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We’ve all been there. After telling ourselves SPF is for the weak, we dove headfirst into the boiling sun bath, furiously refusing any advice to put on sunscreen. It was all about getting that sun-kissed tan you’ve seen in “The Blue Lagoon.”

The next day, the painful reality hits. Please welcome your torture for the next coming days, aka the redness, the soreness, the itchiness, the swollenness, you name it. As an additional bonus, you get unsolicited comments like “I told you,” “I knew it,” and “This is what you get if…”

Bored Panda has compiled a painfully funny list full of the unfortunate ones who got too badly sunburned. And hopefully, learn from the mistakes of others, 'cause whatever you do, do not try this at home.

Warning: sun is extremely dangerous, and prolonged exposure may lead to permanent skin damage and even skin cancer. Don’t forget to always use sunscreen, and seek medical attention immediately in case you get a severe sunburn. Scroll down for our interview with Dr. Adil Sheraz, the spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation, to find out more about what we should all know about sun damage.

#1

Sunburn

Sunburn

While at SDCC 2013, I did my Aang cosplay, and after waiting in a line out in the sun I got a little burnt. Later on when I washed of the arrow I noticed it decided to stick around. Once the avatar always the avatar I suppose.

kidkapelski Report

#3

Not "Happy". Forgot Sunscreen On My Face, And Am Waiting For An X-Ray For A Rolled Ankle. Not Happy Jan. And Not So Fun Color Run

Not "Happy". Forgot Sunscreen On My Face, And Am Waiting For An X-Ray For A Rolled Ankle. Not Happy Jan. And Not So Fun Color Run

mitchp88 Report

Although sunburns may look fun, sizzling your skin under the hot summer sun is more harmful than we would like to think. In order to find out what kind of damage a sunburn can actually do to our skin, Bored Panda reached out to Dr. Adil Sheraz, a consultant dermatologist and spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation.

Dr. Sheraz explained that sunburn is predominantly caused by overexposure to UVB (ultraviolet B.) “We need to remember that UVB Is a form of radiation.”

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And although the sun has many benefits, including promoting the production of vitamin D in our skin and boosting our well-being, “it is also well known that excessive sun exposure can and does lead to skin cancers, including fatal melanoma.”

#4

Never Sleep Outside With Cereal, Guys

Never Sleep Outside With Cereal, Guys

elley5sos Report

#6

My Friend Told Me That I Look Like A Popsicle Stick

My Friend Told Me That I Look Like A Popsicle Stick

genuinlyinterested Report

The dermatologist said that sunburn is not just redness, swelling, and blisters. In reality, these are the signs that the body is repairing itself from damage caused in the DNA of cells. “Over time, if too much DNA is damaged, this will often mutate into cancer-forming cells and results in either a melanoma or one of the other types of skin cancers,” he explained.

Dr. Sheraz also said that the type and degree of sunburn will depend on many factors, including your age and skin type. “If you are younger than 6 or older than 65, then you will have a greater risk of burning.”

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Moreover, “If you have type 1 skin, i.e. blue eyes, blonde hair, and very fair skin, then you will burn quicker and will not tan before burning.”

#7

What Could Go Wrong If I Forget The Sunscreen?

What Could Go Wrong If I Forget The Sunscreen?

GENERALfreckles Report

#8

Trying To Even Out My Tan On My Lunch Break

Trying To Even Out My Tan On My Lunch Break

philfromchico Report

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#9

A Buddy Of Mine Seemed To Think Stick Sun Screen Was A Good Idea

A Buddy Of Mine Seemed To Think Stick Sun Screen Was A Good Idea

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NamiKoa
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But it's nice to see what a big difference sun screen makes. The parts he managed to cover arr perfectly fine.

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The majority of sunburns will result in mild pain, redness, and peeling of the skin. “This would be in keeping with a first-degree burn. This type of sunburn tends to resolve spontaneously and doesn’t require one to come into hospital or see the GP.”

However, if you develop blistering from the sun, it would mean that the deeper layers of the skin have been affected. “This is more akin to a second-degree burn. The skin can be swollen, very painful, and, of course, bright red,” the spokesperson at the British Skin Foundation said.

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#10

That's Why You Shouldn't Wear Jeans With Holes On Sunny Days

That's Why You Shouldn't Wear Jeans With Holes On Sunny Days

OwnLeeYu Report

#11

Tried Evening Out My Tan From The Other Day, Didn't Go So Well

Tried Evening Out My Tan From The Other Day, Didn't Go So Well

pooter7 Report

#12

Finish Painting Deck - Check, Give Yourself Sunburn Tramp Stamp - Check

Finish Painting Deck - Check, Give Yourself Sunburn Tramp Stamp - Check

jayeatsnachos Report

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MellonCollie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And, gentlemen, that's another reason why you ALWAYS have to pull up those pants!! ;-)

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Dr. Sheraz urges anyone who develops signs of fever, develops blisters, or feels lightheaded or confused to seek immediate medical attention.

