Despite growing awareness about the dangers of excessive sun exposure, more than one in three adults in the United States experienced at least one sunburn in the past year, highlighting persistent gaps in sun safety practices, according to a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The findings, published in the latest issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), show that an estimated 88.1 million American adults, or 35.1 percent of the adult population, reported suffering at least one sunburn during the previous 12 months. 

Nearly 18.8 million adults, representing 7.5 percent of the population, experienced four or more sunburns during the same period.

The study, led by Dawn M. Holman of the CDC, analyzed data from the 2024 National Health Interview Survey to better understand how and where sunburns occur among adults.

Researchers found that spending time in, on, or near water was the most common setting associated with the most recent sunburn, reported by 60.6 percent of respondents who had experienced sunburn. Other common situations included exercising outdoors (24.7 percent), consuming alcohol (17.6 percent), intentional tanning (15.9 percent), and workplace-related outdoor exposure (12.9 percent).

Perhaps more concerning, the report found that more than half of adults who suffered a recent sunburn said they had used sunscreen at the time.

About 55.1 percent reported that their most recent sunburn occurred despite applying sunscreen, suggesting that sunscreen alone may not provide adequate protection if not used correctly or combined with other sun-safety measures.

Health experts have long warned that repeated sunburns can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of the disease. 

Excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure can also contribute to premature skin aging and other skin-related health problems.

The researchers emphasized the need for stronger and more targeted public health interventions to encourage effective sun-protection behaviors. These include seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, wearing protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, and correctly applying and reapplying sunscreen.

“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.

The findings serve as a reminder that while sunscreen remains an important tool for sun protection, comprehensive sun-safety habits are essential to reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.