Why Are Women Under 55 More Likely to Get Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is on the rise, and women under 55 are more at risk than ever. The good news is that protecting your skin and catching problems early can make a huge difference. 

Our board-certified dermatologists at Skin & Beauty Center offer skin cancer screenings and treatment at multiple locations across Southern California, including Burbank, Northridge, Glendale, West Hills, Santa Clarita, Glendale – Verdugo Hills, Pasadena, and Westlake Village.

Why Are Women Under 55 at Higher Risk?

Women under 55 face different risk factors for skin cancer than older adults. While genetics and sun exposure play a role at any age, certain factors make younger women more vulnerable:

• More intense sun exposure at a younger age: Women under 55 in 2025 were part of generations where it was common to tan outdoors and in tanning beds, especially in their teens and 20s. This intense UV exposure at a younger age increases the risk of developing skin cancer earlier in life.
• Hormonal influence: Estrogen and other hormones may make your skin more vulnerable to UV damage, contributing to the higher rates of melanoma in younger women. Pregnancy and birth control use can also affect how the skin reacts to sun exposure.
• Ongoing sun exposure from an active lifestyle: Many women under 55 regularly spend time outdoors for exercise, travel, or social activities, sometimes without consistent sun protection.

Women over 55 tend to develop skin cancer from gradual, long-term exposure over many decades, but they may not have had high levels of UV exposure when they were younger. No matter your age, regular skin checks are important.

How to Lower Your Risk

Protecting your skin now can help prevent future issues:

• Wear sunscreen daily: Use SPF 30 or higher to block harmful UV rays.
• Avoid tanning beds: They greatly increase melanoma risk.
• Get regular skin checks: Yearly exams help catch skin cancer early.

Schedule a Skin Check Today

Schedule a skin check if you notice new or changing moles, spots that itch or bleed, or any unusual growths. Catching skin cancer early improves treatment outcomes, and Skin & Beauty Center’s board-certified dermatologists specialize in diagnosis and care. 

Call 818-842-8000 to book an appointment at one of our Southern California locations: Burbank, Northridge, Glendale, West Hills, Santa Clarita, Glendale – Verdugo Hills, Pasadena, and Westlake Village.