Sunscreen is one holiday essential that often gets left behind when people pack for a winter holiday, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are reminding people not to forget their sunscreen when packing for their winter getaway.

Dr Louise Herron, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Whether you are heading to the ski slopes or jetting off for some winter sun, it is important to stay safe in the sun during your break. It’s easy to associate winter with frostbite and windburn, but UV rays can be every bit as damaging for winter sun seekers. It is important to take steps to protect your skin from the winter sun.

“While sunlight is important for our overall health and wellbeing, too much UV radiation from the sun can cause damage to the skin and lead to skin cancer. The majority of all skin cancers are preventable by undertaking simple sun protection measures such as using the right sunscreen and applying it properly.”

The Solar UV Index shows how much solar radiation is reaching us from the sun and how careful we need to be. UV levels vary with the seasons and time of day, but when the UV index is three or above we need to protect our skin and eyes, so it is important to know what the UV index is going to be throughout the day.

When choosing sunscreen, it is important to get one that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays which can speed up skin ageing, cause sunburn and increase the risk of developing skin cancer. To reduce your exposure to UVB rays, your sunscreen should be at least SPF30 and make sure it has a UVA rating of 4 or 5 stars.

How you apply your sunscreen also affects how well it protects you. Most people do not apply enough sunscreen. To maximise protection against UV damage, at least six full teaspoonfuls of sunscreen lotion are needed for an all over body application for an average adult.

You should use:

• more than half a teaspoon of sunscreen to each arm;
• over half a teaspoon for the face and neck, including the ears;
• just over one teaspoon for the front of your body;
• just over one teaspoon for the back of your body;
• just over one teaspoon for each leg. 

To give a good level of protection, sunscreen needs to be applied generously 30 minutes before you go outdoors, then reapplied every two hours, or more frequently after swimming, sweating, or towelling the skin.

Doreen Regan, Skin Cancer Prevention Coordinator at Cancer Focus NI, added: “Skin cancer is our most common cancer in Northern Ireland, with 11 people receiving a diagnosis of this disease every day, no matter what the weather!  Don't forget to keep checking your skin even though we’re all layering up for winter. If you notice any changes, see your GP as soon as possible. Early detection of skin cancer saves lives.”

Other ways you can reduce your risk of skin cancer include:

• Know the UV index and when it is 3 or more, protect your skin and eyes.
• Seek shade when the UV rays are strongest between 11am and 3pm.
• Cover up in the sun with a long-sleeved t-shirt and a broad brim hat.
• Wear sunglasses that have CE or EN Standard Marks, which carry a UV 400 label and offer 100% UV protection. This will ensure they provide adequate protection from both UVA and UVB.
• Avoid using sunbeds.
• Check regularly for changes to your skin.

You can find out what the daily UV index is for your area through the weather app on your smartphone or by downloading the Met Office app. To find out more about taking care in the sun, visit www.careinthesun.org.