Shunburn

What skin type are you?

People come in all shapes, sizes and skin tones. Staying safe in the sun and reducing your risk of skin cancer depends on knowing exactly what protection’s right for you. Everyone should follow our five steps to sun safety but here you can compare your complexion to some of your favourite stars to find out what sun safety advice is right for you…

Type 1:

You have blonde or red hair and pale skin. You probably have freckles, blue or green eyes and tend to burn easily. Just like: Girls Aloud’s Nicola Roberts, Lily Cole, Scarlet Johansson Sun safety: You may as well face it, you’re not going to go bronze. But who cares, when being pale and interesting is so damn gorgeous? You’re at high risk of sun damage, even in the UK, so cover up, seek out shade and use sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

Type 2:

You’re fair-haired with blue or brown eyes, tend to burn quite quickly and only sometimes tan. Just like: Kirsten Dunst, Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively, Sarah Harding, Fearne Cotton Sun safety: Which would you rather be: a looker or a lobster? You’re at high risk of burning so to avoid the latter never let your SPF dip below 30, cover up where you can and stay cool, calm and collected in the shade.

Type 3:

You have brown or dark blonde hair and brown or green eyes and tan relatively easily. Just like: Zac Efron, Chase Crawford, Jake Gyllenhaal, Alexa Chung, Holly Willoughby. Sun Safety: Although you can tan, don’t be fooled into thinking you don’t need protection. Always wear suncream with at least SPF 15, and avoid the sun when it’s at its hottest between 11 am and 3 pm. Keep an eye on sensitive areas such as your neck and chest, and cover up with a T-shirt if they start to get red. Just think of it as an excuse to showcase your fashion sense…

Type 4:

You have dark brown hair and eyes, and tan easily. Just like: Eva Longoria Parker, Penelope Cruz, Salma Hayek, Colin Farell, Hugh Jackman Sun Safety: Lucky you – you’re blessed with darker skin that tans well. But you still need to stay safe in the sun by wearing suncream with SPF 15 or higher at all times.

Type 5:

You’re naturally dark-skinned, but your tendency to burn can vary. Just like: Leona Lewis, Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Shilpa Shetty, Aishwarya Rai Sun Safety: Be cautious in the sun, as you can burn too – even though it may feel like you’re safe when you stand near your pale-skinned friends. They’re gazing at you jealously, but to keep your cool wear SPF 15 and reapply regularly, even if you don’t seem to be going red.

Type 6:

You have black skin which very rarely burns. Just like: Beyonce, JayZ, Tinchy Stryder, Estelle Sun Safety: Black skin rarely burns, but it’s still important to take care in the sun to avoid inflicting damage. So cream up, seek out shade when the sun feels scorching, and protect your head with a hat.

Your skin type stays the same throughout your life – but if you don’t look after it your skin won’t. And believe us, the wrinkly prune look is never going to be in. So whatever type you are, it’s vital you get to know our sun safety steps.