EDITORIAL: Why we shouldn't overlook our skin as the sunshine returns
Rare warm weather may feel worth making the most of, but experts warn that UV damage is still a serious concern, even in Ireland’s climate
In Ireland, the sun is often welcomed with relief rather than caution. Due to the fact that we rarely see as much sunshine as others, rules like ‘stay out of the sun between 11-3pm’ may be routine to others, but usually slip our minds here in Ireland.
After long stretches of grey skies and rain, a bright spell can feel like it’s something to be enjoyed without hesitation.
But that sense of rarity can also lead to complacency, and the reality is that the Irish sun carries risks that are still too often underestimated.
Skin cancer is now one of the most common cancers in Ireland, and rates continue to rise.
The misconception that sun damage is only a concern in hotter countries persists, even though ultraviolet (UV) radiation does not depend on temperature.
A cool breeze or overcast sky offers little protection from UV exposure, yet these conditions are exactly what many people associate with “safe” weather.
This is where the Irish attitude to sunshine becomes a public health issue. When the sun appears, there is a tendency to make the most of it. But important protection is often forgotten. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are still not as routinely used as they should be, particularly on the first warm days of the year when exposure can be most damaging due to unacclimatised skin.
The cultural framing of the Irish sun is something that is rather than scary or dangerous and this plays an important role in how we protect ourselves from it.
In a country where sunshine is cherished, the challenge now is to ensure it is also treated with the caution it deserves.