Every redhead has that one sunburn they can’t get out of their mind. Maybe you forgot the sunscreen, didn’t apply enough, or forgot to reapply but thought you’d be fine. You. Were. Wrong. And it was so bad it’s seared into your memory (and probably your skin) forever. We’ve all been there, yet somehow we don’t always learn our lesson and eventually end up with another sunburn.
For Stephanie, How to be a Redhead‘s co-founder, it was a sunburn she refers to as the “worst sunburn of her life,” and it happened when she was just ten years old at Pismo Beach in California. It’s been years, but she still remembers how it felt and cringes at the thought of it. For H2BAR beauty writer Terra, it was during a 12k event in college. She applied sunscreen before leaving the house, but she was burnt to a crisp after spending all day in the hot summer sun. That sunburn lingered for what felt like an eternity.
Redheads on TikTok have their own sunburn stories, like Krista, who got a sunburn during her high school graduation practice. After spending 2+ hours in the sun, her body was red from head to toe, and she felt sick during her graduation ceremony.
@_krista_brooke_ One of my worst sunburns!🧴🔥 @How to be a Redhead #howtobearedhead #sunburn #storytime #sunscree #redhead #ginger #redhair #gingerhair
Ashley says the anxiety from the sunburns she got as a kid STILL keeps her up at night! And she shared the story of a recent one from a few years ago that turned into a bunch of horrible blisters.
@aaashleyols redhead core 🤪 #redgead #skindamage #2nddegreesunburn #greenscreen
Lauren talks about her worst sunburn and how embarrassing it felt:
@laurenmaxam #greenscreen Sun screen is so important.. #howtobearedhead #redheads #foryou #worstsunburnever @How to be a Redhead
Taryl talks about an adventure gone wrong:
@taryllegg Help your #redhead 👩🏻🦰friends 😂 #sunscreen #worstsunburn #uvawarenessmonth @How to be a Redhead #howtobearedhead #H2BAR
Here are some tips in mind to prevent your next bad burn:
- Always wear SPF 30+ sunscreen: This helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes: Especially after swimming or sweating, to maintain protection.
- Apply SPF to often missed areas: Such as your scalp, lips, ears, and eyelids, where skin is thinner and more vulnerable.
- Wear sunglasses: To protect your eyes from sunburn and UV damage.
- Use a hat or scarf: This shields your scalp and head from direct sunlight.
- Limit sun exposure: Seek shade during peak UV hours, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- Check the UV index: Plan outdoor activities around lower UV index times to minimize exposure.
- Use an umbrella: To create shade and reduce direct exposure while outdoors.
Incorporating these habits into your routine allows you to enjoy the outdoors safely and reduce the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
Do you have a horrible sunburn story? Please share it with us, and let these stories be our reminders to wear sunscreen and follow these tips to help prevent a bad burn.
Rock it like a Redhead!
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