Spanish adolescents report high rates of sunburn

An observational study of 1,063 Spanish adolescents reveals that 54.7% have experienced sunburns, despite 69.8% of participants reporting they have received information regarding photoprotection.

The findings, presented by the Foundation of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) and La Roche-Posay (part of L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty) as part of the “Convive con el sol” initiative, highlight a gap between knowledge and healthy habits. Experts warn that accumulated sunburns during adolescence significantly increase the risk of developing melanoma and other types of skin cancer in adulthood.

The study emphasizes the need to reinforce solar education from childhood to establish ultraviolet radiation protection as a lifelong daily habit.