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Always wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and try to avoid direct sunlight when it’s super hot outside. It’s the middle of the summer right now and one of the biggest joys for many folks is soaking up some rays and stocking up on vitamin D. Sunlight is important for our physical and mental health, but too much ultraviolet light can be harmful, painful, and… embarrassing.

To remind you to prioritize your health when it’s sunny (and to give you a hearty laugh), our team here at Bored Panda has collected some of the biggest sunburn fails from all over the net. The photos show what happens when you forget to put on sunscreen, miss a spot, or if you wear hats and clothing with cut-out shapes in the fabric.

Scroll down, upvote the pics that you found the funniest, and tell us about the worst sunburn you’ve ever gotten in the comments. Meanwhile, you’ll find Bored Panda’s earlier list about the most hilarious sunburns over here.

Just remember: stay safe; don’t be lazy, don’t be stubborn, and put on some darn sunscreen!

Dr. Andrew Carroll, the CEO/Medical Director of Atembis LLC and Family Physician, was kind enough to share his expertise with Bored Panda. He explained why it's important to get daily sunlight, how we can tell when we're going overboard, and how to convince someone to protect themselves from the sun's rays. You'll find the expert's insights as you scroll down.

#1

My Brother Works Outdoors, And Wears The Same Hat Every Day

My Brother Works Outdoors, And Wears The Same Hat Every Day

LivingInColor8 Report

Dr. Carroll, the head of Atembis LLC, said that everyone should get a decent amount of sun daily. "We need sunlight just for mental health, but we also need it to help convert vitamin D to its active form. Taking vitamin D orally is not enough—it needs to be activated and that happens through the skin. There is no “right amount” of sunlight. Everyone’s skin tone is different," the medical expert said.

"What you don’t want to do is burn. If you get a peeling sunburn, each time that happens, you’ve increased your risk of skin cancer. Excessive sun exposure also increases the risk of solar lentigo, which are sunspots," the doctor warned. "A peeling, blistering sunburn is 'too much.' You don’t want to get there."

#2

I Bought Some New Shorts That Are Shorter Than My Other Shorts For Work. Now My Leg Looks Like Neapolitan Ice Cream

I Bought Some New Shorts That Are Shorter Than My Other Shorts For Work. Now My Leg Looks Like Neapolitan Ice Cream

chet- Report

#3

Is There A Chemist Open This Evening In Abersock Or Pythelly?

Is There A Chemist Open This Evening In Abersock Or Pythelly?

SetCheshire Report

Meanwhile, sunstroke is different. It's a state of dehydration: it occurs when you don't consume enough fluids while you're out in the hot sun. Recently, Europe has been dealing with a massive heatwave, so both sunstroke and sunburns were much more acute.

"Your skin requires hydration to stay healthy—if you’re outside for long periods of time, make sure you’re hydrating from the inside as well as the outside by using lotion and/or protective sunscreen," Dr. Carroll told Bored Panda.

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#4

My Dad Is Two Different People

My Dad Is Two Different People

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Dillon Brown
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My legs are always like that. Even when wearing shorts I never tan on my legs at all!

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#5

This Patch On My Skin Never Tans/Burns. I’ve Had It Since I Was Born

This Patch On My Skin Never Tans/Burns. I’ve Had It Since I Was Born

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#6

Went Out On A Boat Without Sunscreen Today And Now I Have What I Am Calling “The Bib Of Pain”

Went Out On A Boat Without Sunscreen Today And Now I Have What I Am Calling “The Bib Of Pain”

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We wanted to get the doctor's opinion on how someone could go about talking with a person who stubbornly refuses to wear sunscreen. Here's what he told us: "Sometimes the best way to convince someone of the risks of too much sun exposure is to have them talk to older relatives. Older relatives not only share genetics but also commonly skin tone and risks tend to be similar. Talk to your older relatives and look at their skin."

Dr. Carroll, of Atembis LLC, shared with Bored Panda the types of questions that people should ponder: "Do they have a lot of sunspots? Look at their hands. Look at the skin structure. Is it leathery and thick, wrinkled early? Is it overly thin and easy to tear? How many times have they had something cut or frozen off of their skin? Have they ever had major surgery for skin cancer? Those risks are shared, and you can reduce your own risk by either using physical cover or wearing sunscreen appropriate to your skin tone," he said. Physical cover includes clothing, hats, and sunglasses, the latter of which reduces the risk of cataracts.

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#7

Tan Lines Are Hot, Right? When You Forget To Put Sunscreen On Your Feet

Tan Lines Are Hot, Right? When You Forget To Put Sunscreen On Your Feet

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#8

PSA: If You’re Using Spray Sunscreen, Rub It In

PSA: If You’re Using Spray Sunscreen, Rub It In

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#9

My And My Coworkers' Tan

My And My Coworkers' Tan

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Sunlight is pretty much like anything else—moderation is key, and the ‘dose’ you get really matters. Sunlight helps with serotonin production and helps you stay calm, focused, and positive; it also gives you more energy. It’s also one way to fight back against depression and seasonal affective disorder. So much so that some doctors prescribe natural or artificial light treatments.

In other words, you need a daily dose of sunlight to be a properly functioning human being. You really shouldn’t spend all day indoors, in front of your computer screen, hissing at anyone who opens the curtains. On the flip side, you don’t want to stay out in the sun for too long. Especially without protection.

#10

I Had To Sit For Two And A Half Hours In Direct Sunlight For My Brother's Graduation

I Had To Sit For Two And A Half Hours In Direct Sunlight For My Brother's Graduation

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#11

My Tan Lines Make Me Look Like I’m Wearing Necro-Pants

My Tan Lines Make Me Look Like I’m Wearing Necro-Pants

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#12

At My School This Skiing Goggles Tan Line Was A Status Symbol

At My School This Skiing Goggles Tan Line Was A Status Symbol

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Some people are naturally more prone to getting sunburnt. The easiest way to predict the future is to look at the past. Have you gotten badly sunburnt in the past? Do you end up looking like a super-red lobster after just a few minutes outdoors? Do people keep telling you to put on sunscreen, for the love of all that’s holy? Those are some ‘subtle’ hints that you should be far more careful with your skin health during the summer and throughout the year.

According to the Mayo Clinic, people who have white skin and red hair are at higher risk of getting sunburn. Obviously, if you’re at the beach or elsewhere with tons of sun, the risk is higher, too. But those of you traveling to the mountains and places at a high altitude should also be aware that your skin might get burnt more easily.

#13

Got A New Job Where I Have To Wear A Uniform And Gloves While Working Outside, Now I Look Like This

Got A New Job Where I Have To Wear A Uniform And Gloves While Working Outside, Now I Look Like This

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staphgirl79 avatar
Mistiekim
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe a spray tan to even everything out? Just don’t do what Ross did….

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#14

Our Tan Lines After Cycling Across The United States

Our Tan Lines After Cycling Across The United States

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Wet skin tends to burn more easily than dry skin, so keep that in mind when splashing around in the sea, lake, or pool this year. You might want to invest in lots of water-resistant sunscreen if you plan to do a lot of swimming.

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Of course, sunscreen isn’t the only way to protect yourself. You can wear long-sleeved clothing and hats to protect yourself from the UV rays. If your skin feels painful or hot to the touch, odds are that you’ve gotten a sunburn, and it should appear within a few hours. It can several days to heal.

#16

I Managed To Make Almost A Perfect Straight Edged Rectangle On My Back With My Haphazard Sunscreen Application. I Am Not Accepting Hugs At This Time

I Managed To Make Almost A Perfect Straight Edged Rectangle On My Back With My Haphazard Sunscreen Application. I Am Not Accepting Hugs At This Time

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#17

Working In An Outdoor Vaccine Clinic. Didn't Think About Sunscreen... Now I Have A Mask-Shaped Sunburn, But Only On Half My Face

Working In An Outdoor Vaccine Clinic. Didn't Think About Sunscreen... Now I Have A Mask-Shaped Sunburn, But Only On Half My Face

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#18

"I Don't Need Sunscreen, I'll Just Wear A Hat"

"I Don't Need Sunscreen, I'll Just Wear A Hat"

JAH_1315 Report

Prevention is usually better than having to deal with the consequences. However, we can’t always avoid those. When you get a sunburn, your skin might look pink or red, it might feel tender and itchy. There might be swelling and blisters, and you might have a headache or a fever. The scariest thing is that even your eyes can burn in the sun.

#20

Leave It To A Ginger To Get Sunburnt Fishing Off The Bank When It's In The High 50's

Leave It To A Ginger To Get Sunburnt Fishing Off The Bank When It's In The High 50's

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OhnoI’vebeencensored
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Right but it should be common knowledge that the temperature doesn't affect how easily you get sunburned. It's the intensity of UV light. And how ginger you are.

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#21

I Have One Small But Gross Blister On My Back And My Whole Body Aches

I Have One Small But Gross Blister On My Back And My Whole Body Aches

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Debbie Barnes
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Aches"? That's layers of skin burnt. I honestly don't know why people do this. To get this sunburned, there must have been a point when he started to hurt,yet he didn't cover up?

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If the pain gets worse, your headache or fever doesn’t break, head to the doctor ASAP. You should also seek medical help if you get blisters on your face or hands, or if your blisters show signs of infection. Getting chills and noticing changes in your vision are also signs that you need may need assistance from a professional.

#23

Tanned A Bit Too Much While Wearing Shoes. Kids Call Them My Chimp Feet

Tanned A Bit Too Much While Wearing Shoes. Kids Call Them My Chimp Feet

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#24

I Wore A Mesh Hat On A 30 Mile Hike. Feeling Like Aang Today

I Wore A Mesh Hat On A 30 Mile Hike. Feeling Like Aang Today

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The NHS warns not to use petroleum jelly or ice on sunburnt skin. What’s more, you shouldn’t scratch the affected area; don’t pop any blisters, and avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes while your skin is peeling and healing.

#25

I Didn’t Wear My Watch To The Beach And Got A Strip Of Sunburn

I Didn’t Wear My Watch To The Beach And Got A Strip Of Sunburn

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#26

My Dad's White Feet And Tanned Legs. He Wears The Same Shoes Everyday

My Dad's White Feet And Tanned Legs. He Wears The Same Shoes Everyday

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Rex Roy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I looked like that many years ago when I worked outdoors, just had my third operation to remove skin cancer last week.

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#27

When You Forget To Put Sunscreen On Your Face But At Least Your Sunglasses Work

When You Forget To Put Sunscreen On Your Face But At Least Your Sunglasses Work

aandjclemmer Report

You can actually get sunburnt on cloudy days. Meanwhile, water, sand, and even snow reflect UV rays and add to the risk of getting burnt badly. As the UV light damages your skin cells, your body reacts by increasing the blood flow to the affected areas. That’s what causes the skin to be inflamed.

#28

Be Careful When Applying Spray-On Sunscreen

Be Careful When Applying Spray-On Sunscreen

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#29

My Wife Helped Me Sunscreen My Back At Beach Day Today (Twice)

My Wife Helped Me Sunscreen My Back At Beach Day Today (Twice)

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#30

Less Than An Hour In The Sun, With Factor 50 And Factor 70 All Over Me

Less Than An Hour In The Sun, With Factor 50 And Factor 70 All Over Me

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Meanwhile, sun exposure ages your skin more quickly and you’re more likely to develop wrinkles and discolored spots. Your skin loses strength and elasticity. Moreover, the more time you spend out in the sun, the greater the risk of skin cancer. That’s why it’s so important to do everything that you can to stay protected. Your health is your greatest resource, Pandas. Protect it well while you’re enjoying life to the max.

#31

I Probably Should Have Covered His Whole Back In Sunscreen And Not Just His Moles

I Probably Should Have Covered His Whole Back In Sunscreen And Not Just His Moles

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#32

That Helmet Strap Tan Line Though

That Helmet Strap Tan Line Though

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Ansi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So what's up with his hand? What is he currently driving? Invisable wheel? 😲😲

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#34

Throwback To That Time My Backwards Hat And Lack Of Sun Cream Resulted In A Hat Imprint Being Burnt Onto My Forehead

Throwback To That Time My Backwards Hat And Lack Of Sun Cream Resulted In A Hat Imprint Being Burnt Onto My Forehead

mr_g_f_a Report

#35

I’m A Solar Roofer, And We Are Required To Wear Gloves While We Work... It’s Only May

I’m A Solar Roofer, And We Are Required To Wear Gloves While We Work... It’s Only May

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Mistiekim
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You should probably take off those white gloves, they just don’t look right with that shirt.

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#36

Sunscreen Is Very Effective, But I Can’t Reach The Middle Of My Back

Sunscreen Is Very Effective, But I Can’t Reach The Middle Of My Back

HenningAW Report

#37

Ran The London Marathon A Couple Of Years Back. Think I Missed A Bit With The Sunscreen

Ran The London Marathon A Couple Of Years Back. Think I Missed A Bit With The Sunscreen

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#40

First Day At The Beach And My Wife Made Sure I Was Protected From Sunburn By Spraying My Back With Sunscreen. I Can’t See Back There - Did She Do A Good Job?

First Day At The Beach And My Wife Made Sure I Was Protected From Sunburn By Spraying My Back With Sunscreen. I Can’t See Back There - Did She Do A Good Job?

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#42

Boyfriend Only Put Sunscreen On His Tattoo While Hiking And This Really Showed How Useful Sunscreen Is Compared To Socks

Boyfriend Only Put Sunscreen On His Tattoo While Hiking And This Really Showed How Useful Sunscreen Is Compared To Socks

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#44

Attempt To Put On Sunscreen Was Made

Attempt To Put On Sunscreen Was Made

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Munchkin
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This happens to my male friends on holiday, they never ask for help putting sunscreen on! I insist on putting it on them now

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#45

“I’m Not Gonna Be In The Pool That Long, I Won’t Need Sunscreen”

“I’m Not Gonna Be In The Pool That Long, I Won’t Need Sunscreen”

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Whitefox
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When we were younger, mom left us with our uncle in Palm Springs, Ca. They have a pool. We did apply sunscreen before getting in the pool. but did not reapply at all in the 8 more hours we were out there. I am Hawaiian and usually don't burn. I was burnt to a crisp. Had to wear my swim suit for a few days because anything else was pure agony. and I don't care what "they" say.. do NOT EVER put Noxema on a sunburn.. I almost passed out!

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#46

Leigh Left His Sunglasses On

Leigh Left His Sunglasses On

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Felice Coles
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, the sunglasses reduced the harmful rays a bit. JUST NOT ON THE EYES, LIKE THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO!

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#47

Last Summer When My Wife "Sprayed" Sunscreen All Over My Back

Last Summer When My Wife "Sprayed" Sunscreen All Over My Back

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Hannah Edwards
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it’s safe to conclude that spray sunscreen can give you a false sense of protection

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#50

Asked My Friend To Spray Sunscreen On My Back... Not The Most Even Coat

Asked My Friend To Spray Sunscreen On My Back... Not The Most Even Coat

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Note: this post originally had 130 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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