Some Simple Tips to Tackle Dry Skin this Winter

In wintertime, central heating and lower humidity (very dry air) can aggravate skin dryness. So as the temperature gauge plummets, we look at simple ways to combat this seasonal phenomenon. The epidermis at a glance The uppermost layer of the skin is called the epidermis; this forms the main protective barrier and is where drying […]

Know your skin type! The effects of sunlight are not the same for everyone

First published June 2017; updated June 2021 Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Ireland and in fair/light skinned populations worldwide, for whom sunburn is a risk factor. Yet, in most cases, it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer – the vast majority are associated with overexposure to ultraviolet […]

What is solar UV radiation and why you need to know about it…?

First published June 2017; updated June 2021 What is solar ultraviolet radiation? Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the three major components of sunlight, which include visible light and infrared (heat). It is divided into three categories, classified according to wavelength: UVA, UVB and UVC. The ozone layer blocks all UVC and most (90% or […]

Confused about the UV Index?

First published June 2017; updated June 2021 What is solar ultraviolet radiation? Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is a component of sunlight. The two types of UV that we need to be concerned about are UVA and UVB. What is the UV index? The UV index is a scale that was developed by the World Health Organisation […]

Seasonal UV Changes and Protecting Our Skin

First published May 2020, updated June 2021 Knowing a little bit about Earth’s relationship with the Sun allows us to understand how the intensity of the Sun’s rays can change during the year, and the importance of protecting our skin. What causes the change in seasons? Earth revolves around the Sun, taking a year to […]

Seek shade: lessen the impact of intense sunshine

Acute and chronic effects of too much sun Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) in sunlight can cause sunburn, skin and eye damage, premature skin ageing and skin cancer. Why Seek shade? Seeking shade from direct sunlight is one of the key skin cancer prevention protective behaviours. Shade lessens the impact of intense sunshine, and along […]

Slip, Slap, Slide: Protect against the sun with clothing, a hat and sunglasses

Slip, Slap, Slide Wearing adequate clothing, a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses can provide a simple, effective and stylish way to protect skin and eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. These behaviours form three of Healthy Ireland’s SunSmart 5 S’s: Seek shade, Slip on clothing that covers skin, Slap on a wide-brimmed hat, Slop on sunscreen and Slide on sunglasses, which […]

No sunscreen can provide 100% UV protection

First published June 2017; updated June 2021 The role of sunscreen Alongside other protective measures, such as clothing and shade, sunscreens play an important preventative role against the acute and long-term effects of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, including: sunburn, skin damage, premature ageing of the skin and skin cancer. Solar UV […]

Clouds, water, glass: surprising things that solar UV can pass through

First published June 2017 Do you know that over 90% of UV can pass through light cloud, at half a metre depth under water UV is still 40% as intense as at the surface, and some UV can pass through glass! We’re all becoming more aware of the importance of protecting ourselves against overexposure to […]

Seasonal UV Changes and Protecting Our Skin

Knowing a little bit about Earth’s relationship with the Sun allows us to understand how the intensity of the Sun’s rays can change during the year, and the importance of protecting our skin. What causes the change in seasons? Earth revolves around the Sun, taking a year to complete one orbit. But as it does […]