After getting through the long rainy spring season, nice weather is finally here!

Here in the New England area, we love getting outside and enjoying the sun. This includes going to our beautiful beaches, hiking, swimming or simply even just sitting outside and enjoying the rays on our skin.

Coming from a fair-skinned gal like myself who gets burn easily, you would think I have learned how to properly protect my skin from any sun damage.

 But no, to this day, I still get terrible sunburns, as do many people all around the world.

 Many people, crave the feeling of sunlight on their skin. Men and women even lay outside in the sun for hours in hopes of achieving a nice glowing tan.

 But why is this such an obsession?

 Growing up, I have had terrible sunburns to the point where I couldn’t even sleep at night because my body was in so much pain. This was when I learned that the labels on sunscreen bottles aren’t lying when they say, reapply every 2 hours.

 More recently, during my college years, I sadly have tanned in tanning beds as well. No matter how many times I think to myself, tanning beds are doing nothing but damaging my skin, I continue to use them. Some how my stupidity and desire to become tan always over road my fear of getting skin cancer.

 But I have come to the realization that our skin is so delicate and can really be damaged so easily. Without taking care of it, it can really lead to some serious issues. Including skin cancer, premature skin aging, and even eye damage. We all are more than aware of these issues, but for some reason aren’t afraid of them, or just ignore them.

 Despite all the information that our society has been drilling into our brains that being tan makes you prettier, skinnier, or more fit. Please for the sake of your health and youthfulness, ignore these social pressures and protect your skin. No more burns, no more tanning beds.

 For more information on how to properly take care of your skin and skin cancer prevention, visit www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer/prevention-and-early-detection.html.

For sunburn treatment, visit our Beverly, MA urgent care center any day of the week. For more information about our services, please call us at 978.922.2171.