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“Always Wear Sunscreen!”: 40 People Who Failed To Do It And Ended Up Looking Like Dorks
We’ve all been there. After telling ourselves SPF is for the weak, we dove headfirst into the boiling sun bath, furiously refusing any advice to put on sunscreen. It was all about getting that sun-kissed tan you’ve seen in “The Blue Lagoon.”
The next day, the painful reality hits. Please welcome your torture for the next coming days, aka the redness, the soreness, the itchiness, the swollenness, you name it. As an additional bonus, you get unsolicited comments like “I told you,” “I knew it,” and “This is what you get if…”
Bored Panda has compiled a painfully funny list full of the unfortunate ones who got too badly sunburned. And hopefully, learn from the mistakes of others, 'cause whatever you do, do not try this at home.
Warning: sun is extremely dangerous, and prolonged exposure may lead to permanent skin damage and even skin cancer. Don’t forget to always use sunscreen, and seek medical attention immediately in case you get a severe sunburn. Scroll down for our interview with Dr. Adil Sheraz, the spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation, to find out more about what we should all know about sun damage.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Sunburn
While at SDCC 2013, I did my Aang cosplay, and after waiting in a line out in the sun I got a little burnt. Later on when I washed of the arrow I noticed it decided to stick around. Once the avatar always the avatar I suppose.
RELATED:
#2
It's More Than Just A Tan, Buddy
#3
Not "Happy". Forgot Sunscreen On My Face, And Am Waiting For An X-Ray For A Rolled Ankle. Not Happy Jan. And Not So Fun Color Run
Although sunburns may look fun, sizzling your skin under the hot summer sun is more harmful than we would like to think. In order to find out what kind of damage a sunburn can actually do to our skin, Bored Panda reached out to Dr. Adil Sheraz, a consultant dermatologist and spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation.
Dr. Sheraz explained that sunburn is predominantly caused by overexposure to UVB (ultraviolet B.) “We need to remember that UVB Is a form of radiation.”
And although the sun has many benefits, including promoting the production of vitamin D in our skin and boosting our well-being, “it is also well known that excessive sun exposure can and does lead to skin cancers, including fatal melanoma.”
#4
Never Sleep Outside With Cereal, Guys
#6
My Friend Told Me That I Look Like A Popsicle Stick
The dermatologist said that sunburn is not just redness, swelling, and blisters. In reality, these are the signs that the body is repairing itself from damage caused in the DNA of cells. “Over time, if too much DNA is damaged, this will often mutate into cancer-forming cells and results in either a melanoma or one of the other types of skin cancers,” he explained.
Dr. Sheraz also said that the type and degree of sunburn will depend on many factors, including your age and skin type. “If you are younger than 6 or older than 65, then you will have a greater risk of burning.”
Moreover, “If you have type 1 skin, i.e. blue eyes, blonde hair, and very fair skin, then you will burn quicker and will not tan before burning.”
#7
What Could Go Wrong If I Forget The Sunscreen?
#8
Trying To Even Out My Tan On My Lunch Break
#9
A Buddy Of Mine Seemed To Think Stick Sun Screen Was A Good Idea
The majority of sunburns will result in mild pain, redness, and peeling of the skin. “This would be in keeping with a first-degree burn. This type of sunburn tends to resolve spontaneously and doesn’t require one to come into hospital or see the GP.”
However, if you develop blistering from the sun, it would mean that the deeper layers of the skin have been affected. “This is more akin to a second-degree burn. The skin can be swollen, very painful, and, of course, bright red,” the spokesperson at the British Skin Foundation said.
#10
That's Why You Shouldn't Wear Jeans With Holes On Sunny Days
#11
Tried Evening Out My Tan From The Other Day, Didn't Go So Well
#12
Finish Painting Deck - Check, Give Yourself Sunburn Tramp Stamp - Check
MellonCollie 5 years ago
And, gentlemen, that's another reason why you ALWAYS have to pull up those pants!! ;-)
Dr. Sheraz urges anyone who develops signs of fever, develops blisters, or feels lightheaded or confused to seek immediate medical attention.
“Severe sunburn can lead to significant dehydration and the resulting inflammation in the skin (which is the body’s healing response) can send one into shock, with a significant drop in blood pressure and even death in extreme situations.”
#13
Who Needs A Farmer's Tan When You Can Get A Cavs Finals Hat Burn
Stephanie Did It 5 years ago
If only there was a way to wear that cap so it would shade your face...
#14
Baseball Mom's Yoga Pants Worked Out Just Fine
#15
Apparently My Adam's Apple Provided Just Enough Shade To Prevent A Small Portion Of My Neck From Getting Sunburned
Among other features of sunburn, some people may feel itching which, Dr. Sheraz explained, “is thought to be associated with the release of a chemical called bradykinin from damaged skin.”
Even though it’s just a theory, the dermatologist said that “online sufferers have described their experiences as feeling ‘like fire ants are biting you under your skin,’ ‘wanting to rip your skin off,’ or ‘an uncontrollable itch that, when scratched, causes stabbing pain.’”
#16
Someone Forgot His Sunscreen
#17
The Difference Between Tanned And Untanned From My Leg To My Foot
#18
Daughter's Sunburn Looks Like Patrick From Spongebob
Minha Khan 5 years ago
this is honestly adorable but when I was younger sunburn hurt so much. if this happens to your kid, I would recommend aloe vera.
#19
My Friends' First Time In The Florida Sun. Apparently It Was Also Their First Time Using A Spray-On Sunscreen
#20
Bought Some New White Fingerless Gloves
#21
This Is Cade's Freshly Shaved Head After A Sunscreenless Few Hours Mowing A Field
#22
This Is What You Get For Wearing Those Awful Things
#23
Long Kayaking Trip + Belly Rolls = Most Inconsistent Sunburn Ever
#24
What Happens When You're Super White And You Walked Around All Day In A Shirt With Cutout Squares. And This Was With Multiple Applications Of Sunscreen
In hindsight, I probably should have worn a different shirt
Natalie Bohrteller 5 years ago
Multiple applications of sunscreen with spf 4 won't help here either. ;)
#25
When You Are From Arizona And Think 70 Degrees On The Beach In Cali Doesn't Require Sunscreen. I. Hurt
#26
When People Ask Me Why I Want To Sit In The Shade I Show Them These Photos
#27
The Tan Of My Hand Compared To My Foot
#28
Lesson Of The Day
#30
Stubborn Husband Said He Didn't Need My Help Putting Sunscreen On His Back
Pseudo Puppy 5 years ago
ah yes, those moments of self-inflicted paid, due to ego / stupidity / stubbornness.... :o
#31
Co-Worker Shaved His Head, Then Went Golfing, And Decided To Wear A Visor
#32
This Tomato Man Looks Nearly Fake
#33
I Get This Tan Line Every Year. A Result From My Job Outside Wearing The Same Uniform Everyday. The Tan Line Lasts Through The Winter
#34
Met A Guy Last Summer That Fell Asleep In The Sun With His Phone On His Chest
#35
My Husband's First Time Wearing Sandals Since Starting His New Asphalt Job
#36
My Friend Refused To Ask For Help With Putting Sunscreen On, This Is The Result
Clara Knaub 5 years ago
People are so stubborn. They should really ask for help when they need it.
#38
My Cousin’s Legs After A Day In The Sun In Ripped Jeans
#39
This Is What Happens When You Go On A Bike Ride When It’s 100 Degrees Outside Without The Proper Sunscreen
#40
I Spent A Little Too Much Time Outside While Wearing 3/4 Pants
#41
"Just Spray It Quickly Dude, I Don't Need You To Rub It In"
#42
My Cousin Got A Sunburn
Helen Haley 5 years ago
Is that a swing? And puppies? Did this dude grow up and make enough money to live in the house we all dreamed of as kids? Or are his parents just super cool?
