Protect Your Skin

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland and the numbers are rising rapidly, however most skin cancers can be prevented. Most people living in Ireland have fair skin, the type which burns easily and tans poorly, so are at high risk of UV damage and skin cancer.

We need to protect our skin and that of our children, as exposure to UV radiation during childhood is particularly harmful and greatly increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

Follow the Healthy Ireland SunSmart code below to protect your skin:

• know the UV Index: When the UV index is 3 or above you need to protect your skin. In Ireland, the UV index is usually 3 or above from April to September, even when it is cloudy. Stay safe by limiting time in the sun when UV is strongest, typically between the hours of 11am and 3pm

• slip on clothing: Cover skin as much as possible, wear long sleeves, collared t-shirts, clothes made from close-woven material that does not allow sunlight through
• slop on Broad-Spectrum (UVA/UVB) Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30+ for adults and 50+ for children, with high UVA protection, and water resistant. Reapply regularly. No sunscreen can provide 100% protection, it should be used alongside other protective measures such as clothing and shade
• slap on a wide brimmed hat: Protect your face, ears and neck
• seek shade: Sit in cover of trees to avoid direct sunlight. Use a sunshade on your buggy or pram. Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight
• slide on sunglasses: Guard your eyes from harm by wearing sunglasses with UV protection

Do not try to get a suntan. Avoid getting a sunburn and never use a sunbed.

For more on protecting your skin go to https://www.hse.ie/sunsmart

For more information on the National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan click here