“Severe sunburn can lead to significant dehydration and the resulting inflammation in the skin (which is the body’s healing response) can send one into shock, with a significant drop in blood pressure and even death in extreme situations.”

#13

Who Needs A Farmer's Tan When You Can Get A Cavs Finals Hat Burn

Who Needs A Farmer's Tan When You Can Get A Cavs Finals Hat Burn

MarkdFL Report

#14

Baseball Mom's Yoga Pants Worked Out Just Fine

Baseball Mom's Yoga Pants Worked Out Just Fine

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#15

Apparently My Adam's Apple Provided Just Enough Shade To Prevent A Small Portion Of My Neck From Getting Sunburned

Apparently My Adam's Apple Provided Just Enough Shade To Prevent A Small Portion Of My Neck From Getting Sunburned

dmoney51 Report

Among other features of sunburn, some people may feel itching which, Dr. Sheraz explained, “is thought to be associated with the release of a chemical called bradykinin from damaged skin.”

Even though it’s just a theory, the dermatologist said that “online sufferers have described their experiences as feeling ‘like fire ants are biting you under your skin,’ ‘wanting to rip your skin off,’ or ‘an uncontrollable itch that, when scratched, causes stabbing pain.’”

#17

The Difference Between Tanned And Untanned From My Leg To My Foot

The Difference Between Tanned And Untanned From My Leg To My Foot

airboy1999 Report

#18

Daughter's Sunburn Looks Like Patrick From Spongebob

Daughter's Sunburn Looks Like Patrick From Spongebob

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Minha Khan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is honestly adorable but when I was younger sunburn hurt so much. if this happens to your kid, I would recommend aloe vera.

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#19

My Friends' First Time In The Florida Sun. Apparently It Was Also Their First Time Using A Spray-On Sunscreen

My Friends' First Time In The Florida Sun. Apparently It Was Also Their First Time Using A Spray-On Sunscreen

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Johnny
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That looks more like a stick based sunscreen, spray on wouldn't leave lines that sharp

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#20

Bought Some New White Fingerless Gloves

Bought Some New White Fingerless Gloves

igwvideo Report

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#21

This Is Cade's Freshly Shaved Head After A Sunscreenless Few Hours Mowing A Field

This Is Cade's Freshly Shaved Head After A Sunscreenless Few Hours Mowing A Field

CadeHuckabay Report

#22

This Is What You Get For Wearing Those Awful Things

This Is What You Get For Wearing Those Awful Things

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#23

Long Kayaking Trip + Belly Rolls = Most Inconsistent Sunburn Ever

Long Kayaking Trip + Belly Rolls = Most Inconsistent Sunburn Ever

BustersHotHamWater Report

#24

What Happens When You're Super White And You Walked Around All Day In A Shirt With Cutout Squares. And This Was With Multiple Applications Of Sunscreen

What Happens When You're Super White And You Walked Around All Day In A Shirt With Cutout Squares. And This Was With Multiple Applications Of Sunscreen

In hindsight, I probably should have worn a different shirt

girlgonegreyyy Report

#25

When You Are From Arizona And Think 70 Degrees On The Beach In Cali Doesn't Require Sunscreen. I. Hurt

When You Are From Arizona And Think 70 Degrees On The Beach In Cali Doesn't Require Sunscreen. I. Hurt

slviiier Report

#26

When People Ask Me Why I Want To Sit In The Shade I Show Them These Photos

When People Ask Me Why I Want To Sit In The Shade I Show Them These Photos

lewpreme Report

#27

The Tan Of My Hand Compared To My Foot

The Tan Of My Hand Compared To My Foot

MadoneXI Report

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Peko
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd be more worried that my foot was blue rather than not tanned.

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#30

Stubborn Husband Said He Didn't Need My Help Putting Sunscreen On His Back

Stubborn Husband Said He Didn't Need My Help Putting Sunscreen On His Back

SugarHighBakedGoods Report

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Pseudo Puppy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ah yes, those moments of self-inflicted paid, due to ego / stupidity / stubbornness.... :o

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#31

Co-Worker Shaved His Head, Then Went Golfing, And Decided To Wear A Visor

Co-Worker Shaved His Head, Then Went Golfing, And Decided To Wear A Visor

rayfin Report

#32

This Tomato Man Looks Nearly Fake

This Tomato Man Looks Nearly Fake

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Zophra
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This "tomato man" looks more like a poster boy for future melanoma. :(

