More than one-third of U.S. adults report at least one sunburn during the previous 12 months, according to new research from the CDC, with over half of those sunburns happening even when people used sunscreen. The findings, published in May 2026 in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, highlight a persistent gap between sun protection efforts and actual skin damage prevention.

The data comes from the 2024 National Health Interview Survey and paints a sobering picture of American sun exposure habits. An estimated 88.1 million adults, or 35.1 percent of the U.S. population, experienced at least one sunburn in the previous 12 months. Even more concerning, 18.8 million adults, representing 7.5 percent of the population, reported four or more sunburns during that same period.

Where Are Americans Getting Sunburned?

The research identified specific contexts where sunburns most commonly occur. Understanding these high-risk situations can help people take extra precautions during vulnerable moments. The data reveals clear patterns in when and where sunburns happen, offering clues about which activities require the most attention.

• Water Activities: Spending time in, on, or near water was the most frequently reported context, accounting for 60.6 percent of the most recent sunburns among affected adults
• Exercise and Recreation: Exercising outdoors was the second most common scenario, responsible for 24.7 percent of reported sunburns
• Social Drinking: Consuming alcohol outdoors was linked to 17.6 percent of sunburns, possibly because alcohol consumption may impair judgment about sun safety
• Intentional Tanning: Deliberate sun exposure for tanning purposes accounted for 15.9 percent of sunburns
• Work Exposure: Occupational sun exposure was responsible for 12.9 percent of reported sunburns

Why Is Sunscreen Failing to Prevent Sunburns?

Perhaps the most striking finding is that 55.1 percent of adults reported their most recent sunburn occurred despite using sunscreen. This suggests that sunscreen application alone is not sufficient protection, and people may be using it incorrectly, applying insufficient amounts, or failing to reapply it frequently enough. The gap between sunscreen use and sunburn prevention indicates that current sun safety messaging may need adjustment.

The CDC researchers emphasized the need for broader, more comprehensive approaches to sun protection. "Measures to adapt, tailor, and expand existing evidence-based sun safety interventions might help prevent sunburns and reduce the risk for skin cancer," the authors noted in their report.

How to Reduce Your Sunburn Risk

While sunscreen is an important tool, the CDC data suggests that a multi-layered approach to sun protection is necessary. Experts recommend combining several strategies to maximize protection, especially during high-risk activities like water sports and outdoor exercise.

• Timing Matters: Avoid peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon when possible
• Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses in addition to sunscreen for comprehensive coverage
• Reapplication Schedule: Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating, rather than assuming a single application will last all day
• Seek Shade: Use umbrellas, beach tents, or natural shade from trees to reduce direct sun exposure during outdoor activities
• Mindful Alcohol Use: Be extra cautious about sun protection when drinking alcohol outdoors, as impaired judgment may lead to neglecting sun safety measures

The CDC findings underscore an important public health message: sunburns remain a widespread problem despite widespread awareness of sun safety. With skin cancer rates continuing to rise, these new statistics suggest that current prevention strategies need refinement and better public education about proper sunscreen use and comprehensive sun protection methods.