It’s often suggested that Gen Z – individuals currently aged between 16 and 24 years of age –are the most skincare-aware and educated generation. With greater access to information via websites, magazines, social media, and skincare professionals that is probably true. However, new research suggests that the importance of wearing sunscreen daily is still not fully understood and acted upon even within this age group.
The research, commissioned by the skincare brand Skin Proud, has found that almost three-fifths (59%) of Gen Z individuals surveyed didn’t know that the sun causes skin damage. Moreover, 64% don’t wear daily SPF, with only 11% ever wearing factor 50 or above.
This is likely to be, at least partly, because many consequences of poor sun safety, such as premature ageing, pigmentation changes, and melanoma, are not immediately apparent. Likewise, discussions about sunscreens causing breakouts and leaving a white cast, especially on Black skin, have made the wearing of SPF seem undesirable in the short term.
A further 20% of Gen Z individuals said they don’t wear sunscreen as they don’t know enough about it, while others still believe common sunscreen misconceptions. For example, 26% of respondents said that the reason they aren’t wearing SPF is because they do not live in a sunny climate. This is a common assumption in the UK especially.
However, as aesthetic doctors will know well, futureproofing your skin health and appearance is integral because prevention is much easier than cure. It can also improve your in-clinic procedure results.
For that reason, any aesthetic consultation with your potential clients should be seen as an opportunity to discuss and encourage the daily wearing of SPF for all age groups that come into your clinic.