Let's face it, we all like to go brown when on holiday, and to come back home showing off our tans. But the process of getting a tan can ruin your holiday, or even risk your life.

Ultra-violet rays from the sun are what cause the tanning. Your body recognises the rays for what they are: potentially harmful radiation - and it's defence system is to turn pale skin darker so that the harmful rays cannot penetrate into you. But, your skin needs time to produce the pigment that protects you and, until you have a decent tan, the rays get through and can cause damage. Tanning too fast will cause painful burning, even blisters to form.

Some folk are simply not equipped to produce the pigment in sufficient quantities no matter how long they acclimatise to the conditions. If you are one that tends to burn, if you are fair-skinned, or generally needing advice, a trip to see your doctor would be advisable. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the best way of getting a tan and/or protecting yourself from harmful burning.

You are likely to be advised to use a sun-screen cream with an appropriate Sun-protection Factor appropriate to your own skin type. Remember that the best form of defence to health problems from the sun's rays is to avoid a tan altogether. Fake tans can give you the best of both worlds.

If you do opt to go for a tan, it helps to be better informed about the risks and remedies and we give below links to sources of information that will help you to get a better understanding of what is, and could be, happening to your skin under the holiday sun.

BUPA Skin Care Guide - excellent detailed explanation of ultra-violet rays, skin-care needs, things to look out for on your skin, whether vitamins will help, sunbeds, and more.

NHS Direct Sunburn Advice - encyclopaedia style information on sunburn, symptoms, treatment, complications and prevention.

Met Office - site showing forecasted UV index ratings for UK & Europe.