#43
Guess I Have A Sunburn Tattoo To Explain At Work Tomorrow And You Know What? Totally Worth It, Had So Much Fun My First Time Doing The Cosplay Parade
#44
Best Hat Sunburn Line
#45
A Green Tea Bath Was The Only Option After Being Brutally Sunburned In Australia, Then Having To Sit For 19 Hours On An Airplane Coming Back To The States
Pseudo Puppy 5 years ago (edited)
Aussie tip: (aside from sunscreen).... soak in a cold bath, and lots of aloe vera moisturiser. Most Aussie kids learn this the hard way - and typically only do it once. I feel you pain!!
#47
Yea Yea Forgot Sun Screen, But I Wore A Hat
#48
Peace. Love. And Sunburns
#49
And There It Is... 3 Days In Full Sun, Clearly Not Enough Sun Protection, And A Big Forehead
Mama Panda 5 years ago
My hubby would think that his forehead would be a perfect Klingon forehead lol
#50
Eah. Nice And Sunny Day! That’s How You Look After A 4h 35 Min. Run In The Sun
#51
I Got Band-Aid Tan Lines
#52
I Realized I Need To Lose Some Weight When I Sat Out In The Sun And My Manboobs Gave Me A "Bra" On My Sunburned Torso
#53
To All Bathing Suit Shoppers - Always Keep Tan (& Burn) Lines In Mind
#54
My First Bathroom Selfie. Because I May Be A Little Sunburn
Malakai 5 years ago
If you are more than slightly red from a sunburn, you should probably see a doctor. Sunburns this severe can lead to lasting skin cell damage if not treated properly. Believe it or not, sunburns are classified just like regular burns: 1st degree, mild redness and pain, but little to no other symptoms; 2nd degree, possible blisters and swelling, moderate redness and moderate to intense pain, really should see a doctor; 3rd degree, skin is very dark red or possibly brown, intense pain or possible numbness, possible peeling and/or blistering, SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE THIS CAN PERMANENTLY DAMAGE YOUR SKIN. You can actually need skin grafts for a severe enough sunburn!
#55
Don't Forget To Use Sunscreen
#56
Hiker’s Tan. At Least It’s Symmetrical
#57
Perfect Sunburn Spotted In My Facebook Feed
#59
Boys Need To Learn How To Do Spray Sunscreen
#60
Twinning With The Tomato. Stupid Sunburn
#61
Well The Sunscreen Worked
#63
Top Tip - Don't Roll Your Ripped Jeans Up And Then Sit In The Sun For Two Hours Like My Sister Did
#64
Dad Texted Me And Said "Getting This Tan Was Quite A Feat." Ugh
#66
Went To The Beach And Put Extra Sunscreen On My Tattoos To Be Safe. Guess I Forgot To Keep The Rest Of That Area Safe As Well
#68
I Got Drunk And Forgot To Put Sunscreen On My Feet
#69
"What Was The Biggest Mistake You Made In The Alps, Tim?" Suncream, Sunglasses, Spare Sunglasses
Mme de Poppadom 5 years ago
FYI: I think you need a special kind of alpine sunblock, otherwise some of the ingredients of a typical lotion can really hurt you in windy + cold environments, which are unlike conditions on a beach, for example. But, of course, this thread wouldn't exist if people followed directions on labels or common sense advice, so do carry on.
#71
This Crazy Tan
#72
Wore A Bandana Outside All Day After Buzzing My Head And Forgetting That Sunscreen Existed. Got This Sweet Tan Line
#73
Noooooo! I’ve Made A Terrible Mistake
Aunt Messy 5 years ago
That's the punishment you deserve for even buying those ugly pant things.
#74
Next Couple Days Are Gonna Be Rough
#75
A Reminder To Wear Sunscreen On Your Face, All Day, Every Day
#77
I Got A Reallllllll Bad Sunburn. The Shirt I Was Wearing Had These Designs In The Sleeves So Now I Have Cool Designs On My Arms
#78
My Husband Got A Little Burnt. The Sun Missed A Couple Spots
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Malakai 5 years ago
Sunburns are more than just mild inconveniences and annoyances and the number of people who are BLISTERINGLY red in this post who I will assume did not see a doctor ASTOUNDS me. They are called sunBURNS for a reason! There are 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree sunburns and they are on par in terms of severity as regular burns. Even without the increased risk of skin cancer, you can severely and permanently damage your skin without proper care--in the case of 3rd degree sunburns it is possible you might even need a skin graft! Don't be stupid, and grab sunblock that is at least SPF30 and USE IT REGARDLESS OF THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE. If it is SUNNY outside, and you intend to be out there more than 20ish minutes (I need it if I'm out more than 10), APPLY SUNSCREEN. And use a lip balm that has some kind of SPF, too!
Kairen Rider-Matchez 5 years ago
Ugh so so painful please don't join the lobster people wear sunscreen everyone!
Sergio Bicerra Descalzi 5 years ago
Omg, some of these look sooo painful, cause suburn and stupidity.
Hans 5 years ago
While the pictures surely are funny, they transport a dangerous message: getting a sunburn is about being shamed and having some itching (or mild pain) for a few days. Rather, each sunburn – and even every *almost* sunburned – significantly increased your chance of skin cancer, which significantly increases your risk of premature death. Sorry to spoil the fun, but these pictures should be enjoyed with this warning! ("Do not try this at home.")
Cori 5 years ago
I walked on the beach for hours in North Carolina on an overcast day in March. Didn't think I needed sunscreen. I was SO wrong. Every time I took a step forward and exposed the back of my calf the sun was frying it. It was so bad I could barely walk the next morning. I also burnt my shoulders so deeply they peeled twice. I don't forget sunscreen any more. Not even on overcast days.
similarly 5 years ago
When I was young, I never bothered with sunscreen. I never got REALLY burned badly until I was an adult and spent all day at a pool with no sunscreen. A couple years ago, I had to have a basal cell carcinoma removed from my forehead, and I consider myself lucky because it's the mildest possible thing that can still be called cancer (I had it for 3 years before it occurred to me to wonder why that thing on my forehead wasn't healing). I have a barely noticeable scar and feel I got off lucky! HOWEVER, I'm literally going to spend the rest of my life looking for spots, and wondering "is this one cancer?" Take care of your skin, folks.
SirPatTheCat 5 years ago
What's with all the dudes refusing to let anyone touch their backs lol
Kady Maree Mcgrath 5 years ago
Wear SPF 50+ at least, Sunburns can lead to skin cancer and other health conditions if you are worried about a sunburn go to your local doctor, check the UV ratings before you leave to see if sun cream is appropriate
Pseudo Puppy 5 years ago
learning to surf, slathered on the sunscreen... and never thought about the soles of my feet. Discovered they were burned, when I finally got back into shore and stood on the sand. :o Only made that mistake once.
Steve Barnett 5 years ago
NEVER underestimate the power of the sun, you can still get sunburn even though it might be cloudy. Recently there were two men who were working in the garden of a neighbour on an extremely hot day, sun beating down and I was sweating like a pig working in my garden. I kept making sure that they were keeping rehydrated by supplying them water throughout the day, because they did not appear to be taking the heat seriously and not appearing to drink water regularly. I think they eventually got pissed off with me, after refusing the last pints of water that I wanted them to drink: But I was just being concerned.
Amie Redman 4 years ago
If it’s overcast out, you can get an even worse sunburn than being in the sun! Always wear sunscreen when outside during the day for an extended amount of time.
Brownathon Bear 5 years ago
These people were all dumb. Get it together, I can only imagine if we were seeing burns like this on toddlers or babies. We'd be outraged at the neglect.
Jackie Butts 5 years ago
The sunburn is just the beginning. Years later, visiting the dermatologist and having suspicious moles cut off, checked and then having to return to have chunks of skin removed because of abnormal skin cell with the hope of avoiding skin cancer...that my friends is when it really gets painful. Use your SPF sunblock and save yourselves the pain and trouble (not to mention death if it turns into Melanoma)
Thalia Lovering 5 years ago
Some of those burns were very bad and definitely needed medical advice.
Flare 5 years ago
I once got a second degree sunburn that was also a blister. Took 2 years for the skin to fully heal without a chance of sunburning easily.
Eunice Probert 5 years ago
These are all potential cases of skin cancer waiting to happen. Idiots! I always slather on factor 50 on my hands, arms and face, and wear long-sleeved tops. (And trousers of course!) I'm fair-skinned and I'm not going to take silly chances.
Roshan Dash 5 years ago
The concept of sunburn feels a bit weird to me. I live in a coastal town and visit the beach for a good amount of time every now and then but never had any such burns without sunscreen. Maybe my skin is just used to it? 🤔
Bill 5 years ago
Another reason to not sun your b******e. There is a reason people call it "where the sun don't shine
Jo Choto 5 years ago
How I wish everyone would take the UV rays seriously and always, always wear sunscreen.
Peter Kelly 5 years ago
If these people were four or five years old I could understand, but they are supposed to be adults!
Mark Serbian 5 years ago
Just too painful to think about ... I went snorkeling in Curacao in the 70's and got 2nd degree sunburns on the back of my calves. Brings back too many memories!
Molly Coates 5 years ago
I am convinced that sunburns and skin cancer is God's punishment to white people... We went into the wrong continent, wrong latitude, now we gotta deal with the consequences.
Yugan Talovich 5 years ago
I wonder if part of it is that people spend so much time indoors. I live in a subtropical climate where the sun is burning hot. I don't use sunscreen, but I'm outdoors year round. I don't burn. After decades of this, I'm noticeably darker than my siblings and cousins, even in the winter.
SandraG_lak 5 years ago
No matter the formula - cream, spray, stick - always rub sunscreen into your skin! Yes it's a nuisance but that's sunscreen. There isn't an easy apply and done method. Cream is the best. It's white and you can see where it's applied and you know you're protected well because you have to rub it in until it isn't white any more.
Naoko Yamaguchi 5 years ago
Omg... careful everyone, sunburn is really dangerous and harmful these days! (In my opinion, sunscreen is needed throughout the year...)
Malakai 5 years ago
Sunburns are more than just mild inconveniences and annoyances and the number of people who are BLISTERINGLY red in this post who I will assume did not see a doctor ASTOUNDS me. They are called sunBURNS for a reason! There are 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree sunburns and they are on par in terms of severity as regular burns. Even without the increased risk of skin cancer, you can severely and permanently damage your skin without proper care--in the case of 3rd degree sunburns it is possible you might even need a skin graft! Don't be stupid, and grab sunblock that is at least SPF30 and USE IT REGARDLESS OF THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE. If it is SUNNY outside, and you intend to be out there more than 20ish minutes (I need it if I'm out more than 10), APPLY SUNSCREEN. And use a lip balm that has some kind of SPF, too!
Kairen Rider-Matchez 5 years ago
Ugh so so painful please don't join the lobster people wear sunscreen everyone!
Sergio Bicerra Descalzi 5 years ago
Omg, some of these look sooo painful, cause suburn and stupidity.
Hans 5 years ago
While the pictures surely are funny, they transport a dangerous message: getting a sunburn is about being shamed and having some itching (or mild pain) for a few days. Rather, each sunburn – and even every *almost* sunburned – significantly increased your chance of skin cancer, which significantly increases your risk of premature death. Sorry to spoil the fun, but these pictures should be enjoyed with this warning! ("Do not try this at home.")
Cori 5 years ago
I walked on the beach for hours in North Carolina on an overcast day in March. Didn't think I needed sunscreen. I was SO wrong. Every time I took a step forward and exposed the back of my calf the sun was frying it. It was so bad I could barely walk the next morning. I also burnt my shoulders so deeply they peeled twice. I don't forget sunscreen any more. Not even on overcast days.
similarly 5 years ago
When I was young, I never bothered with sunscreen. I never got REALLY burned badly until I was an adult and spent all day at a pool with no sunscreen. A couple years ago, I had to have a basal cell carcinoma removed from my forehead, and I consider myself lucky because it's the mildest possible thing that can still be called cancer (I had it for 3 years before it occurred to me to wonder why that thing on my forehead wasn't healing). I have a barely noticeable scar and feel I got off lucky! HOWEVER, I'm literally going to spend the rest of my life looking for spots, and wondering "is this one cancer?" Take care of your skin, folks.
