With the spring season here and the end of the semester closely approaching that means summertime is about to begin. For most people, summer is the perfect time to be outside and in the water. I genuinely would love to be able to spend everyday outside or in the water, but unfortunately, my skin dictates otherwise. All of my fellow pale people and will truly understand the following ten struggles that are faced in the summer.
1. You Must Always Be in the Shade
I can't tell you how many summers I have spent whether inside or under an umbrella in order to keep my skin from frying. If you have to leave the shade you must find a way to bring it with you. For example, wearing a hat or a t-shirt and long pants to keep the majority of your skin covered.
2. Tan = More Freckles
If you are like me and are self-conscience of your pale complexion, you don't really wear shorts. You fear your whiteness will blind those around you.
4. You Blend in with the Sand
Another problem related to your complexion is that you kind of blend in with the sand. If it weren't for your hair or clothing, you might get stepped on while sunbathing.
5. You Must Apply Sunscreen Every 30 Minutes to an Hour
Most people can make it a few hours without reapplying their sunscreen, but in the world of paleness it is crucial to reapply every 30 minutes to an hour. If you don't, you might as well enjoy looking like a lobster for the next week.
6. Peeling is your worst nightmare
One of the worst things that can happen is when your sunburn peels. You can go from having some semblance of tan to looking diseased in a matter of days.
7. The Higher the SPF the Better
I'm not going to lie, I've tried to get away with using SPF 15. That was a big mistake. I've learned that the higher the SPF, the better off I am. That way I can also escape all of the comments on how I might get skin cancer if I don't lather up enough.
8. Tanning Oil is a No No
A mistake that pale people can make sometimes is using tanning oil. Yes, I've tried it before. I hoped it would work and give my skin a nice glow. I was wrong and ended up with a second degree burn.
9. So are fake tans
Personally, I have never had a fake tan, unless a lotion counts. All that lotion ever did for me was turn me a nice shade of orange. Fake tans in a salon seem to have the same affect on delicately pale skin. You can go from milky white to colorful carrot in a matter of minutes.
10. Sensitive Eyes
The slightest bit of direct sun won't only fry your skin, but can burn your eyes. The worst is when you forget your sunglasses or they are no where to be found.
Although the struggle can be quite real when you are pale, you should enjoy your skin. I've learned to love my growing number of freckles and I now embrace the skin I'm in. God gave it to me for a reason and I'm proud of my Irish roots.
Be proud of your skin, and hey you might even be able to use it to get out of a pesky summer activity or outdoor chores. Embrace the skin you're in!
