... AND HOW TO AVOID SUNBURN.

AS well as slapping on the sun cream, there is plenty you can do this summer to avoid the lobster look - and, more importantly, prevent skin cancer.

Sunburn means ultra-violet radiation from the sun has damaged genetic material in your skin cells, which can double the risk of melanoma, the most serious skin cancer. To best protect yourself keep out of the sun when it's most intense between 11am and 3pm.

If there's no shade, cover up with clothes. Wear at least a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses. Degree of protection depends on material - the closer the weave, the better. Close cotton weave, as in T-shirts, is best. Use a hat with a brim that protects both face and neck, and wrap around sunglasses.

Use at least factor 15 cream, and re-apply at least every two hours, more often if rubbed, washed or sweated off. Check use-by-dates - most creams last two or three years.