Sun damage is fast becoming the number one skin worry among young women, but according to research, one in three of us still don’t bother wearing any SPF – even in the desert.

KIM KARDASHIAN’s recent holiday sun shocker highlighted the ugly effects of too much baking on the beach without the Factor 50. The red and painful socialite confessed that having major sunburn was “the biggest wake up call for me.” And so it should, Kim!

But you can enjoy the sun without doing a Kardashian. Porcelain-skinned DITA VON TEESE follows a vitamin-packed diet to help combat harmful UV damage, while SCARLETT JOHANSSON slathers on sunscreen every day. Even LINDSAY LOHAN has wised up to the long-term dangers associated with sun exposure and, despite not being the best at applying a faux tan, has launched a self- tanning range as an alternative to spending hours frying on the sun lounger.

Ray of hope
Sunshine is essential for the human body to function properly. In small doses, it helps boost blood circulation and Vitamin D production. But too much sun exposure can cause pigmentation, premature wrinkles and skin cancer.

The good news is, a few tweaks to your diet may help to reverse the damage already done. Upping the amount of selenium-rich foods such as those found in Brazil nuts and tuna helps the skin stay supple. Omega 3 fats found in olive oil and fish is said to help reduce the risk of skin cancer, whilst munching on Vitamin E-rich foods such as nuts, seeds and leafy green veg can help protect skin from harmful UV rays.

Stay safe in the sun

1 An effective sunscreen can protect your skin from up to 97 per cent of damaging UV rays. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection – no less than SPF 30.

2 Apply a thick layer of sun lotion all over, 30 minutes before you go out to get the maximum SPF protection.

3 The effect of sunscreen reduces after one to two hours in the sun – so make sure that you apply every hour and always reapply after a dip in the pool or sea.

4 Sweating also dissipates sunscreen, so make sure you reapply the lotion frequently. Look for products containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

5 Perfumes and creams can cause hypersensitivity to the sun’s rays, so avoid wearing any products other than sunscreen when exposed to the sun.