Temperatures are set to hit highs of 20 degrees this Bank Holiday weekend, but instead of trying for that perfect tan, the UK's leading cancer charity says people should be embracing their natural skin colour in order to minimise risks of skin cancer.  

Cancer Research UK is launching a new campaign to encourage young people to rethink their views that a suntan is healthy and beautiful, instead, the charity want people to guard their skin from the effects of the sun's UV rays.

According to Cancer Research, a beautiful sun tan is not a sign of health, and those seeking the perfect tan now are neglecting their long-term health and wellbeing. The organisation says that those who expose their skin to strong sun are more likely to experience coarse, leathery and wrinkled skin from a younger age, as well as increasing their risk of developing skin cancer.

Alison Birkett, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the South West, said: “Whatever your age, it’s vital to take good care of your skin in the sun.

“We are launching this campaign to encourage young people, in particular, to own their natural skin tone rather than risk their health to get a suntan.

“Skin cancer can affect anyone at any age so we are urging people to take steps to protect themselves when out in the sun. The best way to do this is use a combination of shade, clothing and at least factor 15 sunscreen."

The charity says the majority of cases of malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, could be easily prevented by enjoying the sun safely and preventing sunburn. 

The top tips for avoiding sunburn include:

* Spend time in the shade

* Cover up with a t-shirt or a hat

* Use at least a factor 15 sunscreen with four or more stars

* Bring a bottle of suncream everywhere you go and regularly reapply throughout the day

If you notice your skin becoming pink or red, putting more suncream on wont help the situation, you should come out of the sun or cover up to prevent further damage. 

Sarah Williams, Health Information Manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “We want everyone to enjoy the good weather this summer while taking care not to redden or burn.

“Far from being a sign of health, a suntan is the skin’s way of trying to protect itself. Burning is painful and unsightly but it’s also a clear sign that the DNA in skin cells has been damaged. 

“It’s easier than you might think to get sunburnt in the UK, even when you’re not actually sunbathing."