SkinSideOut 2023: Our Skin Health Event

Take our skinsideout feedback survey On Saturday, 22 April, the ISF hosted SkinSideOut, our skin health information and exhibition event in O’Reilly Hall, UCD, Dublin. The full-day event consisted of talks, panel discussions and “How to” sessions on eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and skin cancer prevention. Attendees had the opportunity to meet […]

Sun Protection for Organ Transplant Recipients

It is important that we remember that the levels of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun start rising in Ireland from April, and protection from the damaging effects of UV is very important. Many people have the idea that the Irish sun does not cause skin cancer; that it is the hot sun in Spain […]

Is Your Workout Causing an Acne Break Out?

“New Year, New Me”? A common New Year resolution is to get to the gym more often or to start exercising more, so here are our tips to avoid an acne breakout whether working out at the gym or at home! Benefits of exercise Exercise can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which is important after […]

The Invisible Symptom Affecting up to 97% with Psoriasis

Common symptoms Some of the most common and recognisable symptoms of psoriasis, include raised red patches of skin, covered with silvery white scaling, called plaques. Itch is also reported to be a common symptom of psoriasis. However, it can sometimes be underappreciated as it is not a visible indicator. Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory […]

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 […]

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 […]

Protecting your family while out in the sunshine

First published in June 2017, updated June 2021 Playing and spending time outdoors is such an important part of childhood but it is crucial that children are protected and safe in the sun. Increased vulnerability Compared with adults, children’s skin is much more vulnerable to the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Young children’s […]

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 […]

Being SunSmart: At a glance

Why be SunSmart? Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Ireland. Yet, in most cases, it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. You can reduce your risk by avoiding overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) from sunlight or artificial sources e.g. sunbeds. Reduce your risk, protect your skin: Be […]