“Be Smart in the Sun" this Bank Holiday
As the great weather is set to continue we would like to remind you to “Be Smart in the Sun”. We recommend that you make yourself aware of the weather forecast and seek shade, cover up, wear sunglasses and sunscreen.
You can check the weather on our website. Either goto the Blog tab and scroll down for the Aghada area, or goto our home page, on the right hand side look for local weather.
Getting too much sun can be harmful whatever your age. It exposes your skin to ultra violet radiation (UV rays) that can damage skin and may lead to skin cancer. With good protection against UV rays, most cases of skin cancer could be avoided. Check the UV Index each day to understand the risk level and follow the steps below to get the best protection possible.
Step 1: Seek some shade
Good shade can give up to 75% protection from UV rays protecting from direct and indirect UV rays. When outdoors, UV rays can reach you in one of two ways:
Directly from the sun
Indirectly scattered by clouds or particles in the atmosphere. They can also reflect from surfaces like snow, sea water and concrete
Step 2: Slip on some clothes
One of the simplest things you can do to protect your skin from UV rays is to cover it with clothes. Make sure you choose a hat which gives shade to the face, neck, head and ears. Choose clothes that cover as much skin as possible. For example, three-quarter length sleeves and three-quarter length trousers. Some fabrics give better UV protection than others. Here is information about what to consider when deciding what to wear:
Clothing offering better sun protection:
Linen, cotton and hemp let less UV rays through.
Dark clothes block more UV rays than light coloured clothes.
UPF* clothes block UV rays from passing through.
Step 3: Wear sunglasses
Your eyes can be damaged by UV rays too. Choosing to wear a hat that gives shade to the eyes and sunglasses that give UV protection can help protect your eyes from these conditions.
When choosing your sunglasses choose a pair which give UV protection and wrap-around ones if possible.
Step 4: Use sunscreen
When in Ireland wear sunscreen from April to September to reduce your risk of skin cancer. But remember, using sunscreen alone will not give enough protection against UV rays. It is important to use shade, clothes and sunglasses too. In this way you get the best possible protection from UV damage.
The type of sunscreen you use is up to you and what you feel comfortable putting on your skin. Creams, lotions, gels and sprays all work but only if used properly.
Here are some tips to consider when choosing and using sunscreen:
Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and UVA protection
Apply to dry skin 20 minutes before going outside
Be extra careful of those areas that do not get much sun, they will burn more easily,
Reapply every two hours
Check the products use-by date and store it below 30°C
Choose a water-resistant type if sweating or you are involved in watersports
Always check for the UVA logo on the bottle
Step 5: Know the UV index, you can find that here.
When the UV Index is 3 or more you are at greater risk of skin damage that can lead to skin cancer. Get into the habit of checking the UV Index here as a reminder of the need to be SunSmart every day from April to September.
