LET there be no misunderstanding about this one: uncovering yourself in the sun can be very dangerous. Last month, the EU launched a new campaign - Europe Against Cancer - focusing on the major risk posed by excessive exposure of the skin to harmful rays of sunlight.
According to the Irish Cancer Society, it's estimated that in this country up to 7,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed per year; of these, non melanoma skin cancers are the most common form and these have risen four fold in the past decade. Malignant melanoma incidence has doubled in the same period and the latest annual figures indicate that 470 new cases were diagnosed, 65 per cent of whom were women.
Given that skin cancer now accounts for approximately one third of cancers in Ireland, it's shocking that so few people here take the necessary precautions. The recently released results of a survey conducted by Uvistat indicated that evens though the great majority of this country's population were aware of the link between sun and cancer, almost 50 per cent of young Irish adults suffered sunburn in Ireland last year. When this information was released, consultant dermatologist at Beaumont Hospital Dr Gillian Murphy commented that young adults (aged 15-24) felt a sun tan made them more attractive "while they are less concerned than any other age group about the effects of the sun in terms of skin cancer and photo ageing".
As Dr Murphy noted, it's not just cancer that can result from excessive exposure to the sun; the likelihood of premature ageing is also greatly increased. Wrinkle, sagging skin, broken veins, uneven skin colour and what are called "sun spots" are all encouraged whenever the sunbathing occurs. The problem is that what are popularly considered the short term benefits of a tan still tend to discourage sensible behaviour, especially in a country like Ireland where sunshine is at such a premium. Although a deep skin colour actually indicates damage, most people mistakenly associate it with good health and desirability. What's needed most is a change in this perception because only then will full understanding of the risks associated with tanning be widely achieved.
It is particularly ironic that until the present century, the greatest premium was placed on pale skin - remember Mr Bingleys sisters commenting unfavourably on Elizabeth Bennet's freckles in Pride and Prejudice? The change came during the 1920s when a new interest in outdoor pursuits and holidays by the sea began to emerge. Initially, a well cultivated tan suggested wealth since only the privileged few could afford to take long holidays. The proliferation of overseas travel and the widespread availability of sun tanning technology means acquiring a dark colour is no longer the prerogative of the few, but still pallor has failed to regain its appeal. Today, pale is no longer readily equated with interesting.
As increasing numbers of Irish people develop skin cancers, that attitude is likely to change but there is plenty of sound advice around on how to avoid falling into a risk category. Small children are especially vulnerable because of their delicate skin; an infant under the age of three should never be exposed to the sun and up to the age of 15, sun can be a major risk factor for skin cancer later in life.
People in occupations, such as farming, which require spending the majority of the day outdoors, are also vulnerable and men with thinning or no hair can suffer sunburn and sunstroke if they fail to keep their heads covered. The Europe Against Cancer campaign has a number of other suggestions, including the avoidance of the two hours off noonday sun when a mere 20 minutes exposure is enough to cause first degree burns. Limit use of sunbeds and use clothing such as T shirts and brimmed hats to protect the skin.
Just as important is the persistent use of high protection sunscreens offering protection against the two main types of the sun's ultra violet radiation: UVA and UVB. The Irish Cancer Society stresses the importance of checking that sunscreens carry assurance of protection against both of these.
"It's well recognised from Australia where most of these studies have been carried out," explains dermatologist Bridget O'Connell, "that a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 or more must be used. This should be applied and re applied throughout the day - not just at 9 a.m. And you should lighten the base according to the heat so that it's not too creamy and occludes the skin like a layer of grease. Vary what you use for the humidity and conditions of the day and go from a cream to a lotion to a gel as needed."
Dr O'Connell also advises against believing that application of a sunscreen allows for additional time in the sun, since the latter will only negate the potential benefits of the former. Only regular and repeated use of sunscreens, together with the other precautions recommended, can ensure safety. And don't worry about staying pale this summer; it's only a matter of time before the rest of the population follows your example.
. Sun Creams: We Recommend
AS Dr Bridget O'Connell suggests, always look for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. It used to be that these were hard to find, but now almost every company includes high SPFs in its range. For children who need the greatest protection, a new product called Banana Boat from the United States has an SPF of 50; it retails at £7.99 in pharmacies. Among the best known brands, Ambre Solaire has a Sun Block Cream with SPF 30 (£7.65), Uvistat offers the same SPF in its Ultrablock Sun Cream (£8.85) as does Almay's Total Bloc (£9.50). Vichy's Total Sun Block Milk's SPF is 25 (£9.50), as is Clinique's oil free cream (£12) and Clarins's Total Sunblock for Face and Body (£12.50). Helena Rubinstein has a factor 30 cream for nose, eyes and other sensitive areas (£15.50) and Shiseido can provide a factor 32 compact for the face (£17.90). Aveda has produced a new moisturising cream called Daily Lights,"Guard with an SPF of 15 (£18) as well as it. Fresh Essence Lip Sheer for protection of this very vulnerable area (£13). Nelson's homeopathic pharmacy in Dublin, together with a number of other stores, carries the German Sunlind range which includes a sun protection cream with SPF of 27.