SirPatTheCat 5 years ago
What's with all the dudes refusing to let anyone touch their backs lol
Kady Maree Mcgrath 5 years ago
Wear SPF 50+ at least, Sunburns can lead to skin cancer and other health conditions if you are worried about a sunburn go to your local doctor, check the UV ratings before you leave to see if sun cream is appropriate
Pseudo Puppy 5 years ago
learning to surf, slathered on the sunscreen... and never thought about the soles of my feet. Discovered they were burned, when I finally got back into shore and stood on the sand. :o Only made that mistake once.
Steve Barnett 5 years ago
NEVER underestimate the power of the sun, you can still get sunburn even though it might be cloudy. Recently there were two men who were working in the garden of a neighbour on an extremely hot day, sun beating down and I was sweating like a pig working in my garden. I kept making sure that they were keeping rehydrated by supplying them water throughout the day, because they did not appear to be taking the heat seriously and not appearing to drink water regularly. I think they eventually got pissed off with me, after refusing the last pints of water that I wanted them to drink: But I was just being concerned.
Amie Redman 4 years ago
If it’s overcast out, you can get an even worse sunburn than being in the sun! Always wear sunscreen when outside during the day for an extended amount of time.
Brownathon Bear 5 years ago
These people were all dumb. Get it together, I can only imagine if we were seeing burns like this on toddlers or babies. We'd be outraged at the neglect.
Jackie Butts 5 years ago
The sunburn is just the beginning. Years later, visiting the dermatologist and having suspicious moles cut off, checked and then having to return to have chunks of skin removed because of abnormal skin cell with the hope of avoiding skin cancer...that my friends is when it really gets painful. Use your SPF sunblock and save yourselves the pain and trouble (not to mention death if it turns into Melanoma)
Thalia Lovering 5 years ago
Some of those burns were very bad and definitely needed medical advice.
Flare 5 years ago
I once got a second degree sunburn that was also a blister. Took 2 years for the skin to fully heal without a chance of sunburning easily.
Eunice Probert 5 years ago
These are all potential cases of skin cancer waiting to happen. Idiots! I always slather on factor 50 on my hands, arms and face, and wear long-sleeved tops. (And trousers of course!) I'm fair-skinned and I'm not going to take silly chances.
Roshan Dash 5 years ago
The concept of sunburn feels a bit weird to me. I live in a coastal town and visit the beach for a good amount of time every now and then but never had any such burns without sunscreen. Maybe my skin is just used to it? 🤔
Bill 5 years ago
Another reason to not sun your b******e. There is a reason people call it "where the sun don't shine
Jo Choto 5 years ago
How I wish everyone would take the UV rays seriously and always, always wear sunscreen.
Peter Kelly 5 years ago
If these people were four or five years old I could understand, but they are supposed to be adults!
Mark Serbian 5 years ago
Just too painful to think about ... I went snorkeling in Curacao in the 70's and got 2nd degree sunburns on the back of my calves. Brings back too many memories!
Molly Coates 5 years ago
I am convinced that sunburns and skin cancer is God's punishment to white people... We went into the wrong continent, wrong latitude, now we gotta deal with the consequences.
Yugan Talovich 5 years ago
I wonder if part of it is that people spend so much time indoors. I live in a subtropical climate where the sun is burning hot. I don't use sunscreen, but I'm outdoors year round. I don't burn. After decades of this, I'm noticeably darker than my siblings and cousins, even in the winter.
SandraG_lak 5 years ago
No matter the formula - cream, spray, stick - always rub sunscreen into your skin! Yes it's a nuisance but that's sunscreen. There isn't an easy apply and done method. Cream is the best. It's white and you can see where it's applied and you know you're protected well because you have to rub it in until it isn't white any more.
Naoko Yamaguchi 5 years ago
Omg... careful everyone, sunburn is really dangerous and harmful these days! (In my opinion, sunscreen is needed throughout the year...)
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