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Advocacy Update
Welcome!

American Academy of Dermatology Association statement on FDA withdrawing proposed sunlamp regulation

Statement from Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, President, American Academy of Dermatology

ROSEMONT, Ill. (March 16, 2026) — The American Academy of Dermatology Association is disappointed that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is withdrawing its proposed rule on sunlamp regulation, which would have restricted individuals under 18 from using sunlamps and require all prospective users to read and sign a risk acknowledgement certification before use.

Exposure to UV radiation from indoor tanning devices is associated with an increased risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, as well as nonmelanoma skin cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Using tanning beds before age 20 can increase the risk of developing melanoma by 47%, and the risk rises with each use. Adolescents who begin indoor tanning before age 18 are also more likely to continue their behavior into adulthood.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Current estimates are that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. It is estimated that approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer and nearly 20 Americans die from melanoma every day.

Restricting teens’ access to indoor tanning and informing the public about the dangers of indoor tanning are critical to preventing skin cancer. As medical doctors who diagnose and treat skin cancer, dermatologists are committed to reducing its incidence and saving lives. We encourage the reintroduction of the proposed rule by the FDA.

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Contact

Shelby Homiston, shomiston@aad.org

Media Relations, mediarelations@aad.org

About the AAD

Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 21,800 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care because skin, hair, and nail conditions can have a serious impact on your health and well-being. For more information, contact the AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow @AADskin on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube, and @AADskin1 on Instagram.