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#33

I Get This Tan Line Every Year. A Result From My Job Outside Wearing The Same Uniform Everyday. The Tan Line Lasts Through The Winter

I Get This Tan Line Every Year. A Result From My Job Outside Wearing The Same Uniform Everyday. The Tan Line Lasts Through The Winter

svanderw12 Report

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Daria Z
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, I get the same line from the shorts. I don't mind as it reminds me of summer :)

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#34

Met A Guy Last Summer That Fell Asleep In The Sun With His Phone On His Chest

Met A Guy Last Summer That Fell Asleep In The Sun With His Phone On His Chest

alpevado Report

#35

My Husband's First Time Wearing Sandals Since Starting His New Asphalt Job

My Husband's First Time Wearing Sandals Since Starting His New Asphalt Job

kitkat7890 Report

#36

My Friend Refused To Ask For Help With Putting Sunscreen On, This Is The Result

My Friend Refused To Ask For Help With Putting Sunscreen On, This Is The Result

LilJrChicken Report

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#38

My Cousin’s Legs After A Day In The Sun In Ripped Jeans

My Cousin’s Legs After A Day In The Sun In Ripped Jeans

BigOrangeScrewed98 Report

#39

This Is What Happens When You Go On A Bike Ride When It’s 100 Degrees Outside Without The Proper Sunscreen

This Is What Happens When You Go On A Bike Ride When It’s 100 Degrees Outside Without The Proper Sunscreen

a2susan Report

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Malakai
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Temperature has nothing to do with sun exposure. Why do people keep equating heat with bad sunburns? You didn't get a bad sunburn from the heat--you got a bad sunburn from being an idiot that didn't apply sunscreen!

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#40

I Spent A Little Too Much Time Outside While Wearing 3/4 Pants

I Spent A Little Too Much Time Outside While Wearing 3/4 Pants

CuriousityChrissy Report

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3ke
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I keep looking at her toes to see if she's wearing blue pantyhose but it's just the lighting.

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#41

"Just Spray It Quickly Dude, I Don't Need You To Rub It In"

"Just Spray It Quickly Dude, I Don't Need You To Rub It In"

Dfro123 Report

#42

My Cousin Got A Sunburn

My Cousin Got A Sunburn

LetsFytingLove Report

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Helen Haley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is that a swing? And puppies? Did this dude grow up and make enough money to live in the house we all dreamed of as kids? Or are his parents just super cool?

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#43

Guess I Have A Sunburn Tattoo To Explain At Work Tomorrow And You Know What? Totally Worth It, Had So Much Fun My First Time Doing The Cosplay Parade

Guess I Have A Sunburn Tattoo To Explain At Work Tomorrow And You Know What? Totally Worth It, Had So Much Fun My First Time Doing The Cosplay Parade

zankantou00 Report

#44

Best Hat Sunburn Line

Best Hat Sunburn Line

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#45

A Green Tea Bath Was The Only Option After Being Brutally Sunburned In Australia, Then Having To Sit For 19 Hours On An Airplane Coming Back To The States

A Green Tea Bath Was The Only Option After Being Brutally Sunburned In Australia, Then Having To Sit For 19 Hours On An Airplane Coming Back To The States

Splizzy29 Report

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Pseudo Puppy
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aussie tip: (aside from sunscreen).... soak in a cold bath, and lots of aloe vera moisturiser. Most Aussie kids learn this the hard way - and typically only do it once. I feel you pain!!

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#46

Covid Tan

Covid Tan

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#48

Peace. Love. And Sunburns

Peace. Love. And Sunburns

imgur.com Report

#49

And There It Is... 3 Days In Full Sun, Clearly Not Enough Sun Protection, And A Big Forehead

And There It Is... 3 Days In Full Sun, Clearly Not Enough Sun Protection, And A Big Forehead

beadaddybear Report

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Mama Panda
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My hubby would think that his forehead would be a perfect Klingon forehead lol

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#50

Eah. Nice And Sunny Day! That’s How You Look After A 4h 35 Min. Run In The Sun

Eah. Nice And Sunny Day! That’s How You Look After A 4h 35 Min. Run In The Sun

runwiththeflow Report

#51

I Got Band-Aid Tan Lines

I Got Band-Aid Tan Lines

_Lily_Bear_23 Report

#52

I Realized I Need To Lose Some Weight When I Sat Out In The Sun And My Manboobs Gave Me A "Bra" On My Sunburned Torso

I Realized I Need To Lose Some Weight When I Sat Out In The Sun And My Manboobs Gave Me A "Bra" On My Sunburned Torso

