simple — treating the sun like a fashion accessory has measurable risks, and safer alternatives are widely available.