Which SPF do I need?
"Whatever your skin colour, use sun lotion with at least SPF15 and four stars. Most people apply protection too thinly, so at least 30 minutes before you go out, put on a layer that you can actually see, and reapply after sweating, swimming or washing."
Catherine Harwood,
consultant dermatologist, Cancer Research UK

What do SPF and the stars on suncare bottles mean?
"SPF measures UVB protection, and stars UVA protection. The star system isn't perfect; it is based on a ratio of UVB to UVA protection, so a five-star SPF4 gives hardly any UVA protection. And the problem with the SPF system is that it's based on time taken to burn, but sunlight that's not strong enough to burn will still damage DNA, which is what causes ageing and cancer."
Dr Mark Birch-Machin,
reader in dermatology, University of Newcastle

How do you know you're getting the SPF that's listed on the bottle?
"You can't be sure. A recent Which? report showed that there is a huge variation in what's in suncare bottles. So, to be sure that you're properly protected, use a higher factor - ie, if you'd have gone for an SPF15, say, use SPF20 or even SPF25."
Dr Mark Birch-Machin

Which are better, physical or chemical sunscreens?
"Chemical sunscreens absorb the energy in sunlight, soaking up the damage before it gets through the skin. Physical or mineral sunscreens are blockers, which means they bounce back sunlight. Personally, I use a combination."
Dr Mark Birch-Machin

Can I get away with using cheap sun lotions?
"There may be no difference in protection between cheap and expensive sun lotions, so you could be paying merely for the name."
Dr Mark Birch-Machin

Can kids go in the sun at all?
"Of course. Children can have fun in the sun if they're covered up. They should wear SPF-protective swimsuits, baggy cotton clothes, wraparound sunglasses and hats with brims. Use high-factor sprays on exposed bits, and change wet clothes, which lose their SPF protection. Babies under one should be kept in total shade." (Visit cancerresearchuk.org/sunsmart for more information.)
Catherine Harwood

How bad for me are sunbeds?
"As bad as sunbathing. Both emit UV rays, which increase the risk of skin cancer. Out of 1,700 deaths from melanoma - the most serious skin cancer - each year, around 100 are attributable to sunbeds."
Professor Brian Diffey,
clinical director, regional medical physics department, Newcastle general hospital

Is fake tan safe?
"The main ingredient in fake tan is DHA, or dihydroxyacetone. It's listed as a cosmetic ingredient under EU legislation, so is likely to be safe with normal dose and usage. It is an older chemical, and if it were truly toxic, this would have been picked up."
Adam Woolley,
toxicologist and fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists