May marks Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and as the sun peeks through Ireland’s famously changeable skies, Yon-Ka is issuing a timely reminder: your skin needs protection every day, not just when the sun is shining.

With Ireland’s skin cancer rates now among the highest in Europe, and a hotter-than-average summer forecast, the message is clear – sun safety isn’t seasonal. It’s essential.

Over 13,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually in Ireland, according to the Irish Cancer Society. Despite this, many Irish people continue to underestimate UV exposure on cloudy or cooler days, assuming risk is low unless they’re abroad.

The truth? Up to 80% of UV rays still penetrate cloud cover and the damage they cause is cumulative. That’s why Yon-Ka, the luxury French skincare brand grounded in phyto-aromatic science, is bringing a fresh, Irish take to the internationally recognised ‘5 S’s of sun safety’, alongside a targeted product line-up that makes staying sun-safe luxurious, soothing, and smart.

The Irish 5 S’s

Yon-Ka has reimagined them for Irish skin, Irish weather, and Irish habits:

  1. Slip on SPF – Whether you’re walking to the shop, watching GAA on the sidelines, or sitting in traffic, your skin is exposed. Daily SPF is the baseline, not the backup.
  2. Slop on hydration – If you’ve had too much sun (and in Ireland, we rarely plan for it), a calming after sun is your first step in reversing the damage.
  3. Slap on a hat – Yes, even in Ireland. Caps, wide-brimmed sunhats, and even hooded tops help reduce UV exposure, especially for the face and scalp.
  4. Seek shade – When pub gardens, beaches, or park benches call, balance your sun time with shelter. Shorter bursts of sun = less damage.
  5. Self-tan, don’t sun tan – Irish skin isn’t built to bronze in the sun. Opt for Yon-Ka’s streak-free self-tanning milk to get that golden glow, without the burn or the risk.

Yon-Ka’s sun-safe essentials

Whether you’re planning a family day at the beach or just topping up your vitamin D on a stroll, Yon-Ka’s three hero products have you covered – before, after, and instead of sun exposure.

Yon-Ka SPF 50 High Protection Sunscreen (€47.00 / £41.50)

This broad-spectrum sunscreen combines high UVA/UVB protection with Yon-Ka’s signature blend of botanical ingredients. Lightweight, non-greasy, and water-resistant, it features vitamin E and polyphenols to fight oxidative stress and premature ageing. Suitable for face and body, and sensitive enough for Irish skin prone to burning.

Yon-Ka Lait Après-Soleil Aftersun Milk (€42.00 / £37.00)

For those inevitable moments when the sun gets the better of you, this soothing aftersun milk cools, calms, and restores. Enriched with aloe vera, bisabolol, and vitamin B5, it works to relieve tightness and redness while hydrating and extending your tan naturally.

Yon-Ka Lait Auto-Bronzant Self-Tanning Milk (€48.00 / £42.00)

Get a radiant, golden glow without the risks of sun exposure. This silky, buildable self-tan lotion gives a natural-looking, streak-free result, while nourishing the skin with fruit extracts and moisturisers. Ideal for a holiday glow, no plane ticket required.

“We need to understand that in Ireland, sun protection isn’t just for sunny days,” said Shannon McCreery, Yon-Ka Education Manager. “UVB rays, which cause visible sunburn, are more intense during the summer months. However, UVA rays, responsible for cumulative damage and premature ageing, are present all year round. The danger with UVA is that it doesn’t cause immediate burning but rather long-term skin damage. Irish skin is especially vulnerable due to its typically pale complexion. That’s why we recommend following the five S’s.”

The Yon-Ka Sun Care range is available at www.yonka.ie and at selected salons and clinics nationwide.

A full list of Yon-Ka professionals can be found at: www.yonka.ie/find-a-pro