Sally Foran: Ireland still has work to do when it comes to SPF protection

As more parks offer free SPF dispensers, our beauty editor shares why she believes we should fully embrace Australia's SunSmart guide - and the common SPF myths we all need to avoid

Thu, 28 May, 2026 - 01:00

Sally Foran

Did you know skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, with more than 11,000 people diagnosed every year? And, according to the National Cancer Registry of Ireland, those rates are projected to double by 2040.

That’s why I was delighted to see free SPF stations being introduced in seven Dublin parks as part of a new public health initiative — something Cork City Council piloted last year in the vicinity of Marina Park, Holland Park, Central Hall, Meelick Park, Clashduv Park, and Fitzgerald’s park.

It’s a step in the right direction but, when it comes to sun protection, one of the key messages we still struggle to get across is that SPF should be worn every day, all year round — not just when the weather feels hot (as it did this week!).

As aesthetician Evanna Breen explains: “In Australia, sun protection is mandated whenever the UV Index is 3 or above, regardless of whether it feels hot. Even on a grey, overcast day in Dublin, the UV index can reach dangerous levels.”

Breen suggests — and I agree with her — that, as a country, we need to fully embrace the ‘SunSmart’ practice that’s used in Australia and now detailed on the HSE’s website.

Australia’s SunSmart guide

So what is the SunSmart guide? Well, it embraces the 5S rule — slip, slop, slap, seek, and slide.

1. Slip on clothes that cover your skin, such as long sleeves and collared T-shirts.

2. Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen and reapply every two hours, or more often if sweating, swimming, or towel drying.

3. Slap on a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears, and neck.

4. Seek shade, especially between 11am and 3pm.

5. Slide on wraparound sunglasses with UV protection.

A survey by Irish charity Breakthrough Cancer Research found that just 13% of people always wear a hat when it’s sunny, 15% seek shade, and 25% always wear sunglasses. So it’s crucial that we get these basic steps right.

SPF myths

Unfortunately, with the prevalence of online misinformation and disinformation, some harmful SPF myths are still floating around out there.

“You don’t need SPF in winter”

SPF is still essential during winter — even snow reflects and intensifies UV rays! While UVB rays are stronger in summer, UVA rays remain constant all year round.

“A base tan protects your skin”

There is no such thing as a healthy tan. Harmful myths about tanning helping acne or psoriasis are just that — myths. The so-called “base tan” only offers protection equivalent to roughly SPF 3 and it does not protect against sunburn or skin cancer.

And a reminder — the WHO has classified sunbeds as a Group 1 carcinogen. One study examining indoor tanning and melanoma in younger women found that, of 63 women diagnosed with melanoma before the age of 30, 61 had used sunbeds. Sunbeds only increase the risk of premature ageing, pigmentation, and skin cancer. Do not use them.

“Sunscreen causes cancer”

One persistent online myth is that chemical sunscreens cause cancer. In reality, UV radiation is the proven carcinogen, not sunscreen. To date, no sunscreen ingredient, mineral or chemical, has been classified as carcinogenic by any major health authority, including the Irish Cancer Society and the FDA.

There really is no excuse for not wearing SPF these days. Formulations have greatly improved and ones with a white cast are generally a thing of the past.

If you suffer from very sensitive skin and conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and perioral dermatitis, try a mineral SPF. Find one that you like and make it a non-negotiable part of your daily skincare.

An SPF for every need

1. For topping up (remember to reapply every two hours)

Sculpted by Aimee Sun Mist SPF 50