Half of Britons think their skin is darker than it actually is, according to new research by the British Association of Dermatologists.

This could lead to people putting themselves at risk of contracting skin cancer.

These statistics have been released in preparation for the start of Sun Awareness Week on Monday May 6th.

A new mole and sun advice roadshow called ‘Be Sun Aware’, which is supported by sun protection and skincare brand La Roche-Posay, is also set to launch.

The 1,350 people who attended last year’s event were asked a series of questions about skin cancer and sun safety.

Only 50 per cent of them correctly identified their own skin colour, which was then assessed by a dermatologist, with 48 per cent thinking their skin was darker.

The survey also found more people are actively trying to get tanned skin, despite public health warnings about the danger of sunbathing.

Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they find tanned skin more attractive than paler skin, compared to 56 per cent of people responding to a similar survey five years ago.

Younger people appear to be less aware of the dangers of the sun, despite increased education in recent decades.

A third of respondents in their twenties said they thought a tan is a sign of good health, compared with 21 per cent across all age groups.

A high number of men (65 per cent) incorrectly believed a base tan will protect against sunburn and skin damage, compared to just 22 per cent of women.

However, a base tan only provides minimal protection and is actually a sign of UV damage.

If you’re concerned about the health problems that can be caused by sunburn, a great way to stay safe while outside is to install a shade sail.

These products are proven to block out 98.8 per cent of harmful UV rays and allow you to enjoy the benefits of being outside without exposing your skin to danger.

More than half of people with moles that are cancerous or at risk of skin cancer have a history of sunburn or sunbed use, according to figures released by the Mole Clinic.

Over the past year, the independent skin cancer screening clinic has examined more than 10,000 moles, half for the NHS and half for private patients.

It found that 31 per cent of these were either skin cancers or at risk of the disease and in need of treatment.

Of the people with these moles, 54 per cent said they have suffered from significant sunburn in the past or used a sunbed on a regular basis.

Many of the burns occurred in their childhood or teenage years.

“These figures are a timely reminder of the need to teach people about the dangers of sunburn and to discourage people from using sunbeds.

“Anecdotally, many people with skin cancer tell us about sunburns in their childhood or teenage years,” commented Dr Sarah Hull, an NHS skin specialist working with the Mole Clinic.

She added: “Clearly, people with a history of sunburn or sunbed use need to be very aware of their moles and anyone with a new or changing mole should see a specialist without delay.”

In a blog written for the talkhealth partnership, the Mole Clinic said that around 2,750 people died from skin cancer during 2010 in the UK, which is close to eight people per day.

Incidences of the malignant melanoma cancer have more than quadrupled in Britain over the last thirty years.

It is the most common cancer among the 15 to 34 age group and cases of the disease have increased at a faster rate in the last thirty years than any of the current top ten cancers.

One of the best ways to protect against the threat of sunburn is to install a shade sail. These structures are designed to withstand the harsh Australian climate and can block out 98.8 per cent of the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Why not take a look at our online store?

Fans of Brighton and Hove Albion will see a familiar face fronting a new sun safety campaign in Sussex this week.

Striker Craig Mackail-Smith has lent his support to the Stay Safe project, which aims to make people aware of the dangers of being exposed to the sun without taking the necessary precautions, local newspaper the Argus reports.

This message is particularly important in light of the recent hot weather, as many Brits across Sussex and the whole UK are likely to have put themselves at risk of contracting skin cancer by not protecting against the sun’s rays.

Mackail-Smith told the newspaper: “We are just asking people to remember a few simple things to protect their skin whilst they are out enjoying the sun.

“Using a high factor sun cream, remembering to spend some time in the shade and wearing a hat and clothing can all help protect your skin from the sun and reduce your chances of getting skin cancer.”

Mackail-Smith joined Brighton from Peterborough United in 2011 and scored 11 goals last season as the Seagulls came close to gaining promotion to the Premier League.

The Stay Safe scheme has been launched by Albion Community – which is a charity run by the football club – and is being developed in conjunction with the NHS in Brighton.

It will be handing out sun safety postcards, which contain tips on how to stay protected, as well as giving out free sun cream at a number of outdoor events in the city, including Sussex cricket matches and the Pride festival.

Bhav Shergill, a consultant dermatologist at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, told the Argus people should ensure they regularly check their skin for any changes and to pay particular attention to moles, as they can indicate the development of cancer.

Want to ensure you and your family stay safe from sunburn? Shaded Nation are here to help. Take a look at our range of leading shade sail structures.

One of the best things about summer is that it’s the ideal time to both watch and play sports.

Indeed, there aren’t many better ways to spend a sunny day than engaging or viewing your favourite game, be it football, tennis, rugby or any other sporting activity.

However, it’s also important to take sun safety into concern. It can be easy to forget about sunburn while you’re caught up in a game, but should you fail to stay protected you may suffer some painful and uncomfortable consequences.

The need for sports fans to be safe in the sun has been recognised by the University of Manchester and Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust’s dermatology research team.

