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 […]
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 […]
The ISF puts your skin in perspective at the Ploughing!

The National Ploughing Championships, Europe’s largest outdoor event, chose the sunny south-east as the location for this year’s event which took place on 17th-19th September in Ballintrane, Fenagh, Co. Carlow. The county lived up to its reputation, offering blue skies and sunshine for the entire 3-day event, bringing record-breaking attendance figures of 297,000 people, all […]
Long weekends and summer staycations: Be SunSmart whether on balconies, in back gardens or at the beach!

A ‘Thank You’ to Paula Murphy and her supporters in memory of her Mum, Marie

Paula Murphy decided to enter the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon last March, to support her mother while she was fighting skin cancer, by running in aid of the ISF. Sadly, Marie Murphy passed away before the race in June. ‘She wasn’t just a Mum, she was a best friend to all who knew her. A […]