‘It starts young' expert warns over mini-heatwave health mistakes we can reverse with 6 steps

The Irish Sun

23-05-2025

IRELAND has enjoyed a stunning spring, with temperatures in the mid-20s.
If you want to keep your skin protected, sunscreen is vital – but there is
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Glenda Gilson and Eavanna Breen dished out sun safety advice to Dublin punters
Credit: Rob Kenny PR
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The duo teamed up to hand out 100 free bottles of Skinmade's SPF 50 Protect & Care Sun Oil while delivering vital advice
Credit: Rob Kenny PR
Nine in ten cases of
Irish skin expert Eavanna Breen took to a sun-drenched St Stephen's Green in Dublin this week to deliver an urgent sun safety message with broadcaster and client Glenda Gilson.
The event, which was inspired by Skin Cancer Awareness Month, aimed to raise awareness around the dangers of unprotected sun exposure.
Now, writing in The Irish Sun today, Eavanna gives her tips on how to enjoy the sun this summer, but stay safe at the same time.
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EVERY sunburn, every tan, every day you skip SPF — your skin remembers it all.
And with the recent bout of blistering sunshine, many of us forget the basics of minding our skin.
But it's never too late to protect it or begin reversing that damage.
Follow these tips . . .
SLIP ON A SHIRT
OPT for long-sleeved, lightweight clothing, ideally with UV protection.
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It might feel like overkill, but if people in Vietnam can wear gloves, face coverings and layers while cycling in 40C heat, we can manage a light linen shirt in the Irish summer.
EMBRACE SUNSCREEN
USE SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin, and do not skip areas like your ears, hands and feet.
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Reapply every two hours, particularly if you are sweating, swimming or spending extended time outdoors. This is non-negotiable.
LOVE YOUR HAT
A WIDE-brimmed hat will offer much better protection than a baseball cap, simply because it shields more of your face, ears and neck.
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Bucket hats might not be high fashion, but they are high functioning.
You are better off looking like a cautious dad than dealing with sun damage in years to come.
SEEK SHADE
THE UV index peaks between 11am and 4pm.
During these hours, staying in the shade is your best defence. If you have children, this can be easier said than done, so use it as an opportunity to sit down for a proper lunch indoors and give your skin a break.
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WEAR SUNGLASSES
NOT all sunglasses offer proper UV protection, so check the label.
The sun damages your eyes in the same way it damages your skin. Think of sunglasses as SPF for your eyes.
USE SKINCARE AS YOUR SECRET WEAPON
YOUR skincare routine can offer an extra layer of protection if you use the right ingredients.
Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E work like bodyguards, neutralising free radicals before they can do damage.
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It is not a replacement for sunscreen, but it is a valuable supporting act.
There is still a worrying casualness around sunscreen in Ireland. Too many people see it as something you throw on at the beach or avoid altogether because of misinformation.
Online, there is a growing trend of people claiming SPF products are toxic or filled with harmful chemicals.
Others say sunscreen blocks vitamin D and that unprotected sun exposure is necessary for your health. Let's deal in fact.
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Sunscreens sold in the EU are classified as cosmetics, but they are subject to extremely strict regulations.
Every UV filter permitted has gone through rigorous safety checks, including lab testing, computer modelling and real-world trials.
The European Commission's scientific committee applies huge margins of safety. The minuscule levels of active ingredients in sunscreen are nowhere near dangerous.
That is not to say every product is equal. Quality matters. But the idea that sunscreen is toxic simply does not stand up to scrutiny.
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And what about vitamin D? Yes, we need it. But most people in this part of the world can produce enough with just five to 15 minutes of sun exposure a few times a week, on bare skin such as your forearms or lower legs.
You do not need to burn, tan or skip protection altogether. Like everything, it is about balance.
The truth is that UV damage is cumulative, silent and starts young. It is the leading cause of premature skin ageing and a major risk factor for skin cancer.
The damage you ignore in your 30s can catch up with you in your 50s.
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Wearing sunscreen daily is not about fear. It is about taking responsibility for your long-term skin health. If we are serious about prevention, we need to stop treating SPF like an optional extra.