Beauty and the sun

International make-up artist Jemma Kidd has teamed up with Cancer Research UK to provide SunSmart beauty tips

Over-exposure from the sun and sunbeds is the main cause of skin cancer, but it also ages your skin and can create blotchy pigmentation. Follow Jemma's tips to keep yourself safe and looking gorgeous.

Protect your skin from the sun by wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF of at least 15. Another good habit to get into is using a moisturiser with SPF - you can even make your own by mixing an SPF in with your usual moisturiser.

Wearing sunscreen is not an excuse to spend hours in the sun though. Always try to cover up, wear a hat and spend some time in the shade as well as this will help to protect your skin.

Avoid sunbeds at all costs
The highly powered rays they give out are seriously damaging to the skin and, as well as the effects mentioned above, can often make skin dry and irritable. Using a sunbed just once a month can increase your risk of melanoma skin cancer by more than 50 per cent.

Get regular exercise
Exercise increases circulation which in turn increases the amount of oxygen and nutrients which flow to the skin, giving a natural healthy glow.

Avoid sunburn to keep your skin young and healthy
The main cause of premature ageing of the skin is sun damage. This can cause fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, thread veins and pigmentation. Over exposure to the sun can also cause damage to the collagen and elastin fibres in the skin causing skin to lose its plumpness and begin to sag. The biggest risk though, is skin cancer.