Beachgoers were out in force yesterday for the hottest day of the year so far. Pictured are, from the left, Stuart Le Ber, 8, Jason Le Ber, 6, Chloe Le Parmentier, 8, Luke Le Parmentier, 6, and Daniel Paul, 8. (Picture by Aimee Le Cocq, 0609788)

RETAILERS have come together to promote a ‘safety in the sun’ message and to tell islanders they can achieve a sunkissed glow without putting their health at risk.

Fake It owner Rachel Lucas is worried about the number of young people coming into the salon with sunburn and is offering discounted cosmetic tanning to students through the summer.

‘I want to show girls that they can look good without harming themselves,’ she said. ‘Some are now literally dying to have a tan because they are increasing their chances of getting skin cancer. I have had so many girls come in who have been really burnt and want patching up.’

She said many teenagers were desperate to make the most of what they perceived to be rare sunny days and rush outside without any sun protection.  ‘It’s quite horrifying when I see them – I think, oh my God, what are they doing to themselves?’