. Look After Your Hair
JUST as much damage is likely to be inflicted on hair as skin during the summer months, so care and attention is needed here too. Trichologist Ann Goldsmith of Dublin's Universal Hair & Scalp Clinic advises that it is better to anticipate problems rather than wait until, they arise. The most serious and frequent damage is to hair that has been coloured or bleached.
"The sun plays havoc with it," warns Ms Goldsmith, who recommends that the best precaution is to keep your head well covered at all times. Just as important, try to avoid wetting your hair while swimming; both sea and pool water can react adversely with dye chemicals and there have been cases of women returning from holiday with green or pink tinted hair.
American celebrity hairdresser Michael di Cesare, whose line of products has just become exclusively available at Clerys, recommends washing your hair in equal parts of his Purifying Oat Hair Wash (£7.95) and soda water - "it's soft and bubbly and will lift the surface of salt or chlorine out of the hair". For a conditioner, he suggests mixing his Restoring Emulsion with a 15 SPF sunscreen and then leaving the mixture on the hair throughout the day. To counteract summer humidity, the di Cesare range also includes a silicone based serum called Brilliance (£10.50) which he promises will "really eliminate fuzz as well as sealing split ends".
All major professional ranges available through your hairdresser will include products designed specifically for exposure to sun. Wella, for example, in its SP line has both a Sun Protection Spray (£7.55) and a Protection Styling Gel (£6.35), as well as cleansers and conditioners for after sun care, not least a new leave in conditioner called Active Repair Mousse (£6.75).
All Redken's sun shampoos and conditioners have UV filters; the line here includes a Styling Spray Gel and a Solargenic Beauty Masque (both £10). Similarly, L'Oreal's Kerastase Solaire Protect UV Scalp Protection (£6.49), designed specially for scalps exposed to the sun has an SPF of 12. The same company's new Anti Drying Protection Spray with Photodefence System (£9.99) protects against sea, wind, sun and chlorinated water while the Solaire Aqua Protection Gelee (£6.49) is a waterproof formulation for anyone who's likely to spend a lot of time swimming.
Finally, Aveda has a couple of products which will help keep hair looking its best: the Hair Detoxifier (£4 for the smallest size) which removes build up from chlorine, environmental pollutants and synthetic conditioners and Elixir (also starting at £4) containing a natural sun filter as well as conditioning emollients.
. For the Eyes
LAST month, the Association of Optometrists in Ireland warned of the dangers posed to people's eyesight by bright sunshine. This problem can be exacerbated by wearing inferior quality sunglasses which fail to provide sufficient protection.
The association stresses that eyes need to be sheltered against even Irish sunshine and recommends that effective sunglasses must, at a minimum, be manufactured to a recognised safety standard which guarantee protection against the most damaging ultra violet sunlight. While a European standard designed to ensure sunglasses are protecting the eyes properly is due early next year, for the moment it's worth looking out for the CE mark on all glasses as this confirms that quality has been checked by the manufacturer with harmful UV radiation correctly absorbed by the lenses.
Dublin optician Reggie Manuel warns that while the negative consequences of exposure to ultra violet light - inflammation and irritation - may appear temporary, the long term effects can include cataract formation. "Expensive glasses don't necessarily protect your eyes better than inexpensive ones," advises Mr Manuel, "but you will normally find a better vision quality combined with a more reliable frame." He recommends Serengeti Drivers: "they're not cheap but the lenses automatically lighten or darken depending on daylight condition, they filter blue light which improves contrast, aiding visibility in hazy conditions as well as blocking ultra violet." Other labels proposed by Mr Manuel include Ray Ban, Vuarnet, Sting, Calvin Klein and Vogue. Although many of these makes are widely available at retail outlets, the advantages of buying from an optician include the assurance of professional experience.
. And Don't Forget Your Feet
IF there's one part of your anatomy likely to be on display this summer, it'll be feet (see Choice left). So you'll want to get these in presentable condition after months of being covered up. If you have specific problems, take time to visit your local chiropodist; foot specialists Scholl can also provide a half hour pedicure for £20. Remember too that feet swell in hot weather, so take that into account when buying shoes in the months ahead. Finally, having gone to the trouble of having your feet overhauled, don't overlook the option of painting your toenails. Best colour for this year isn't bold red but a softer, prettier frosted pink.