Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. Sunburn does not just happen on holiday. You can burn in the UK, even when it's cloudy.

There's no safe or healthy way to get a tan. A tan does not protect your skin from the sun's harmful effects.

Aim to strike a balance between protecting yourself from the sun and getting enough vitamin D from sunlight.

Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest. In the UK, this is between 11am and 3pm from March to October.

Make sure you:

• spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm
• make sure you never burn
• cover up with suitable clothing, a hat and sunglasses
• take extra care with children
• use at least factor 30 sunscreen and apply frequently during the day and after swimming
  • use once-a-day factor 30 sunscreen if you can't apply throughout the day

You should take extra care in the sun if you:

• have pale, white or light brown skin
• have freckles or red or fair hair
• tend to burn rather than tan
• have many moles
• have skin problems relating to a medical condition
• are only exposed to intense sun occasionally (for example, while on holiday)
• are in a hot country where the sun is particularly intense
• have a family history of skin cancer

People who spend a lot of time in the sun, whether it's for work or play, are at increased risk of skin cancer if they do not take the right precautions.

People with naturally brown or black skin are less likely to get skin cancer, as darker skin has some protection against UV rays. But skin cancer can still occur.

Talk to your GP if a new mole, growth or lump appears or if any moles, freckles or patches of skin change size, shape or colour. Report these as soon as possible. Skin cancer is much easier to treat if found early.

• British skin foundation
• Find out about the sun and vitamin D
• Read about the sun, UV and cancer
• Find out if sunbeds are safe

Resources for people with babies and young children 

• HANDi Paediatric app gives up-to-date advice about common childhood illnesses and how to treat them