Believe me when I say there is nothing I like more than having a nice tan. At least half the year I could be Casper the ghost.... yeah I'm that pale. I'm forever jealous of people who have naturally tanned skin. It truly puts a spunk in your step when you have that little extra boost of color, leaving you feeling like you can dominate the world.

But as we all know, sitting in the sun for hours may get you that golden brown tint, but it's terrible for your skin. It wasn't until I worked outside every day this summer that I realized how important it is to wear some sort of protection on your skin.

For all of you who are traveling someplace warm this spring break, here are 5 reasons why you should get yourself sunscreen.

1. Sunburns Blow

Like I stated before, I have pale skin. AKA I burn pretty easy if I don't have any sunscreen on. And I have learned first hand that sunburns blow. There have been multiple times in my life where I've been on vacation someplace warm and I've gotten sun poisoning, making me completely miserable. I would have to stay inside the hotel room while everyone else got to go to the pool or the beach. It blew. Why would you want to waste your vacation inside? So do yourself a favor and put some sunscreen on so you can actually play some beach volleyball.

2. It Helps Prevent Skin Cancer

This fact has most likely been pounded into your head thousands of times. But, if it's been told to you "x" amount of times from a ton of different people, shouldn't you probably consider the fact? It's a well know fact wearing sunscreen helps decrease your chance of skin cancer. And as we all know, skin cancer? That's not on the top of everyone's to-do list. Think of sunscreen as a shield to protect your body!

3. Long Term Damage

Not only does wearing sunscreen prevent skin cancer, but it can also prevent long term damage to your skin. Sure it's all fun and games when you're young. You think, so what if you get a sunburn? But in reality, all that "sun" is going to appear on your skin later in life in forms of wrinkles and sunspots. And let's be honest, no one wants wrinkles and sun spots. So apply your sunscreen, your future self with thank the heck out of you and you will continue looking fabulous.

4. Sport-style Sunscreen Is Your Best Friend

No one likes the type of sunscreen that leaves your skin feeling greasy and gross. I also feel like that is one of the reasons why people lean away from applying sunscreen. But thankfully, there is a solution to this very problem: Sports Sunscreen. I only buy sports sunscreen. After you apply it, you truly forget you are wearing it, and yet you're still protecting your skin.

5. You Still Will Get A Tan!

My mother taught me this idea of a "safe tan." It's a pretty simple concept. Put sunscreen on and protect your skin, and ultimately you still will manage to get that golden tint on your skin. With that, you truly get the best of both worlds- protection, and a nice glow!

Just remember that SPF is your best friend this spring break!