They have launched a new awareness event about the issue ahead of rugby league club Salford Reds’ clash with the Leeds Rhinos on August 9th. It will see the organisations provide advice on skin safety and education on how to check for moles and other potential signs of cancer.

Professor Chris Griffiths, professor of dermatology at The University of Manchester and consultant dermatologist at Salford Royal, commented: “We may associate a tan with looking healthy, but it’s actually the opposite – a tan is a sign that skin has been damaged.”

“UVA rays attack the tissues that give our skin its elasticity, leading to premature ageing and wrinkling, while UVB rays affect the top layers of our skin, causing sunburn and, in the worst cases, skin cancer,” he added.

However, Prof Griffiths said people can still enjoy the sun provided they take the necessary measures to protect themselves. These include covering up with long clothing and a hat, applying sunscreen of at least factor 30 (factor 50 for children or people with pale skin) and sticking to the shade between 11am and 3pm.

You can follow Professor Griffiths advice by installing a shade sail, as these canopies can block up to 98.8 per cent of harmful UV rays.

Furthermore, here at Shade Nation we are experienced at providing shade structures for sporting venues, contact us to learn more.

The effects of the financial crisis mean a lot of people have less money to spend on holidays and can’t afford to jet off abroad for a break.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some time away from home, as an increasing number of Brits are choosing to take their holidays here in the UK, a trend that has been dubbed staycations.

So, here are Shaded Nation’s top suggestions for how to spend a British-based break this year.

Be beside the seaside

Living on an island has its perks, as the UK has no shortage of seaside resorts to spend a staycation at. From Blackpool and Bournemouth to Scarborough and Skegness, wherever you live in the UK you’re never too far from the coast and be it crazy golf, amusement arcades or simply relaxing on the beach, there’s always something fun to do on the seaside.

Hit the capital

The fact it’s based in the UK can make it easy to overlook just what a fantastic city London really is, but there’s a reason tourists from all over the world flock to the capital. London genuinely has something for everything and is an ideal way to spend a staycation.

Take a city break

The capital isn’t the only city worth visiting and there are plenty of other locations worthy of a holiday. Edinburgh, Oxford and York are ideal for history buffs, while Birmingham and Manchester are great for culture and shopping.

Escape to the country

If you’re look to get away from the humdrum of urban life why not head out into the countryside? From the rolling hills of the West Country to the bleak and rugged mountains of Scotland and Wales, the UK is brimming with natural beauty and regardless of where you live the country is never more than an hour or two’s drive away.

However you choose to spend your staycation, remember it’s important to stay safe in the sun and take precautions against getting burnt.

Are you a DIY enthusiast? Whether it’s painting and decorating or fixing a leaky tap, there’s something immensely satisfying about doing it yourself.

If you are the type who likes to get their hands dirty, we’re the company to come to, as we stock a range of DIY shade sails that will be just perfect for you. Here’s a rundown of five of the benefits of this product.

Budget 
One of the main advantages of DIY is cost. Doing something yourself is nearly always cheaper and that certainly applies to our shade sails. You can purchase one of these excellent products for as little as £52 and won’t have to pay any installation costs whatsoever.

This low cost doesn’t mean we skimp on quality however. We pride ourselves on only stocking the best shades on the market and all our products combine robust sun protection, style and durability.

Ease of installation 
You’d be surprised at just how easy our structures are to install and, provided you follow all of the instructions, you can have your shade up and ready to use within just a few hours of getting started. Click here to take a look at our installation guide.

Flexibility
Not sure you want a shade sail structure all year round? Concerned about what will happen in bad weather? Well, don’t worry. Our DIY shades are semi-permanent, meaning you can take them down and reassemble at a later date when necessary.

Maintenance 
Another thing that might surprise you about our shades is just how little maintenance they require. We recommend regular re-tensioning to ensure strength and durability, but other than that all you need to do is give the structure an occasional wash with a hose and mild detergent.

Choice 
They say variety is the spice of life and here at Shaded Nation we couldn’t agree more. We’ve plenty of colours, shapes and sizes for you to choose from and the only challenge is managing to pick just one!

A high number of people are unaware of what to look out for when buying sunscreen, according to the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) and La Roche-Posay.

BAD and the skincare company asked people about their knowledge of sunscreen as part of wider survey about sun protection to promote the 2013 Sun Awareness Week, which will run from May 6th to 12th this year.

Only 38 per cent of respondents knew that the SunProtection Factor (SPF) is what predominantly protects against sunburn, while a product’s UVA rating helps to prevent skin from ageing.

A potential cause for this misconception is a rise in the number of moisturisers being sold that contain SPF, as people assume the added properties will prevent wrinkling, when it is UVA protection – which is often not included in these products – that performs this function.

Managing director of La Roche-Posay Yannick Raynaud said: “These statistics show that there is still a huge need to raise awareness about the need for sun protection and to educate the public about what to look for in a sunscreen and the difference between a product’s UVA rating and SPF.

“Our objective is to help raise awareness of the need for protection and decrease the risks associated with exposure.”

The survey found that a significant amount of people are currently unaware about the damage sunlight can do to skin and how to prevent this from happening.

