Skin Cancer Awareness Month: New Information Video
SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH This May marks Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and to support this, the Irish Skin Foundation (ISF) have launched a new information video resource for people affected by skin cancer. The video resource, presented by Dr Rupert Barry, Consultant Dermatologist, St James’s Hospital, provides information on what causes skin cancer; who gets […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
