35.1%
of U.S. adults reported at least one sunburn in 2024.
That represents approximately 88.1 million adults, based on the National Health Interview Survey.
Source: CDC, 2024 National Health Interview SurveyU.S. reference page
Sun protection and skin health statistics.
A source-led collection of current U.S. figures on sunburn, skin cancer, and sun exposure. Each statistic links directly to the organization that reported it.
Last updated: November 6, 2026
At a glance
Numbers worth keeping in view.
Skin health conversations can get crowded with opinions. This page keeps the focus on a small set of current, named sources that writers, educators, and readers can check for themselves. Desert Glow offers aesthetic services, not medical diagnosis or treatment. For a new, changing, or concerning spot, contact a qualified medical professional.
18.8 million
U.S. adults reported four or more sunburns in 2024.
The same survey placed that share at 7.5% of all U.S. adults.
Source: CDC, 2024 National Health Interview Survey55.1%
of adults with a recent sunburn said they were using sunscreen when it happened.
The finding reflects reported use at the time of the most recent sunburn, not whether sunscreen was applied or reapplied as directed.
Source: CDC, 2024 National Health Interview Survey60.6%
of adults with a recent sunburn reported spending time in, on, or near water.
It was the most frequently reported context for the most recent sunburn in the 2024 survey.
Source: CDC, 2024 National Health Interview Survey112,000
new invasive melanoma cases are estimated in the U.S. for 2026.
The American Cancer Society also estimates 122,680 melanoma in situ cases and 8,510 melanoma deaths for 2026.
Source: American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures 20261 in 5
Americans are estimated to develop skin cancer during their lifetime.
This is a current lifetime estimate from the American Academy of Dermatology, not an annual diagnosis count.
Source: American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer statisticsSources and methodology
How to use this page.
The figures above come from named public health and medical organizations. Each source is linked beside the statistic it supports. Estimates and survey results are presented with the year stated by the original source, because they measure different things and should not be treated as interchangeable.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024 National Health Interview Survey findings
- American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures 2026
- American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer statistics
Cite this page
Desert Glow Aesthetics by Amanda. “U.S. Sun Protection and Skin Health Statistics.” Updated November 6, 2026. https://desertglowaesthetics.com/skin-health-statistics