As someone who is extremely fair skinned, the sun and I aren’t exactly the best of friends. I absolutely love the sunshine and being outside, but that often comes at a rather pink price. Sunscreen and I have become rather close companions over the years and I have my own personal supply of it in addition to my own supply of aloe, which is every sunburn’s best friend. Despite my efforts to avoid burns by applying sunscreen regularly, wearing hats to protect my face and head, and limiting my exposure in the sun when I can, I still find myself a walking sunburn by the time August rolls around.

1. Inspiration

"It's a beautiful day outside, I don't want to waste the weather by staying inside all day."

2. Ignorance

"If I only stay outside for an hour with minimal sunscreen, I won't get burned."

3. Realization

"Oh sh*t, I'm burned."

4. Denial

"It doesn't look that bad, I'll be fine."

5. Pain

Your body is literally on fire and your skin is hot to touch.

6. Acceptance

"I have made a mistake that my skin does not thank me for."

7. Repetition

Despite the pain, you know this is an unfortunate and ongoing cycle.