Last week my friends and I decided to go to the beach for the day. We were tired of running around our neighborhood and wanted a change (and a tan). When we got to the beach we decided to skip sunscreen for the first hour or so (sorry mom). We were lazy and wanted to "expedite the tanning process". Mistakes. Mistakes were made. All three of us left the beach with sunburns at varying levels of severity. There are many reasons we should have applied sunscreen, here are 5 of them.

1. To Prevent a Sunburn

Sunburns are terrible. They hurt, look bad and are embarrassing. Besides staying out of the sun, sunscreen is the best way to prevent getting a sunburn.

2. Avoiding Your Parents Disappointment

My parents have always reminded me to wear sunscreen. Whenever I left the house the would make sure I was covered head to toe in sunblock. On trips to the beach we reapplied every hour. When I got home the first thing my mom said to me was "oh, you got sunburnt." Not how was your day? Not what did you do? (Although she asked me those questions later on). Avoid all disapproving looks and annoyed comments and just wear some sunscreen.

3. Preventing Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is no joke. The best way to prevent it and keep yourself safe is to stay out of the sun. If you are going to spend time in uv rays, protect your skin with sunscreen.

4. It Prevents the Premature Aging of Skin

Sun damage from UV rays causes skin to age. This is characterized by discoloration and the breakdown of collagen (this shows lines and sagging skin). People who wear sunscreen are much less likely to develop these signs of aging at a young age.

5. It Prevents Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion

Prolonged time spent in the sun can lead to more issues than just a sunburn. Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are two other health issues that can arise from prolonged exposure to the sun. When coupled with plenty of water, sunscreen can help prevent these.

Putting on sunscreen can be annoying but it is extremely important. I understand the desire to get a tan but your health should come first. Take the time to protect your skin and you will thank yourself in the long run.