La Roche-Posay has been reinventing sun protection for more than 25 years, working in collaboration with dermatologists worldwide. To date, the efficacy of Anthelios sun care has been proven in over 70 clinical studies. Anthelios constantly innovates to provide pioneering intelligent formulas that are suitable for daily use and all sensitive skin.
With record breaking temperatures forecasted for this week in Ireland, and some spots expecting to see a 27 degree scorcher today, staying sun-safe is as important as ever.
Difference of UVA vs UVB
A study conducted by La Roche-Posay in 2021 identified that almost 1 in 5 believe the sun in Ireland is not strong enough to pose a health risk. However, the forecasted UV index in Ireland for Wednesday 10th August until Saturday 13th August is 6, which is classified as “HIGH”.
GP Dr Laura Lenihan explains exactly what UV rays are, the difference between UVA and UVB and exactly why we need to be protecting our skin from these harmful rays:
“UV rays from the sun come in two major forms – UVA rays which cause Ageing of the skin and UVB rays which cause Burning of the skin. UVB rays are present during the months of April to October and are the ones we tend to worry about most, as they cause the skin to burn, however UVA rays are present year-round and cause ageing of the skin. Furthermore, UVA rays can pass through window glass, whereas UVB rays are blocked by window glass. Both types can cause DNA damage leading to skin cancer. That’s why it is encouraged to use of a broad-spectrum SPF that protects against UVB and UVA rays every day.
Educate yourself on the risks. Much like you check the weather, you can check the UV index daily as well. The higher the UV index, the more dangerous the sun’s rays are. UV index ranges from zero upwards, the higher the number the more dangerous the suns ray are. When above 3, protection is required.”
Professor. Niki Ralph, Consultant Dermatologist said;
“As a nation, our attitude to sun care is worrying, with so few complying to health guidelines around SPF. With over 13,000 cases diagnosed in Ireland each year, skin cancer is Ireland’s most common cancer. Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. About 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers and 85 percent of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.”
How to Protect Your Skin
With the forecasted heatwave lasting until next week, why not use this as a time to bring in some new habits for sun safety. To stay safe in the sun try following the five S’s of Sun Safety:
- Seek shade from the midday sun
- Slip on a broad brimmed hat
- Slide on a pair of sunglasses
- Slop on SPF
- Slip on a cotton cover up
GP Dr Laura Lenihan says: “These rules apply to kids as well. Babies less than six months should not be exposed to direct sunlight at all. Invest in a UV protected tent for infants under 6 months and dress them in long sleeves, pants, and a wide brimmed hat. It’s really important to make sure they don’t get overheated and that they drink plenty of fluids.
For older children reapply a broad-spectrum water-resistant SPF 50 sunscreen, such as La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Dermo-Paediatrics Lotion SPF50+, every two hours to any skin not covered by protective clothing.”
Professor. Niki Ralph, Consultant Dermatologist said; “I cannot stress enough the importance of wearing a broad-spectrum, high factor SPF daily. We must practice safe sun at home in Ireland, just as we would if we were holidaying abroad. Parents should ensure children are protected daily with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, to keep them safe from harmful UV rays. Look for both UVA and UVB protection indicators on labels and opt for SPF 50+, such as La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios range.”
Applying SPF
If you are planning to spend the next couple of days on some of Ireland’s finest beaches, then don’t forget that sand and water all reflect the sun’s rays and can wash off sunscreen. That’s why it’s best to use a water-resistant formula, such as the SPFs in La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios range. Then reapply as soon as you get dry.
Expert advice from GP Dr Laura Lenihan on how to apply SPF:
“When applying SPF, it is important to ensure that you are using enough. Unfortunately, the average person uses about one third of the amount required, which means we don’t get enough SPF. To cover the whole body most adults will require 2 tablespoons of SPF for optimal protection. Approx. 2 teaspoons are needed for optimal face & neck coverage, applied after moisturiser and before makeup. Ideally SPF should be reapplied every two hours to ensure maximum protection.”
Skin Cancer & Mole checks
If you have been previously exposed to the sun or have suffered from sun damage, then it’s worth keeping an eye on your skin and any changes you might notice. The Irish Cancer Society advise us to check our skin from head to toe every month for any changes. If you notice anything unusual then get checked by your GP, as skin cancer is highly treatable when detected and caught early.
GP, Dr Laura Lenihan says: “when conducting your monthly skin evaluation, I recommend using the ABCDE model:
A for Asymmetry – look for any abnormalities in the shape of the mole, usually they are round and if you drew a line down the centre they would be pretty much the same on both sides.
B for Border – look out for the borders that are irregular, notched or blurred. Normal moles are round or oval.
C for Colour variation – some moles will be different in colour – but look out for these changes over time. Sometimes we worry more about darker looking moles and if you are unsure, get it checked by your GP.
D for Diameter – a change in size of a mole is something to get checked out. The best way to check this over time is to take photos on your phone, save them into an album so you can look at them over time. Use an object or ruler for reference with each picture.
E for Evolving – the mole is changing in size, shape, or colour.”
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Suncare Range
La Roche-Posay has been an expert in sun protection for more than 25 years, working in collaboration with dermatologists worldwide. To date, the efficacy of Anthelios sun care has been proven in over 70 clinical studies.
Anthelios constantly innovates to provide pioneering intelligent formulas that are suitable for daily use and all sensitive skin. The tailor-made ‘by skin type’ sunscreens are hypoallergenic and non-greasy, making them perfect for use every day. Heroes from the range include;
Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+
The best-selling Invisible Fluid ultra-light SPF which contains intelligent polymer technology to ensure the lightest possible formula that still offers ultra-high UVA and very high UVB protection with a minimalist hypoallergenic formula. Now formulated with La Roche-Posay’s newest filter, Mexoryl 400, the most efficient UV filter against the most penetrative rays providing unprecedented protection against the rays that can cause the visible signs of premature ageing. RRP: €19.50
Eco Tube Hydrating Lotion SPF 50
Exceptionally high sun protection body lotion specifically formulated for dry sensitive skin. This easy-to-apply, lightweight formulation is non-greasy and ensures a very high, broad, and photostable UVA/UVB protection and is water resistant. This body lotion is eco-packed in paper-based tubes, developed to protect the skin, marine life and the environment, reducing the amount of plastic used by 45%*. RRP: €21.50
Anthelios also offers exceptionally high sun protection for children, which is dermatologically tested and is specially formulated for their fragile, sensitive skin. Family favourites include Hydrating Kids Lotion (250ml value added size: RRP €19.95) which is easy to apply, with a moisturising and velvety texture. This lotion is very water resistant and non-greasy, non-sticky. The Invisible Kids Mist (125ml RRP €22.00), is an easy to apply fine mist, and Invisible Kids Spray (200ml RRP €22.00), both designed to ensure full coverage and easy application for children, with very high resistance to water. Suitable for the face and body.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Suncare is recommended by dermatologists worldwide**. Formulas are suitable for daily use and all sensitive skin types. The tailor-made by skin type sunscreens are hypoallergenic and non-greasy, making them perfect for use every day. La Roche-Posay Anthelios range is available in local pharmacies nationwide.
*Compared with a similar plastic tube,
** Based on interviews with 6023 dermatologists – IQVIA International Dermatologists Barometer 2017/18 and 2018/19 waves.