Utah, it’s time to celebrate! While the world may be focused on Olympic medals, we've quietly been claiming our own unique victory. That's right, Utah we should be proud because we are #1 in the nation for this summer activity.

Sunburnt Lady
Canva
loading...

Utah holds the record for (cue the Olympic theme) ...sunburns.

So, hold up your reddened arm and do a very careful fist pump.

Swimming Pool
Photo by Daniel Schludi on Unsplash
loading...

How did we do it, Utah? What is our secret? Is it our competitive spirit? The way we throw ourselves into every outdoor adventure, brimming with confidence and a dash of recklessness? Perhaps the sun just loves us more than other states.

Cowboy
Photo by Taylor Brandon on Unsplash
loading...

In any case gently walk up to the podium like a cowboy that has just finished a full day ride and get your gold medal, Utah. Maybe just hold it rather than have the medal put on that pulsating neck.

Interestingly, the states that use sunscreen the most are Alaska and Hawaii. It's a bit strange since they are so vastly different weather-wise.

What can we learn from this record?

Sun Heart Hands
Canva
loading...

Well, for starters, we might think we are more immune to the sun's rays than we actually are. Or maybe we just enjoy a good burn, the kind that tells the world we've been outside soaking up all that Vitamin D. Perhaps we simply like to play outside more than others.

Read More: Heat Stroke, No Joke

So, as the Olympics inspire us with tales of athletic prowess and national pride, let’s also take a moment to appreciate our own unique accolade. Utah, the sunburn capital of the nation, where every red arm is a testament to our adventurous spirit and our love for the great outdoors.

Now, will you please pass the aloe vera?

6 Unique Remedies for Treating Sunburn

Chances are you have a bottle of aloe vera gel somewhere in your house that you've likely had for years ready to be applied when you've spent a little too much time out in the sun and your skin feels (and looks) like the surface of the sun. Maybe it's in a medicine cabinet or a bathroom closet. Maybe you keep it in the door of the refrigerator so it's good and cold to help ease the pain of sunburn a little quicker. While it's a great and highly recommended way to care for your skin after a sunburn, there are other options in your house that can also do the trick.

Gallery Credit: Ryan O'Bryan

More From Star 98