The tan commandments

Whether you're jetting off to pure shores or staying at home to catch that elusive British summer, stay safe in the sun.

The sun gives off two types of ultra violet (UV) rays - known as UVA and UVB. Simply put, UVA rays cause your skin to age, wrinkle and sag, and UVB rays burn the skin. UVB is considered more dangerous and likely to cause skin cancer, although some scientists believe that UVA rays could also be cancer-causing.

Timing is everything

The sun is strongest at the middle of the day, so if you must sunbathe, avoid doing so between 11am and 3pm. If you are out in the sun all day, try to cover up with a wide-brimmed hat, specs and a long-sleeved top and trousers, or find some shade.

If you have children it is particularly important that you follow these rules, as sunburn during childhood can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer. Make sure tots have hats on and a sun cream no less than 30SPF. Kids will be kids so ensure that you re-apply every few hours especially if they've just been swimming, playing with water guns or working up a sweat with any physical activity.

Products with a sun protection factor (SPF) are designed to screen or block the powerful rays. Look for a cream with SPF15 or higher that also protects against both UVB and UVA (sometimes labelled "broad spectrum"). Rub in lightly and use plenty of it - even when it seems cloudy (the sun's rays can still sneak through).