Last summer, I went to a big water park with a bunch of friends, from 11am to 8pm, and it was a nice, sunny day. But unfortunatly, I was stupid enough to refuse Sun Block, when my friends offered it to me. I don`t know why, but I got what I deserved. I ended up with 2nd degree sunburn, which is NOT FUN. I was in so much pain for about 1 to a month and a half, with blisters all over my back. Anyway, I`ll get into my question. I told my uncle about it, and said that I`ve almost forgotten what the pain was like, but he said to me "oh, but your body will remember". I said "what do you mean?", and he told me that I had greatly increased my risk of getting skin cancer. So now I`m scared. Exactly how much more can I take before getting cancer? Is this question even answerable? I want to know if my back can still take a little sun, possible into a tan. I know that tanning isn`t good for your skin, and it will lead you into wrinkles and whatnot, but I`m talking about tans from just a regular day at the ocean or something. I`m always going to be putting on sun block when I go swimming or something, but I just want to know exactly how careful I should be. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

personally, i think getting a tan should not at all be on your list of things to do. be glad you will recover from this, but of course, your uncle is right. don´t do it again. always use unblock. who cares about having a tan? nobody is going to like you less without one.

you are at a higher risk for skin cancer if you have burnt your skin...the results are deep in the dermis waiting for time to pass and reveal itself...about the age of 30 it starts makes it way up. Stay out of the sun! Try a fake tan...some spas are offering this application now...it is safe and the colors are great now ...no more orange skin...

Studies have found that regular exposure to enough sun to give you a tan only slightly increases your chances of getting skin cancer. Less frequent exposure to enough sun to get a burn more drastically effects your chances of getting skin cancer. Other studies have shown a positive link between sun exposure and the health of your heart.
Basically, what this comes down to is what your other risk factors are. If you have a family history of skin cancer, avoid even gettign a tan. If you have a family history of heart disease, a bit of sun would be good for you, but you still shouldn't overdo it... a burn isn't good for anyone (and notice i said 'a bit of a tan' ... there's no need to make yourself bronze either).

Medically, after a serious burn (been there done that) you have a huge increase in the risk for Skin CA. It is NOT worth the risk to have darker skin by tanning. Another poster said try a fake tan, that is the route I too would have to go if I want one.