DorianOtten Report

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#53

To All Bathing Suit Shoppers - Always Keep Tan (& Burn) Lines In Mind

To All Bathing Suit Shoppers - Always Keep Tan (& Burn) Lines In Mind

clairee_elysee Report

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#54

My First Bathroom Selfie. Because I May Be A Little Sunburn

My First Bathroom Selfie. Because I May Be A Little Sunburn

the_sethlewis Report

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Malakai
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you are more than slightly red from a sunburn, you should probably see a doctor. Sunburns this severe can lead to lasting skin cell damage if not treated properly. Believe it or not, sunburns are classified just like regular burns: 1st degree, mild redness and pain, but little to no other symptoms; 2nd degree, possible blisters and swelling, moderate redness and moderate to intense pain, really should see a doctor; 3rd degree, skin is very dark red or possibly brown, intense pain or possible numbness, possible peeling and/or blistering, SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE THIS CAN PERMANENTLY DAMAGE YOUR SKIN. You can actually need skin grafts for a severe enough sunburn!

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#58

Played Soccer. Forgot Sunscreen

Played Soccer. Forgot Sunscreen

Winner_92 Report

#59

Boys Need To Learn How To Do Spray Sunscreen

Boys Need To Learn How To Do Spray Sunscreen

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#61

Well The Sunscreen Worked

Well The Sunscreen Worked

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Joe Dunn
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

getting in a hot tub with that sunburn? Braver than I, my friend. That's gonna hurt.

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#62

That's Fixable, Right?

That's Fixable, Right?

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#63

Top Tip - Don't Roll Your Ripped Jeans Up And Then Sit In The Sun For Two Hours Like My Sister Did

Top Tip - Don't Roll Your Ripped Jeans Up And Then Sit In The Sun For Two Hours Like My Sister Did

jesskhan8 Report

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#64

Dad Texted Me And Said "Getting This Tan Was Quite A Feat." Ugh

Dad Texted Me And Said "Getting This Tan Was Quite A Feat." Ugh

sloanesteel Report

#65

Did Someone Say Bad Sunburn?

Did Someone Say Bad Sunburn?

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#66

Went To The Beach And Put Extra Sunscreen On My Tattoos To Be Safe. Guess I Forgot To Keep The Rest Of That Area Safe As Well

Went To The Beach And Put Extra Sunscreen On My Tattoos To Be Safe. Guess I Forgot To Keep The Rest Of That Area Safe As Well

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#67

Me, Looking Like A Cooked Shrimp After Sitting Cross-Legged In The Sun For About An Hour

Me, Looking Like A Cooked Shrimp After Sitting Cross-Legged In The Sun For About An Hour

Kelmeno Report

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#68

I Got Drunk And Forgot To Put Sunscreen On My Feet

I Got Drunk And Forgot To Put Sunscreen On My Feet

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#69

"What Was The Biggest Mistake You Made In The Alps, Tim?" Suncream, Sunglasses, Spare Sunglasses

"What Was The Biggest Mistake You Made In The Alps, Tim?" Suncream, Sunglasses, Spare Sunglasses

tdobsonnet Report

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Mme de Poppadom
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

FYI: I think you need a special kind of alpine sunblock, otherwise some of the ingredients of a typical lotion can really hurt you in windy + cold environments, which are unlike conditions on a beach, for example. But, of course, this thread wouldn't exist if people followed directions on labels or common sense advice, so do carry on.

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#70

Forgot To Rub In My Sunscreen Today

Forgot To Rub In My Sunscreen Today

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#71

This Crazy Tan

This Crazy Tan

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#72

Wore A Bandana Outside All Day After Buzzing My Head And Forgetting That Sunscreen Existed. Got This Sweet Tan Line

Wore A Bandana Outside All Day After Buzzing My Head And Forgetting That Sunscreen Existed. Got This Sweet Tan Line

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#73

Noooooo! I’ve Made A Terrible Mistake

Noooooo! I’ve Made A Terrible Mistake

vanessaholly Report

#75

A Reminder To Wear Sunscreen On Your Face, All Day, Every Day

A Reminder To Wear Sunscreen On Your Face, All Day, Every Day

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#76

Well... It's Sunburn Season

Well... It's Sunburn Season

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#77

I Got A Reallllllll Bad Sunburn. The Shirt I Was Wearing Had These Designs In The Sleeves So Now I Have Cool Designs On My Arms

I Got A Reallllllll Bad Sunburn. The Shirt I Was Wearing Had These Designs In The Sleeves So Now I Have Cool Designs On My Arms

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#78

My Husband Got A Little Burnt. The Sun Missed A Couple Spots

My Husband Got A Little Burnt. The Sun Missed A Couple Spots

wlynn72 Report

#79

My Sister's Sunburn After A Day Of Outdoor Tournaments

My Sister's Sunburn After A Day Of Outdoor Tournaments

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