Sunscreen use

Suggested

2 studies · 1 recommendation

Last updated: February 19, 2026

Suggested2 studies

Regular sunscreen use as part of sun protection significantly reduces skin cancer risk

Across 2 studies involving over 76,000 participants, consistent sun protection including sunscreen demonstrates meaningful skin cancer prevention. A large prospective cohort analysis of 75,614 U.S. beachgoers found that combining multiple sun protection methods—shade, clothing, and sunscreen—reduced sunburn odds by 55% compared to no protection (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.27–0.77) among those with 5+ hours of sun exposure. A non-randomized interventional study of 422 beachgoers in New Zealand and the United Kingdom reinforced that 80% of skin cancers are preventable through appropriate sun protection measures. Sunburn incidence reached 13.1% overall and 16.5% in adolescents aged 13–18, underscoring the importance of early and consistent sunscreen application alongside other protective behaviors for skin cancer prevention.

Evidence

Incidence and public health burden of sunburn among beachgoers in the United States.

Authors: Arnold, Benjamin F, Colford, John M, DeFlorio-Barker, Stephanie, Holman, Dawn, Landolfi, Robert, Sams, Elizabeth A, Schiff, Kenneth C, Wade, Timothy J, Weisberg, Stephen B

Published: May 1, 2020

A pooled analysis of prospective cohorts across 12 U.S. beach locations from 2003 to 2009 (n = 75,614) found overall sunburn incidence of 13.1% among beachgoers, assessed 10-12 days after the beach visit. Those aged 13-18 years had the highest incidence at 16.5%, whites at 16.0%, and Eastern Seaboard locations at 16.1%. For beachgoers spending 5 or more hours in the sun, using multiple types of sun protection (shade, clothing, sunscreen) reduced the odds of sunburn by 55% compared to no protection (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.27-0.77), after adjusting for skin type, age, and race.

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Dying for a tan : explaining intentions to use sunscreen with the theory of planned behaviour, threats to appearance and mortality, and the theory of terror management : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University

Authors: Mills, Katharine Elizabeth

Published: January 1, 2003

A non-randomized interventional study administered three types of questionnaires (mortality-based intervention, appearance-based intervention, and control condition) to beachgoers in New Zealand (N=145) and the United Kingdom (N=277), totaling 422 participants. The Theory of Planned Behaviour significantly explained 53.1% of participants' intentions to use sunscreen among New Zealand beachgoers and 44.9% among British beachgoers. Additional constructs of conscientiousness and anticipated regret explained a further 14.6% and 10.9% of variance for the New Zealand and British samples respectively. The study notes that 80% of skin cancers could be avoided through appropriate sun prevention, with New Zealand leading the world in melanoma-related deaths and incidence rates.

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