According to the Irish Cancer Society nine out of every ten cases of skin cancer are caused by UV rays from the sun or sunbeds.
Kids have thinner, more sensitive skin. Sun damage at an early age can also increase their risk later in life.
- Getting sunburnt in childhood or adolescence can increase the risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, in later life.
- Tanned skin is damaged skin. The tan a child gets may fade but the damage remains - and can lead to skin cancer later in life.
And since 80% of skin damage happens before the age of 18, it’s good to get kids started with smart sun protection early.
In Ireland sun protection is required from April to September as UV damage from Irish weather is just as harmful as that from warmer climates. Even on cloudy days up to 90% of UV rays can pass through light cloud so you are at risk on these days also.