This weekend was a scorcher for many across the UK, but some Brits were ill-prepared for the hot weather and forgot to lather on the sun-screen.
Saturday was the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures hitting a scorching 34C in London.
And some Brits failed to take proper precautions, soaking up the sun without protecting their skin from the potentially damaging rays.
Dozens took to social media to share photos of their epic tanning fails, from charred ankles and awkward strap marks, having been out in the hot sun without applying enough protective lotion.
But while these images are amusing to look at, the consequences of sunburn can be very serious.
This poor lass moaned she was left looking like a ‘lobster lady’ after catching the sun while playing golf – despite lathering on the factor 50

Ouch! This mum was left with painful-looking tanlines after taking part in a Race for Life without wearing sun lotion
Current research suggests that while many people who are severely sunburned as children never develop skin cancer, one blistering sunburn in childhood increases the risk of melanoma later on in life by 50 per cent.
Another study claims that white women who get five or more severe sunburns in their teens have double the risk of developing melanoma.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and the numbers of new cases diagnosed each year are increasing.
Most non melanoma skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun. This may be long term exposure or short periods of intense sun exposure and burning.
While these images look amusing now, Dr Daniel Glass, The Dermatology Clinic London’s leading dermatologist, told FEMAIL: ‘The the effects of UVA rays are felt more substantially in the long term.
‘Many individuals fail to understand just how impactful just one sunburn can be when it comes to your risk of developing skin cancer.

#BringonWinter! This Twitter user suffered burnt ankles after cheering on her kids at a sports day and football tournament

Instagram user Heather Poppy learnt why you should never fall asleep in the sun the hard way

Singer songwriter Luke Sinclair shared this snap of his burnt legs on Instagram, admitting: ‘Either I caught some serious rays yesterday or got the ever livin’ hell slapped outta my calves’
‘These long wave rays penetrate deeper into the skin and repeated exposure can cause premature ageing due to a gradual loss of elasticity in the skin.
‘Individuals with lighter skin and children should take extra care and keep themselves well protected from repeated episodes of sun exposure (i.e. burning each summer on your annual holiday), as it is considered a high risk factor for developing serious skin conditions such as, melanoma.
‘Getting sunburnt doesn’t mean you will definitely develop skin cancer, but sunburn can cause DNA damage in the skin, which in turn can be linked with the development of premalignant lesions (actinic keratoses) and skin cancers, such as Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma.’
He added: ‘Actively trying to get a sun tan is not advisable. During the summer months or whilst on holiday in sunnier climes, avoid sitting out in the middle of the day.
‘If you are going to be in the sun, it is important to protect your skin with shade, clothing and a sun cream which protects you from UVB and UVA rays.
‘Both UVA and UVB can alter your skin and over time can be associated with coarser wrinkling, a leathery appearance and sagging of the skin.
‘In the UK many sunscreen products sold have a star rating for UVA protection, with five-star protection being the highest. It is always best to apply your chosen, broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 before you go outside and reapply every 2 or 3 hours throughout the day.’
Child’s Farm paediatric dermatologist Dr Jennifer Crawley said: ‘We shouldn’t take unnecessary risks with our skin and the skin of our children.

We’ve all been guilt of not applying enough sun cream – even this lady who is a qualified nurse

Twitter user @appyplays said his chest felt like it was on fire after catching too much sun over the weekend

When it comes to awkward tan lines, this one will take some explaining when the bandage comes off

The sun was clearly shining in Wales, as Twitter user Dayle Lumsden was left too sunburnt to sleep

Twitter user Rebecca admitted she’d rather be inside after suffering this painful sunburn fail

Instagram user Jo revealed she was ‘so uncomfortable’ having been burnt in the British sun over the weekend
‘Getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple the risk of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.
‘That’s why it’s so important to be applying sun cream all year round, not just when it’s hot.
‘The sun might not always be fierce, but UVA and UVB rays can still be damaging on cooler days.’

One man, from Congleton in Cheshire, said he’d suffered this sunburn after just ten minutes outside in the sun

Meanwhile one man, from Liverpool, showed off a painful looking burn on his arm after a weekend in the sun

Josie, from Essex, said she wasn’t sure how she’d managed her patchy burn, but called it ‘quite painful’

Another Instagram user, Emma, showed off her tanlines online, saying she may have caught the sun ‘a little’

Fair-skinned Julie Platt was left with a rather pink forearm after the factor 30 failed her

Student Emily likened her sunburn to a Squishie sweet and advised kids to ‘lather up’ while outside

‘Always wear sunscreen kids!’ Instagram user Jo shared this snap of her burnt face online earlier today