A belief that their skin is darker than it actually is, that a base tan protects against sunburn and not knowing how to spot potential signs of skin cancer are some of the most common misconceptions Brits have.

Hopefully the Sun Awareness Week will serve to inform people about these issues and make sure they are prepared to stay safe in the sun during the summer.

One way to guard against the threat of sunburn is to install a shade sail – attractive and reliable shade structures that are specifically designed to block out 98.8 per cent of harmful UV rays.

Skin cancer isn’t a nice thing to think about, but unfortunately it is the most common form of cancer in the UK.

This makes checking your skin for potential symptoms incredibly important.

However, worrying figures from a survey carried out by the British Association of Dermatologists and skincare brand La Roche-Posay show that 80 per cent of people infrequently or never look for signs of the disease.

Furthermore, 69 per cent admitted they would have no idea what to look for even if they did check their skin.

You can check for signs of skin cancer by examining your skin and seeing if you have any new or changed moles or unusual marks. If you do, it could well be nothing, but it’s always worthwhile to see a doctor just in case.

The survey also discovered that not knowing the signs isn’t the only obstacle to early diagnosis.

Just 50 per cent of respondents said they were happy to show a skin issue to their doctor, with the remaining half citing embarrassment, lack of time, fear of wasting the doctor’s time, not liking going to the doctor and fear of skin cancer as potential barriers.

Women were twice as likely to say they are afraid to waste the doctor’s time and three times as many females felt too embarrassed to go to a GP with a skin issue.

Despite persistent health warnings, sunbathing is still seen as the most popular way of getting a tan, with 54 per cent of people saying they sunbathe abroad and 35 per cent doing so in the UK.

The British Association of Dermatologists and La Roche-Posay survey was carried out at the 2013 ‘Be Sun Aware’ mole and sun advice roadshow.

Of the 1,350 people surveyed, 181 were advised to seek further advice from their doctor.

Skin cancer is something everyone should be aware of and take steps to avoid. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy being outdoors in the sunshine.

Applying strong sun cream and covering up will protect your skin, as will staying in the shade.

An ideal way to do this is to purchases a shade sail – stylish structures that can block out almost all of the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Curious? Look at our frequently asked questions section to find out more.

If you’re already aware of the benefits of a shade sail, you might have noticed there are a lot of different products on the market.

Here at Shaded Nation, we only stock shades created by Sail Shade World and we are confident that these are the best products available. Here are five reasons why.

Durability  
Our shade sails are built to last and are designed to be a long-term investment. You can opt for either a permanent or semi-permanent structure. They can withstand most weather conditions and generally only need to be taken down for two months of the year, or when the weather is particularly severe.

Sun protection 
Our shades can block out 98.8 per cent of the sun’s harmful UV rays, meaning you can be confident your skin will be kept safe from the damaging effects of sunburn. Sail Shade World shades are manufactured to stand up to the harsh Australian sun and offer a level of protection many other products cannot match.

Flexibility
There are all sorts of uses for shade sails and here at Shaded Nation we try to cater to them all. Whether it’s a small shade to provide a relaxing spot in the garden, or a large structure required for corporate use, we can help. You can choose from our pre-made shades or have a custom design built to match your exact requirements.

Style 
While we pride ourselves on the functionality and durability of our products, we know that style is very important as well. For that reason, all of our shades have an attractive design that can add a contemporary feel to any location.

Customisation 
The shades we sell belong to our customers, so we try to give you as much choice as possible. Shape, size and colour are all up to you and you can even have your own name or branding included if you’d like to.

Want to find out more? Head over to our frequently asked questions section. If you’d like to see the range of products we have on offer, have a browse of our online store.

May is here, summer is just around the corner and the sun has finally started shining. The next few months will therefore be the perfect time to get outside and make the most of your garden.

With the awful weather we’ve had to put up with over the winter and for most of the spring, you might not have ventured out into the garden too often. However, now that things seem to be getting better you can enjoy being outside in the open air.

Do some gardening

Gardening doesn’t have to be a chore and is a great way to spend time outside while doing something constructive as well. Whether it’s just mowing the lawn and keeping things tidy, or growing your own herbs and vegetables, there’s plenty of ways to keep yourself occupied.

Have a BBQ

What better way to enjoy the garden than to invite some friends around for a barbecue? It’s a great chance to catch up with people and a chance to show off your culinary skills in the process.

Play sports

Playing sports in the garden is more of an activity for the kids really, but adults can still get involved and have some fun as well.

What you do is mainly dependant on the size of your garden, but whether it’s kicking a football around or just playing a simple game like catch, it’s a good opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise in the process.

Bird watch

If you’re a nature lover, why not try and bring some wildlife to your garden? The number of different species of bird you can attract by putting up feeders or a bird table is surprisingly diverse and observing them is a peaceful and relaxing way to spend a morning or afternoon.

However you choose to spend time in your garden, it’s important to stay safe from the sun. Installing a shade sail will provide you with a shaded spot that you can retreat to when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.