There is no denying that some of us just look better with a bit of colour in our cheeks. A tan is sometimes worn as a label-free fashion accessory – this season’s must-have. But, if you’re thinking of whipping off your clothes and nipping out into the back yard in an attempt to impress, maybe you should think again. There’s nothing fashionable about skin cancer and these days, you can get a great, no risk tan out of a bottle. So what’s the skinny on the sun and your skin?

Here’s some interesting facts for you:

We Need Sunshine
The body requires about 20 minutes of sun exposure everyday in order to manufacture enough Vitamin D for the body. A lack of Vitamin D can actually lead to some diseases like lung, breast and prostate cancer later in life.

Not Too Much Sun!
Well Duh! Although it is definitely true that we need about 20 minutes of sunlight a day you don’t need to be sitting in direct sunlight in order to get your fill. The sun also contains harmful UV rays that can also reach us on a cloudy day and through our clothes, so it doesn’t have to be a sunny day to be exposed to harmful UV rays. Too much exposure to UV rays can cause skin cancer and vision problems.

Sunscreen & Sun block
What’s the difference you say?
Both sunscreen and sun block protect you from harmful UV rays. Sunscreen is an invisible cream, lotion or gel that absorbs ultraviolet radiation. Sun block, like the name suggests, blocks ultraviolet radiation. It's a thick cream containing zinc oxide, which is gloopier than sunscreen and can often be seen on people’s noses at the beach. However, sun block is now available in a clear lotion as well, which doesn’t make you look so much like a pirate. Both sunscreen and sun block are labeled with an SPF, which stands for Sun Protection Factor. It ranges from 1 to 60, the higher the number, the better the protection.

Know Your Skin Type
Based on the colour of your skin you should put on a sunscreen or sun block with an SPF factor that protects you sufficiently. As a general rule, Dermatologists recommend an SPF of 15 at least, but the level of protection you need will depend on how much time you spend outdoors and your skin type. The minimum SPF recommended for even short periods of exposure are as follows: Very pale skin: SPF 50+. Fair skin: SPF 30. Slightly dark skin: SPF 15-20. Dark skin: SPF 8-15. Black skin: SPF 8

Spots Not To Miss
Ok so you’ve lathered your face, legs and back but what have you missed? Areas that get more than their fair share of sun include the ears, behind the knees and the tops of the feet. Skin cancer also affects areas like the hairline, scalp and lips so put some sunscreen into your roots and apply a lip balm with at least SPF 15 on your lips. And you should wear sunglasses that block all UVA and UVB rays, exposing your retinas to too much sun can cause vision loss.

But I Want A Tan!
Of course, if you are only going out into the sun to get a suntan then you should consider one of the self- tanning creams or treatments that are available these days – a gay’s new best friend! Once you’ve learned how to use them properly (the streaky look has never been in fashion), you can have a really good tan without any risk of skin cancer.

Sun beds are not really recommended as they don’t really give you the sunlight that you need and there is a higher risk of burning, putting you at much greater risk of skin cancer later on.

Some Tips...

• Suffering sunburn before the age of 21 greatly increases the risk of skin cancer later in life. You can still make sure you get a healthy amount of sunshine without putting yourself at risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer can be fatal. Protect yourself. (And besides nobody wants to have alligator skin!)
• The sun's rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm, when you should try hanging in the shade instead of out in the direct sunlight.
• Learn the Shadow Rule - if your shadow is shorter than you are, then the sun is high in the sky and UV rays are intense.
• Sun damage doesn’t disappear – it actually adds up over the extent of your life.