A decade ago, using sunscreen was not considered cool or glamorous, but thanks to the influence of social media influencers, sun protection is (mostly) trending positive.
by Victoria Kopec and Sabrina Gaber Holland
It’s a digital-first world, where social content is consumed by more than 5 billion users each year — and influencers are in the driver’s seat. With the press of a button, their posts reach millions with lightning speed, shaping opinions and behaviors in powerful ways.
Their influence is often beneficial, encouraging people to protect their skin daily, check it monthly and see a dermatologist at least once a year.
But sometimes, influencers share falsehoods about sun protection to their devoted fans. As misinformation continues to spread, amplifying fact-based social posts around skin cancer and skin health has never been more crucial.
Skinfluencers and Complete Sun Protection
Skinfluencers — social content creators who focus on skin care — have become instrumental in educating the public about sun protection and skin cancer prevention.
With their broad reach and relatable messaging, skinfluencers have changed the public’s perception of sunscreen, extolling its antiaging properties and declaring it a non-negotiable part of their daily routine.
What’s more, their viral “SPF is my BFF” messages are embraced by millions of skin-care enthusiasts worldwide. Sunscreen is just part of their stories. As sun-care brand ambassadors, they promote sun safety on a large scale, with authentic lifestyle content featuring their favorite sunscreens (naturally), along with UPF clothing, hats and UV-blocking sunglasses.
They collaborate with dermatologists on TikTok duets and Instagram reels to promote skin cancer awareness and prevention for all. For physicians and educational organizations like The Skin Cancer Foundation, this type of influence is a good thing!
Survivors Influencing Prevention and Detection
Skin cancer survivors, particularly women who have battled melanoma, are leaders in the cancer survivorship, sun protection and skin health spaces. Their content is especially crucial for shaping the beliefs of young people, who can be more vulnerable to tanning trends and less concerned about skin cancer.
Survivor Spotlight @theleahalexis
Melanoma survivor and advocate Leah Alexis Adams leverages her platforms to dispel myths and educate followers about skin cancer prevention, early detection and the dangers of indoor tanning. She uses trending music and sound bites to create factual, shareable videos and stories.
“By sharing my personal journey, facts and practical tips, I hope to create a ripple effect of awareness that promotes healthier habits,” Leah said. “Skin cancer is serious but also preventable; yet myths about tanning and sunscreen continue to put people at risk. Every post is a chance to spark a conversation that could save a life.”
Celebrities Influencing Awareness
When actors, recording artists and television personalities share their skin cancer stories, the whole world listens. Kevin Jonas, Christie Brinkley and Sam Champion are just a few of many public figures who openly discussed their diagnoses on social media in 2024. What’s more, they implore fans and followers to take skin cancer seriously and make professional skin exams a priority.
Celebrity Spotlight: Christie Brinkley @christiebrinkley
In March 2024, American actress, entrepreneur and author Christie Brinkley shared in an Instagram post that she had a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) removed from her face.
Afterwards, she posted about her experience on Instagram.“The good news for me is we caught the basal cell carcinoma early,” she explained. Brinkley encouraged her followers to protect their skin and check it regularly.
“The good news for you is that all of this can be avoided by being diligent with your sun protection! I got serious a bit late, so now I’ll be slathering on my SPF, reapplying as needed, wearing long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat. And doing regular total body checkups… that is a MUST.”
In May 2025, Brinkley hosted our Champions for Change Gala in New York City and shared her skin cancer journey with guests in her opening remarks. “I imagine no one feels ready to hear that they have skin cancer for the first time, and neither was I,” she said. “It felt very personal. I hope that sharing my story changes that experience for others and reminds them to protect the lovely skin they are in.”
Dermfluencers: Changing the Landscape of Patient Education
A growing number of trusted dermatologists have great authority on social media, enabling them to reach an audience far beyond their clinical practices. Today’s dermfluencers leverage their professional expertise and social savvy to educate users, answer questions and counter misinformation. At the heart of it all lies the principle of beneficence, or the duty to act in the best interests of patients.
Their influence is critical. Young people spend a vast amount of time on social platforms, and dermatologists must meet them where they are, with reliable, fact-based information and advice.
The Skin Cancer Foundation will continue its work to educate and empower people, collaborate with dermatologists and credible influencers to share the facts about skin cancer, fight misinformation and save lives.
