Ireland has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in Europe.
Two thirds of Irish people have a skin type that is more susceptible to developing a cancer than other skin stypes. However, 85% of all cases in Ireland are preventable; as practically all of the risk comes from the sun or from sun beds. So what should we do to prevent it?
It’s obvious really, stay out of the sun. You honestly don’t need that much of it. 10-15 minutes a day (in conjunction with a decent diet) is plenty and will provide you with all the Vitamin D you need.
That’s the best advice, but we know you’re going to want to be outside longer than that. And when you do go out in the sun, wear sunscreen. Wear it, even when the sky is completely covered in clouds, as clouds don’t block out all of the UV rays.
Each year in Ireland, approximately 600 people are diagnosed with a malignant melanoma, and a further 6,200 are diagnosed with a non-melanoma skin cancer. At current rates, one in every eight men in this country will develop skin cancer by the age of 74 (for women it is one in ten), and the number of cases is rising year by year.
JOE has taken a look at some of the different brands available to help you make your sunscreen choice.
The Aussies are clearly exposed to a lot more sun than we are, so it’s not surprising that they produce some of the best sunscreen brands. Aussie brand Hamilton‘s suncreen milk range comes in factor 15, factor 30 and factor 50 (125ml, €14.96) and provides decent protection from both UVA and UVB rays (which is vital if you’re going to be properly protected). Factor 15 is the minimum factor anyone should use, and a higher factor is strongly recommended.
Between 11am and 3pm you should definitely be using at least a factor 30, as that is when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. Of the range, we recommend the 30+ Sportblock.
As the name suggests, it’s perfect for use when you’re playing sports. It maintains its protection, even after four hours in a swimming pool. And it’s sweat resistant, so it won’t run into your eyes. After you apply it, the milk absorbs within about a minute. It has a little bit of an odd smell, and it’s a little bit greasy, especially on the hands.
Vichy’s Capital Soleil range is slightly more expensive, at €18.25 for 100ml. The product also acts as a moisturiser (for your face and hands) as well as an anti-ageing cream. It come in the pretty-much standard factors 15, 30, and 50. A 60 is also available if you want to be extra careful.
Nivea have a factor 30 and a factor 40 cream, that is easily absorbed and is water resistant. It retails at a reasonable €16.42 for 200ml (twice the volume of the Vichy one). Great value too is the factor 50 from Malibu, which retails at only €12.50 for 200ml. It’s suitable for both adults and kids.
If you’d prefer a spray to a milk or cream, we’d recommend the Roc factor 30 Minesol (150ml) for €19.99. It absorbs immediatly after spraying it on, and the mist it gives off is really refreshing. It is the least sticky of all sun-blockers we’ve tried, in fact there is no grease at all. You have to apply it frequently though.
But if we’re looking at sheer value, you can’t ignore Ikea’s Njuta Spf 20, which retails at a mere €5.99 for 200ml. It is also worth noting that if you are an Ikea family member (i.e. on the Swedish giant, you’ll get it for only €4.49.
Sun damage is permanent but a cancer can take 20 to 30 years to develop (the current cancer rates reflect Irish people’s actions back in the 70s and 80s). Ozone damage and global warming have increased the risk of damage from UV rays, but if we are responsible, there is a chance that rates of skin cancer in Ireland may decrease over time.
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