Reduce your risk of skin cancer by following these 5 vital steps

May 16, 2019

The month of May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. UV exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. During Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we are encouraging you to practice safe sun every time you are outdoors.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland with over 11,000 new cases diagnosed in 2015. The National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) expects this number to double by 2040.

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is a disease of skin cells. Nine out of every ten cases are caused by UV rays from the sun or sunbeds. Overexposure to UV rays, which leads to tanning, redness or burning of the skin, causes damage to skin cells. While much of this damage is repaired some remains and can lead to skin cancer later in life.

Early detection is also vital. If spotted early, up to 90 percent of cases are curable. In the case of melanoma skin cancer, spotting it early can save your life. For this reason, it is important to get to know your skin, check it every month for change and speak to your doctor if you are worried.

Reduce the risk by following the SunSmart Code:

1. Slip on some clothes

2. Slop on sunscreen

3. Slap on a hat

4. Seek some shade

5. Slide on sunglasses

It is important to use products that provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

The Irish Cancer Society recommends wearing sunscreen from April to September to reduce the risk. It is helpful to work SPF into your daily routine to ensure that you are always protected.

CASMARA LIGHTENING REPAIR CREAM SPF 50 – RRP €55

A high-technology product based on an advanced selection of Active Ingredients restoring the damage caused fundamentally by UVA & UVB which affects the skin's DNA with harmful effects to the skin's health: dehydration, lack of uniformity in colour and tone, loss of radiance, sagging, wrinkles and blemishes, premature ageing.

· Stimulates the renewal of the cellular information and the biosynthesis of proteins and collagen.

· Reduces the depth of wrinkles.

· Improves the elasticity and firmness of the skin.

· SPF 50 protects the skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UVA & UVB rays

CASAMRA URBAN PROTECT DAILY DEFENSE (DD) CREAM – RRP €32

The Casmara Research Centre has created the Urban Protect DD Cream. An innovative urban shield for the daily defense of the skin with a touch of colour. Thanks to its powerful anti-pollution and anti-aging active ingredients; and the innovative MULTI-LIGHT TECHNOLOGY S.P.F 30 (UVA-UVB and artificial light), it protects and treats the skin and at the same time evens out the skin tone with a natural finish.

· Protects with broad-spectrum solar filters SPF 30 (UVA, UVB and blue light)

· Perfects skin by colour-adapting with a natural finish

· Treats the skin by stimulating the production of collagen & elastin and fights the signs of fatigue & tiredness

Remember, using sunscreen alone will not give enough protection against UV rays. It is important to use shade, clothes and sunglasses too. 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.

‘The micellar water of sun care’ is here, and it will change your life

Apr 16, 2018

by Rebecca O'Keeffe

Summer is well and truly on the way, and I've already started packing for my holiday in June.

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

Anyway, I have a few new swimsuits, some cute sandals and loads of swishy dresses.

However, the one thing I always struggle to buy is sun cream – because it's gross most of the time.

Let's be honest, if we never had to wear sun cream ever again, the world would be a better place.

It's sticky, gloopy and usually pretty bloody annoying to rub in!

That was until the gorge humans at Garnier came up with what they're calling the 'micellar water of sun care'.

So, what goes on?

This shiny new creation is called Ambre Solaire UV Water, and it has been specially formulated to give you a refreshing, hydrating and transparent sun care experience.

The formula is enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E, and is so light you'd almost forget you're wearing anything. (Ned Flanders vibes).

"For years we've worked to create formulas that are lighter, less white, non-sticky and non-greasy," said Khaled Boulemdarat, Research and Innovation Scientist at Garnier said.

"In creating this product, we wanted to offer Ireland not only the best protection, but also make sunscreen application a real pleasure."

This is on my to-get list for the summer months!

That ol’ Colonel! KFC now want to corner the SUNSCREEN market

Aug 23, 2016

by Amber Saunders

Remember when Colonel Sanders and the crew decided they knew as much about manicures as they do about chicken, and launched their very own range of nail polishes?

Well, they haven't stopped there.

According to their Twitter page, the uber-famous fast food restaurant have turned their attention to the world of sun protection, and in a bizarre turn of events, people are actually all OVER it.

We made a sunscreen and it's free* and it smells like fried chicken and fried chicken smells delicious.https://t.co/fdqaJWcnpY

— KFC (@kfc) August 22, 2016

Having released 3,000 bottles of Extra Crispy Sunscreen this week – a product which leaves users smelling like a bucket of the fried stuff – the chicken superstars are now fresh out.

They are FRESH OUT of chicken-scented sunscreen, people.

Considering that very few of us seek to smell like a fast-food outlet of our own accord, we can only assume the public was seduced by the chain's snappy tagline.

Tying in the allure of their original product with the importance of their new one, KFC explained: "Because the only skin that should be extra crispy this summer is on your fried chicken."

Oh, you guys!

We don’t want to jinx it… but it’s beginning to look a lot like summer

Jun 11, 2015

by Amber Saunders

It’s here… it’s REALLY here!

Yes, after what is being described as the most miserable May the country has ever seen (radiators at full blast; scarves and winter coats given regular outings) it appears that the sun has decided to grace our fair land with its presence.

