Men: follow the SunSmart code and have fun in the sun safely this summer

Men: follow the SunSmart code. In light of the last few months unprecedented events, we would all like to shake off the cobwebs of winter and spend some much-needed time outside. However, it’s imperative that you do this safely and look after your skin as well as adhering to social distancing guidelines and helping protect each other from the spread of COVID-19.

 

 

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland. Each year 7,200 men in Ireland are diagnosed with skin cancer, but this number could be reduced by being more aware of protecting your skin from the ultraviolet rays and following the SunSmart code.

 

 

Looking after your skin

 

Here are some of the steps you can take to look after your skin when outdoors:

 

1) Wear sunscreen factor 30+ with a good UV rating.

2) Cover up when in the sun for extended periods of time

3) Never, ever use sunbeds

4) Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm as that is when the sun is at its peak

 

 

Sunscreen is an everyday thing

 

A common misconception is that it is the heat of the sun that burns your skin, but it’s actually the sun’s Ultra Violet (UV) rays that does the most damage. That’s why it’s so important to wear sunscreen every day, even when the sun is hidden behind the clouds.

 

Whether out cutting the grass, going for a walk around your area or spending time doing up the garden, it is important to look after your skin and help reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. For more information on how you can be SunSmart all year round, click here.