Be SunSmart:
With the warm weather set to continue over the coming week, it’s important we all take steps to protect our skin. When outdoors, remember to be Sunsmart:
The 5 ‘Ss’ of Sun Safety:
Seek shade
Slip on clothing
Slide on sunglasses with UV protection – even if it’s a cloudy day!
Slop on broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen
Slap on a wide-brimmed hat
Check the UV Index:
The HSE classifies most Irish people under Skin Types I and II, meaning we’re more susceptible to UV damage and skin cancers. This makes daily SPF an especially important habit to adopt, not just for the summer, but all year-round. The UV Index scale is a great tool to use to help avoid the risk of sunburn.
UV radiation is a leading cause of premature ageing and, more seriously, skin cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, with over 13,000 new cases diagnosed each year. And it’s rising. To learn more on preventing skin cancer read our blog here.
Wear SPF:
SPF, or sun protection factor, shields your skin from UVB rays, which cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. Broad-spectrum sunscreens also protect against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and cause long-term damage like wrinkles and pigmentation.
Using SPF daily helps to:
- Protect against sunburns & skin cancer
- Prevent premature ageing
- Reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots
- Keep your skin healthy and resilient
How to treat a sunburn:
Whilst we all know what we should be doing to be SunSmart, sometimes things don’t go to plan… by forgetting to apply/reapply sunscreen or sweat/water wiping it off, sunburn can happen!
If you do manage to get a sunburn this summer, follow these steps in order to soothe and heal your skin.
1. Cool your Skin:
Take a cool shower, bath or apply a clean, damp towel onto the area to cool the skin down. Avoid using ice packs, as the extreme cold can cause further damage.
2. Moisturise & Hydrate:
Apply Aloe Vera or a fragrance-free lotion onto wet skin to keep the skin hydrated. Tip: keep your moisturiser in the fridge for an extra cooling effect.
A sunburn can draw water in the body to the skin’s surface, so it’s important to drink plenty of water to cool down and keep your body hydrated.
3. Manage Pain:
Take an over-the-counter painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce swelling and ease discomfort. Make sure to always read the label, and ask your pharmacist.
4. Protect Healing Skin:
Make sure to cover sunburnt skin from direct sunlight until skin has fully healed. Cover with loose fitting clothing to avoid friction and irritation. Avoid picking at peeling skin, allow the skin to shed on its own.
Please seek medical attention if you experience any of the following: severe swelling, widespread blistering, high fever or chills, vomiting, headache or dizziness.
If you notice changes to your skin, speak with your GP and don’t hesitate to call into Adrian Dunne Pharmacy and ask one our pharmacists for advice. You can find your local Adrian Dunne Pharmacy here.