You're just as likely to get sunburnt on the slopes as on the beach, so slap on that sunscreen. But you can also protect your skin from with our following advises.

While avoiding the sun when it is at its hottest, using sunblock creams and covering the skin with appropriate clothing are sensible precautions to take if you are prone to sunburn, it is also possible to protect the skin from within.

Certain nutrients can really help to prevent burning, the most important of which are vitamin A and related compounds such as beta-carotene. These nutrients seem to have the ability to diffuse ultra-violet light, and help to counteract the damaging and ageing effect of the sun's rays.

Taking 10,000 IU of vitamin A and 25,000 to 50,000 IU of beta-carotene each day before and during your skiing trip will help protect skin. (This regime will also help to reduce the risk of sunburn when you take that summer holiday in foreign climes.

The vitamin A and beta-carotene supplementation should start a week or two before the holiday. You will find suitable supplements in your health food store. (Please note that pregnant women and women planning pregnancy are advised not to take more than 10,000 IU of vitamin A each day in supplement form.)

Another way to prevent sunburn is to treat the skin after exposure to the sun. For this I recommend aloe vera gel and essential oil of lavender, both of which have healing and soothing properties for burnt or sun-exposed skin. FSC make a blend of aloe and lavender with other skin soothers as a natural alternative to the regular after-sun formulas.

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