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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
When are UV rays at their strongest?
First published June 2017; updated May 2020 What is Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation? UV radiation in sunlight damages our skin. UV radiation cannot be seen or felt (infrared radiation causes heat, not UV). It can damage skin on cool, cloudy days and hot sunny days! UV radiation comes directly from the sun and is influenced by […]
How long before going out in the sun should I apply sunscreen?
First published June 2017; updated May 2020 There are many different types of sunscreens available, including creams, gels and lotions, and when applied properly, they will provide good protection. When choosing a sunscreen ensure that it is broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30+, with high UVA protection, […]
Survey highlights impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the detection of melanoma skin cancer in 2020
In November and December of 2020, the Global Coalition for Melanoma Patient Advocacy, conducted a survey of 734 dermatologists from 36 different countries. In the survey, dermatologists were asked to estimate the proportion of skin check appointments missed due to the pandemic and estimate the proportion of undiagnosed melanomas compared to a normal year. The survey […]
Protect your child against sun damage!
Playing and spending time outdoors is a really important part of childhood, but it is crucial that children are protected and safe while having fun in the sun. Childhood: a critical time Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Ireland with over 11,000 cases diagnosed each year and the number of cases […]
Slow down skin aging – is the SPF in your moisturiser or make-up offering adequate UV protection?
Are we adequately protecting ourselves from ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun? Most people use moisturiser to slow the aging process of the skin, but this is not enough on its own. One of the best things we can do to slow skin aging, is to protect it from ultraviolet radiation from the sun, and […]