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Young Adults Know Tanning Can Cause Skin Cancer. So Why Are They Still Doing It?

By Joseph Arangio Men's Journal

Updated June 9, 2026 4:41 PM

Most men focused on longevity pay attention to their workouts, nutrition, sleep, and recovery. But one of the most overlooked anti-aging habits may be protecting your skin from the sun.

That blind spot isn't limited to younger generations. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that 83 percent of men reported not using sunscreen daily, despite skin cancer being the most common cancer in the United States. Researchers concluded that men continue to lag behind in proven sun-protection behaviors.

Now, a growing tanning trend among Gen Z is raising new concerns. According to a recent report from The New York Times, many young adults are intentionally seeking out ultraviolet exposure through tanning beds and prolonged sunbathing despite decades of warnings about skin cancer and premature aging.

A new survey from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) found that only 25 percent of Gen Z respondents were concerned about developing skin cancer during their lifetime. Even more surprising, 20 percent said getting a tan was more important than preventing skin cancer.

For men hoping to stay healthy and active as they age, dermatologists say the trend is a reminder that longevity isn't just about building muscle or improving VO₂ max. It's also about avoiding the kind of DNA damage that can quietly accumulate for decades before the consequences become visible.

Why Dermatologists Are Concerned About Tanning's Return

Many young adults are diligent about sleep, hydration, exercise, and skin care. That's one reason dermatologists are surprised to see tanning making a comeback.

"Tanning beds are in the same cancer-causing category as asbestos and plutonium," dermatologist Dr. Brooke Jeffy said in a social-media response highlighted by The New York Times. She noted that using tanning beds before age 35 significantly increases melanoma risk.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70, as reported by NYT. The organization also reports that having five or more sunburns can double a person's risk of melanoma.

As dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick told The New York Times, today's adults have access to decades of research and prevention strategies that previous generations simply didn't have.

The Social-Media Trend Experts Say Is Fueling More Sun Damage

According to the AAD survey, 65 percent of Gen Z respondents were likely to believe common tanning myths, including the idea that a base tan can prevent sunburn or reduce skin-cancer risk.

Dr. Neelam Khan, a dermatologist in Washington, D.C., told The New York Times that she expected tanning to become less popular as younger generations embraced healthier lifestyles. "I would have hoped that the concept of tanning would have been a part of that, where it just became uncool," she said.

Instead, controversial advice often spreads faster than evidence-based recommendations, particularly on TikTok and Instagram, where many young adults now get their skin-care information.

The Simple Skin-Protection Habits That Can Pay Off for Decades

Protecting your skin doesn't mean staying indoors. Dermatologists recommend reducing UV exposure while still enjoying beach trips, fishing, hiking, golf, and backyard workouts.

1. Create More Shade

One of the easiest ways to reduce UV exposure is to spend more time out of direct sunlight. The Shibumi Shade is a large, lightweight beach canopy that creates a shaded area and provides UPF 50+ protection, making it easier to enjoy a full day outside without baking in the sun.

2. Cover Up With Sun-Protective Clothing

Unlike sunscreen, clothing doesn't need to be reapplied. Stio's Eddy Drift Long Sleeve Shirt provides breathable coverage for long days outdoors, while The Wild Bill Shirt from Poncho Outdoors adds lightweight sun protection for everything from fishing trips to weekend hikes.

3. Protect Your Head and Neck

Your scalp, ears, and neck are common areas for sun damage. The Bryce Straw Hat from Stetson features a wide brim designed to help shield these vulnerable areas during outdoor activities.

4. Protect Your Eyes, Too

Sun exposure doesn't just affect your skin. Smith's Strand sunglasses provide 100% UV protection and glare-reducing lenses, helping protect your eyes during long days at the beach, on the water, or on the trail.

5. Don't Forget Your Feet

The tops of your feet are easy to miss when applying sunscreen. Birkenstock's Birki Flow offers a lightweight, ventilated option for beach days, poolside recovery, and warm-weather outings.

The Longevity Habit Social Media Keeps Getting Wrong

While tanning trends come and go, dermatologists continue to recommend the same fundamentals: seek shade, wear protective clothing, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and avoid intentional tanning.

The wrinkles you see are only part of the story. The DNA damage you can't see is what concerns experts most. Research published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine notes that skin cancer is not only the most common cancer in the United States but also one of the most preventable.

If your goal is to stay healthy and active for decades to come, protecting your skin deserves a place alongside strength training, good nutrition, and quality sleep. Sometimes the best longevity habits are also the simplest.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the Health section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 3:29 PM.