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.

1. 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.

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.

2. 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.
3. 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.

4. Learn to love your skin
So many women see pale skin as unattractive and this is a real misconception. Think of Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman. They are all women who embrace their natural skin tone and are very beautiful.

5. Recreate the 'English Rose' look
I think pale skin is beautiful and I even designed a whole collection around it called Engliah Rose. To creat the look yourself use concealer or foundation which matches your skin tone to cover any under eye circles or blemishes you may have. Use a touch of soft pink or rose blush on cheeks and a similar colour on the lips. Eyes are defined with a touch of mascara.

6. Fake the sunkissed look
Some people might feel more attractive with a slight tan, particularly in the summer months. There are so many ways to achieve this without damaging your skin. Opt for moisturisers with gradual tanning agents built in which give a subtle colour or, for a quick fix, opt for a tinted body moisturiser. I like ones with a subtle shimmer.

Bronzers are another way to fake the sunkissed look. Just a small amount applied to the face and decolletage can give you that just-been-on-holiday look in seconds. Use a powder bronzer on the areas which would naturally be caught by the sun; forehead, bridge of the nose, and a touch on the cheekbones.

Brush over your collar bones and lightly dust your decolletage and the sides of your neck. Match your colour carefully and opt about two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Fake tans and bronzers do not always contain SPF so make sure you check this, use sunscreen and put on a hat.