Cue a steady stream of ice-cream, shorts-and-t-shirts – oh, and sun-burn.

And not only does red and raw skin look (gonna be blunt here) not very attractive at all, but harsh rays can furthermore be seriously damaging and ageing.

In short, sunscreen is an absolute must at this time of year – even when you’re on home-soil.

Still, Irish weather requires an Irish-appropriate product: enter P20 sunscreen – THE sunscreen for extreme weather conditions

We know that those who are frequently exposed to UV rays before the age of 25, as well as people who get sunburnt as a child or teenager, are at a much greater risk of developing skin cancer in later life.

In fact, their risk is almost doubled – and that means slathering on a higher SPF; think P20 sunscreen SPF 50.

And why do we love P20 in particular? Its unique formula is non-greasy (hurrah!) and fragrance free (hear, hear!).

Better still, it provides great coverage, even in water, for up to ten hours, meaning it only needs to be applied once-a-day.

The P20 range consists of SPF15, SPF20, SPF30 and SPF50+ and is suitable for those with very delicate and sensitive skin.

With prices ranging from €19.99-€34.99, P20 is available from pharmacies nationwide.

This NIVEA ad uses UV cameras to show the importance of sunscreen

Jan 29, 2015

by Amber Saunders

If you're one of the many Irish people with naturally fair skin, you'll know how important it is to apply sunscreen when heading to the beach.

However many of us disregard sunscreen or products with SPF unless the sun is really beating down on us. This latest ad campaign from NIVEA shows just how important it is to protect our skin from sun exposure at all times.

The though-provoking short film, created in partnership with artist Thomas Leveritt, uses UV cameras to show the damage that over-exposure to the sun's harmful rays can do to our skin.

It also shows the amazing job that sunscreen does by protecting us from those rays.

So next time you're out in the sunshine – take care, and take care of others too! Watch the short film here:

Doctors issue warning about DIY sunscreen

Jul 24, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Apparently alternative health bloggers have been telling people to swap shop bought sunscreen, for coconut oil and beeswax to avoid putting ‘toxic ingredients’ into their skin. They’ve also claimed that things like carrot seed oil and red raspberry seed oil, has a sun protecting SPF of 50. However, experts have slammed this as ‘absolute nonsense’.

Dr David Fenton warned: “We have no idea how safe these products are if they are produced in the kitchen sink.

“Obviously anyone who tries to mix their own sun protection is really putting themselves are risk.

“Anyone who relies on something like this is putting themselves at real risk of a melanoma.”

Well, you have been warned!

The best suncreams for your face

Jun 19, 2014

by Amber Saunders

As the weather gets hot, hot, hot, it is important that you stay adequately protected from the sun. Unfortunately, while sunscreen is a vital beauty essential, it can leave your skin greasy which is not good if you are prone to spots or have sensitive skin.

If this is something that you can relate to, these suncreams will become your new BFFs:

Clinique Face Cream SPF
This sun protection has an SPF of 50, won’t leave your pores clogged and absorbs pretty quickly – no more waiting for it to soak in.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturiser
This oil-free moisturiser helps to protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays and also helps to even skin tone and bring out your skin’s natural radiance.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid
Perfect if you are heading to the beach. It is also great for using every day as it sits under your foundation without causing it to slide off your face.

SkinCeuticals Daily Sun Defense SPF 30
If you are prone to getting little spots and pimples every time you apply sunscreen, then this is the product for you. Perfect for sensitive skins – it won’t block your pores and doesn’t leave a greasy residue.

What you need to know about sunscreen

May 29, 2014

by Amber Saunders

We all know the risks associated with the sun, especially premature ageing and skin cancer. However, are you clued up when it comes to knowing which sunscreen is for you?

Who should wear it?
Sun cream is not just for pale ladies and everyone should wear it, regardless of whether you tan or not.

How long does it last?
It won’t last longer than two hours and less so if you are swimming. Sun cream is only water resistant and must be reapplied after bathing.

What type of suncream for me?
It is important you wear a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

How much should I put on?
You need to put at least an ounce of sunscreen on so that it is a layer over your skin.

When to apply?
Make sure you apply it at least 15 minutes before you step out into the sun.

What SPF?
Go for an SPF of at least 30, even if you tan and especially if you are planning on staying in the sun for a while.

Top 5 sunscreens to suit all skin types this summer

May 1, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Protecting your skin from the sun is vital and there is definitely something about the smell of sunscreen that instantly reminds us of summer.

The Clarins UV plus HP Sunscreen SPF40
This sunscreen is perfect for normal to dry skin tones. It won’t leave a greasy residue and is lightweight enough to wear all day.

Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF40
This face protector is great if you have oily skin and are prone to a few spots. It helps to protect against the sun and works as a make-up primer.

LaRoche-Posay Anthelios SPF30
This one won’t block your pores so you can rest-assured you won’t suffer any sunscreen related breakouts.

L’ Oreal Paris Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen SPF50+
This one contains antioxidant oils to gently moisturise your skin. It’s light and leaves a nice sun kissed shimmer.

Garnier Ambre Solaire Golden Protect Protective Oil SPF20
This is great for tanned skin as the sunscreen will help protect your tan leaving your skin bronzed and golden. It comes in a spray formula and contains shea butter for smooth skin.