Your summer cocktail might be secretly damaging your skin. A new study reveals how

When was the last time you got a sunburn? If you are like nearly a third of American adults, you probably experienced at least one last year, but did you know that what’s in your cup could be making it worse?

A revealing new study from Florida Atlantic University shed light on the surprising patterns in how Americans think about skin cancer risk and how alcohol, wealth, and lifestyle choices play a role.

Your cocktail might be fueling your sunburn
The research published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that more than one in five sunburned individuals were drinking alcohol at the time. That’s right—your beachside margarita might be increasing your risk.

Alcohol can make you less aware of how long you have been in the sun, reduce your ability to reapply sunscreen and even affect your body’s ability to repair UV damage.

The skin cancer epidemic no one talks about
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in America, costing the healthcare system nearly $9 billion annually. While most people worry about melanoma—the deadliest type—other forms like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are even more widespread.

Basal cell carcinoma: Often appears as shiny bumps or pinkish patches.
Squamous cell carcinoma: Shows up as red, scaly patches or open sores.
Melanoma: Typically looks like an unusual mole or changes to an existing one.
Yet, despite its prevalence, the study found that most Americans are not that concerned. Only about 10 percent reported being extremely worried about developing skin cancer, while most were only somewhat or slightly concerned.

Sunburns: The silent cancer risk
Dermatologists warn that just five blistering sunburns between ages 15 and 20 can increase your risk of melanoma by 80 percent. That is a shocking statistic for something many people dismiss as a minor summer nuisance.