Safe Sun

With Summer nearly here, and the weather warming up, here are some tips to remain safe while in the sun whenever you're outdoors. When you Practice Safe Sun, you protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

Here's why it's important: ⬇️

▪️Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland
▪️People of all skin tones get skin cancer.
▪️Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.
▪️When you protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, you reduce your risk of developing skin cancer
UV rays accelerate the aging practice, increasing wrinkles, pigmentary changes and broken veins on the skin

Apply SPF
Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing. We always prefer Zinc containing physical sunblocks. Remember to reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Stay in the Shade:
Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Wear protective clothing. If possible, wear long loose trousers, long-sleeved tops, and hats. Hats with wide brims not only cover your face, but they also protect other easy-to-forget spots like your ears and your scalp.

Make sunglasses your favorite accessory. Sunglasses shield your eyes from UV rays that can cause eye problems, like cataracts. Look for a pair that says it blocks 99% or 100% of UVB and UVA rays.

Get to know your skin. Skin cancer is easier to treat when caught early, so get to know your skin and watch for changes. Look for new skin markings, like moles, bumps, scaly spots, or places where your skin has changed color. Watch moles for changes in size, texture, color, or shape.

Take note if a mole grows in size, has uneven edges, differences in color, or one half that is different to the other. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these changes.