Keeping your skin safe in the sun

KEEPING YOUR SKIN SAFE IN THE SUN

Almost 12,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in Ireland each year. Dr. Mark Hamilton always encourages his patients to look after their skin and to learn about the importance of skin safety in the sun. It is essential that you always protect your skin, even on cloudy days.

Dr. Mark recommends using a broad-spectrum protection sunscreen with SPF 30. You would be surprised at how many people don’t realise that SPF only measures how effective their sunscreen is at protecting them against UVB rays – these are the rays that are responsible for burning your skin and causing skin cancer.

You need to use a product that also protects you against UVA rays. These rays penetrate even deeper into the skin than UVB and play a major part in skin ageing.

His Recommended Skin Protection is   ZO® Skin Health Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30+.

It ticks all the boxes and is perfect for wearing alone or as a primer under makeup.  Price €65

This mineral based sunscreen will protect you from the sun by sitting on top of your skin and physically blocking it

Between 2005 and 2015 there was a 70% increase in the incidence of skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma) in Ireland.

“SunSmart Code: The Irish Cancer Society is encouraging the public to take measures to protect their skin, even on cloudy days. You protect your skin when on holidays abroad or on really hot sunny days at home. But that isn’t enough. When in Ireland get into the habit of protecting your skin every day from April to September, whatever the weather.” 

Kevin O’Hagan, Cancer Prevention Manager with the Irish Cancer Society said, “Despite our cool and cloudy weather UV rays can reach our skin most days from April to September and cause damage that increases the risk of skin cancer. If the sun isn’t splitting the stones, many people seem to think that UV rays are not something we need to worry about but that is not true.

“You don’t have to be in a Mediterranean country for the sun to do damage to your skin and Irish people need to be aware of that. Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, everyone should protect their skin this summer and follow the Irish Cancer Society’s SunSmart Code. It is vital that people take pre-cautions to reduce their risk of sun damage and check their skin regularly for changes.”

Irish Cancer Society’s SunSmart Code.

Seek shade when UV rays are at their strongest – generally between 11am and 3pm.

Cover up by wearing a shirt with a collar and long shorts. Also wear a hat that gives shade to your face, neck and ears.

Wear Wrap Around Sunglasses and make sure they give UV protection.

Slop on sunscreen. Use sunscreen SPF minimum 30 or higher and UVA protection 20 minutes before going outside and re-apply every two hours – more often if swimming or perspiring.

Check your local UV index.

Keep babies under six months out of the sun.

ZO® Skin Health Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30+.

To Book a treatment with Dr. Mark Hamilton  Email  drmark@hamiltonfaceclinic.com

ZO Skin Health Sunscreen

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