Tips for Staying Safe in the Sun

 

Most people think of sunburn as something that happens on holiday and not here at home in Ireland, but most sunburn cases happen when people are out and about. You may be gardening, walking around town or just sitting in the park.

Sun exposure is a great source of vitamin D, and it is essential for bone health and our mental wellbeing.

You can enjoy the sun, but keep your health in mind.

Here are our top tips to protect yourself from the sun.

  1. Use a high factor Sunscreen

Sunscreen products are cosmetic products that have a significant protective function against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. There are two types of UV radiation, UVA and UVB.

UVB radiation causes the skin to darken in colour, or some instances, burn. UVA penetrates the skin further than UVB causing skin ageing, and resulting in wrinkles and pigmentation.

Tips for Sun Exposure:

  • Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before exposure to the sun to allow it to dry
  • Don’t forget areas such as the ears, neck, nose, lips, hands and feet, as these areas are frequently overlooked and can be particularly sensitive to sun damage
  • Your skin does not need to redden or “burn” to be experiencing the effects of sun damage. Do not wait until your skin has burnt before applying sunscreen; always apply sunscreen before sun exposure
  • Frequently re-apply sunscreen to exposed areas of skin, at least every two hours. You should increase the frequency of application if you are sweating after swimming and towel drying. Even waterproof or “once a day application” sunscreen needs to be re-applied regularly
  1. Seek Shade

Shade is a practical, user-friendly form of sun protection. If your skin type is sensitive to the sun, protect yourself by covering your skin or seeking shade. UV rays are most intense between 11 am and 3-4 pm, so limit sun exposure during this time.

  1. Wear Sunglasses

Protect your eyes with sunglasses. Without proper eye protection, long term over-exposure to UV light can harm your eyes. In Ireland, the sun doesn’t just damage our eyes during the summer months; it can harm them on cold sunny days too.

Wearing sunglasses can protect a person’s eyes from all these concerns. But not all shades are created equal. Look for good quality sunglasses with a sticker that promotes their UV-blocking capabilities.

  1. Know Your Moles

UV light from the sun can increase the chance of a mole becoming cancerous. If you have lots of moles, you need to be extra careful in the sun. Be aware of your moles and check them regularly. Cover your skin with clothes and stay in the shade where possible.

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Every year, over 900 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed in Ireland. It is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the 15- 44 year age group.

Melanoma can occur anywhere, but for women, most melanomas are found on the legs, and in men, the back is the most common area.

  1. Avoid Sunbeds

Using sunbeds exposes your skin to large amounts of UV rays that age your skin and increase your skin cancer risk. Sunbeds are not a safe way to get a tan. Whatever your age, sunbed use increases your risk of melanoma. If you want to have a tan, there are safer ways to get one, such as fake tan and tan spray.

 

Shop from wide range of  sun-care products  in Higgins Pharmacy Sligo.

 

*Source: HSE (Enjoy the Sun, PDF)

                 HPRA.ie  

                 Cancer.ie

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