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Staying safe in the sun

Sun smart - did you know?

  • Ireland has among the highest skin cancer rates in Europe.
  • Two-thirds of Irish people have a higher risk of developing skin cancer because of their skin type.
  • 90% of all skin cancers are preventable
  • Damage to the skin by the sun is permanent and in later life can lead to skin cancer.
  • For the majority of the population, 10 - 15 minutes daily exposure of the face and hands to the sun and adequate diet provides a sufficient level of vitamin D.
  • Skin damage is caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays, which are strongest from 11am to 3pm.
  • The number of skin cancer cases is rising every year.

Kindly reproduced with permission of the Irish Cancer Society

Tips to stay safe in the sun

Take particular care if you:

  • Have pale and freckled skin that doesn't tan or burns before it tans
  • Have red or fair hair and light coloured eyes
  • Have a large number of moles (50 or more)
  • Burn easily, have a history of sunburn or have already had skin cancer.

Prevent sun damage by:

  • Covering up - wear a wide brimmed hat and a t-shirt.
  • Wear sunglasses. A good pair of sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the sun.
  • Stay in the shade between the hours of 11.00 am to 3.00 pm when the sun is at its strongest.
  • Use sunscreen of sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher, with UVA and UVB protection and re-apply every two hours or more often when swimming or exercising.

Take extra care with children in the sun as:

  • Children's skin is very sensitive to the sun's rays.
  • It is essential that they wear appropriate cover-up clothing and sunscreen.
  • A hat with a brim to cover their face.
  • A loose fitting t-shirt with collar and sleeves.
  • If they are out in the sun between 11.00am and 3.00pm, they should wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 with UVA and UVB protection. 
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