Being pale isn't bad all the time. Way back in the day, being pale was a sign of status, because it meant that you didn't have to go outside and do manual labor in the sun. Pale skin was coveted and considered beautiful, but today, we get picked on because of our lack of melanin and our inability to see the sun without SPF 50 sunscreen.
Even though we still enjoy the porcelain color of our skin, the summertime is sometimes the bane of our existence. While we learn how to cope with precious pale skin under the sun, it can still sometimes be hard to keep up with our bronze, tan acquaintances.
1. Even though scientists say nothing over SPF 30 is effective, we don't buy into that
We know that no matter the SPF, we will apply it at least four times during any outing. Not to mention we never use anything less than SPF 30 anyway.
2. Any outing requires a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, and three bottles of sunscreen
We can't afford to burn our noses or shoulders anymore, so these items become an absolute necessity.
3. Sharing is never an option
Our friends always make fun of us for needing so much sunscreen, but as soon as we get to the beach, they are asking to borrow some. Back off, we need it.
4. Doing any sort of water activity requires extra protection
Between the sun's glare off the water, constantly wiping water off your face, and getting in and out of the water, it's always tricky to remember to keep applying our sunscreen.
5. Aloe is not only a remedy to assist your sunscreen, but also a friend
For those days when we aren't as successful in our sunscreen endeavors, aloe steps in to help heal our burning skin.
6. Our friends always make fun of us for not having a tan
Even though we may not be super dark and tan, we aren't completely unable to get a tan. Just because it isn't the same bronze effect that everyone else has, that doesn't mean our skin can't change.
7. Freckles
As we begin our adventures into the sun, we realize that our faces and bodies will experience the sun's grace in freckle form. Some pale people embrace them, while others try to cover them up. Either way, we become the human version of a Dalmatian.
8. Strangely fitted bathing suits aren't always the best option
With all the new strappy, high-waisted, and intricate bathing suits, being in the sun becomes an issue. If we wear these types of bathing suits and get sunburned, we will be stuck with these lines and patterns for months. Although we are not very good at getting a tan, our skin can still be left with a burn impression that can be seemingly impossible to get rid of.
9. Even a cloudy summer day is a sunny summer day
Clouds in the sky do not mean that we don't have to wear sunscreen. We are never safe under any circumstances and sunscreen must always be applied.
Although the summer can be a struggle with always remembering to bring a sun-shirt, sunscreen, and a hat to any outdoor activity we take part in, we will be very glad we were responsible when we are 50 and our skin still looks young and healthy rather than leathery and dark. We would much deal with the responsibilities of keeping our skin safe than later deal with the trouble of a radical sunburn and skin cancer. Although being pale isn't all that fun in the summer, our skin will thank us later.
