Key takeaways
- Most people know sunscreen matters, but research shows it is not consistently used as part of a daily routine.
- Findings referenced in the A New View of Care report show only 17% of people rank sun care among their top personal care steps.
- Research shared by Kenvue at the 2026 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting looks beyond SPF to where sun protection can evolve.
- Studies explore broader coverage, including UV filters used outside the U.S. and light wavelengths not covered by most sunscreens today.
- While research continues, consistent daily sunscreen use remains the most important step for everyday sun protection.
Most people know sunscreen matters. Still, it often gets treated as something you use at the beach or on vacation, not as part of a normal morning routine.
That disconnect shows up clearly in research referenced in the A New View of Care findings: Only 17% of people rank sun care among their top three essential personal care steps. In other words, awareness is there—but consistency is not.
At the 2026 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting, Kenvue researchers shared work that looks beyond SPF alone. From UV filters used outside the U.S. to light wavelengths most sunscreens don’t currently cover, the research helps explain where protection still has room to evolve.
The daily sunscreen gap is real
Even with strong awareness, sunscreen still feels optional for many people. The fact that so few rank it among their top daily essentials suggests it hasn’t fully earned a permanent spot in everyday routines. Why is daily sunscreen use still a gap for so many people? Most people understand sun care is preventative, but it doesn’t always feel essential day to day. In a survey of sun protection behaviors, 5,000 respondents disclosed underuse of UV protection.1
What research presented at AAD 2026 is exploring
A closer look at BEMT
Kenvue research explores studies on bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (BEMT)—a UV filter used abroad and now being considered for approval in the U.S. Researchers noted that how a sunscreen is formulated plays a major role in how effectively a filter like BEMT performs—not just the ingredient itself.
Boundary region wavelengths (380–430 nm)
The research also showed gaps in protection against sun damage, including two studies that investigated the damage caused by boundary region light (wavelengths 380-430 nm) which are not covered by most current sunscreens.2,3
SPF, broad-spectrum and coverage—in plain language
What SPF tells you (and what it doesn’t)
SPF mainly speaks to protection from UVB rays, which are associated with sunburn. It’s helpful information, but it doesn’t describe the full picture of coverage or how sunscreen fits into everyday use.
What “broad-spectrum” means in everyday terms
Broad-spectrum means a sunscreen is designed to protect against more than one type of UV radiation. For consumers, it’s a signal that protection is meant to be more complete.
Making daily sunscreen easier
Think habit, not overhaul
Daily sunscreen use sticks best when it’s tied to something you already do, like applying it right after moisturizer or keeping it next to your skincare staples.
A quick reminder on use
Always follow label directions, and if you have specific concerns or sensitivities, a dermatologist can help guide choices.
Everyday sun protection to support daily habits
Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer® Dry‑Touch Sunscreen
A lightweight, broad‑spectrum sunscreen designed to feel invisible on skin, making daily use easier to stick with.
Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF
A hydrating sunscreen that combines broad‑spectrum protection with a water‑gel feel to fit seamlessly into everyday skincare routines.
Aveeno® Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen
A broad‑spectrum sunscreen formulated with oat‑based ingredients to help support comfortable, daily sun protection.
Bottom line
The sunscreen gap isn’t about knowledge, it’s about habits. While research continues to explore broader coverage and new filters, daily, consistent use remains the most important step.
FAQ
What does “broad-spectrum” mean?
It means the sunscreen is designed to protect against more than one type of UV radiation.
What is BEMT?
A UV filter used in sunscreens abroad that is being considered for approval in the U.S.
What’s the easiest way to build a daily sunscreen habit?
It helps to tie sunscreen to something you already do—like applying it right after moisturizer or keeping it next to your everyday skincare staples—so it feels automatic rather than optional.
[2] Moses S, Shyr T, Meyer K, et al. Pigmentation and Oxidative Biomarker Modulation Across All Skin Types (FST I-VI) Following Exposure to Boundary Region Wavelengths (Longest Ultraviolet A). Presented at: American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting; March 27-31, 2026; Denver, Colorado.
[3] Moses S, Meyer K, Daly S, et al. Clinical Demonstration of Pigmentation in Fitzpatrick Skin Type 5 Following Irradiation with Deep Ultraviolet A and High Energy Blue Light. Presented at: American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting; March 27-31, 2026; Denver, Colorado.
