24-05-2025
'I'm a skincare expert - why slapping on factor 50 isn't always the best idea'
Many diligent sun worshippers may believe that slapping on SPF 50 is the best way to protect our overall health.
And while it definitely has it's place, one of Ireland's leading skincare experts has revealed that sunscreen with a high factor has a time and place. Eavanna Breen says while protecting our skin from the sun is paramount, our body also needs to absorb some vitamin D.
She explained: 'Minimum factor 30 is what I would recommend. And in the summer months, I would recommend going higher. So from March to September, I would say go 50. And from September to March using an SPF 30 is sufficient in Ireland, when you're not in direct sunlight all the time, because you do need a certain amount of vitamin D.
'So, the incidental bits of sun that you'll get from being outdoors in and out throughout the day will get you that vitamin D requirement that you need.'
This comes as the Irish Cancer Society said there are almost 12,000 cases of skin cancer diagnosed in Ireland every year, with nine out of ten being caused by ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) from the sun or sunbeds.
Eavanna says compared to other countries Irish people do not take sun safety seriously enough, and it's something that needs to be considered all year round. She told the Irish Mirror: 'People don't take it seriously enough, and I think that's because we don't get a lot of sun in this country, they think that it's not an issue.
"But it's not about the heat of the sun, it's about the UV rays that they can do. There's UVA and UVB. UVB is the one that causes burning on our skin, and it becomes more prevalent at this time of the year, so from March to September, the UVB rays will tend to be stronger, so we're more at risk of burning.
'But, the UVA rays are constant all the time, they don't necessarily burn our skin, but they're the ones that age our skin, and they're the ones that cause these other problems within our skin.'
The skin expert, who owns the Eavanna Breen Clinic, said the best way to protect our skin is by following the SunSmart Code. This consists of five steps: seeking shade, slipping on clothes, wearing sunglasses, using sunscreen and knowing the UV index.
According to the Irish Cancer Society, a UV score of three or higher leads to a greater risk of skin damage. From April to September, the charity encourages everyone to check the UV index on the Met Éireann website.
According to a recent survey by TanOrganic, only 18% of those surveyed said they consider the UV index when applying sun cream. Some 40% of respondents also said they do not reapply sun cream throughout the day, despite recommendations for SPF to be applied every two hours, particularly when swimming or sweating.
