Pharmacy Assistant - Green Cross Publishing

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your skin all year round and not just in the summer
months.
Apply sunscreen
• All exposed areas of skin should be covered
in waterproof, broad spectrum SPF 30+-50+
sunscreen, containing photo- stable filters that
provide efficient protection against both UVA and
UVB rays. The current EU recommendation that all
sunscreens should provide a ratio between UVB
and UVA protection of less than, or equal to, three
is paramount when choosing your sunscreen.
• Providing UVA ultra protection with a UVB/UVA
ratio of 2.5, Anthelios by La Roche-Posay currently
provides the best photo-protection available due
to its patented Mexoryl filtration system and is
strongly recommended by dermatologists. Also
La Roche-Posay currently donates €1 of every sale
of Anthelios 50+ Fluid Extreme to the Irish Cancer
Society.
• Always apply sunscreen about 20 minutes before
venturing outside to allow absorption time.
• Remember to cover easily overlooked areas
including the chin, throat, ears and backs of the
hands.
• Use 50+ stick on sensitive areas: lips, nose and
eyelids.
• Take sunscreen in your bag and reapply regularly.
• Remember to reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours
while out in the sun and always reapply if you have
been in the water or are sweating heavily.
Protect your eyes
Photokeratitis is sunburn damage to the cornea
of the eye caused by UV radiation. This painful
condition can be associated with temporary vision
loss for up to 48 hours. It is thought that UV exposure
may contribute to other eye conditions including
cataracts, pterygium and age-related macular
degeneration and even melanomas of the eye.
Suggestions on protecting your eyes:
• Always wear wraparound sunglasses or goggles.
Aim for a snug fit, so that sunlight can't shine over
the top or sides of your eyewear. Choose eyewear
that meets the European Standards: EN 174 , EN
1836
• This means that the glasses will block 95 per cent of
UV radiation.
• Sunglasses and goggles can be fitted with
prescription lenses, if necessary. See your
optometrist for more information.
• Brimmed hats can block at least half of UV radiation
from reaching the eyes.
Protect your children
Children also need the highest sun protection
available.
• Instil good habits early. If you protect your child
from a young age, they will learn to be SunSmart
by example.
• Apply sunscreen to your children. Choose sensitive
skin formulas suitable for children such as Dermo
Pediatrics by La Roche-Posay, which is tolerance
tested on sensitive and atopy prone skin under
dermatological and paediatric control.
• Cover kids up with as much clothing as possible such
as teeshirts with collars, shorts and hats with neck
flaps to protect the face, neck and head.
pharmacy assistant
• Toddlers are great imitators, and are more likely to
wear their sunglasses if you lead by example and
wear yours.
• Make sure you buy sunglasses that meet the
European Standards: EN 174, EN 1836.
• Sunglasses for children should have plastic instead
of glass lenses for safety reasons.
SunSmart Code
For the best way to protect your skin follow the Irish
Cancer Society SunSmart Code
1. Cover Up
2. Use Sunscreen
3. Seek Shade
4. Protect Your Eyes
5. Avoid Sunbeds
and Sunlamps
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or a hat
with a neck flap to protect your
neck.
• Wear a tee-shirt or other shirt with
a close-weave material.
• Make sure it is a broad-spectrum
sunscreen with UVA and UVB
protection.
• Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15
or higher and high UVA protection.
• Put sunscreen on 20 minutes
before you go out into the sun.
• Reapply sunscreen every two
hours.
• Put it on more often if you have
been swimming or sweating.
• Staying in the shade is one of the
most effective ways of reducing
exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
• Any shade will do. It can be from a
building or a portable umbrella.
• Plan your outdoor activities to
avoid exposure to ultraviolet
radiation when it is at its highest,
between 11am and 3pm.
• Wear sunglasses that give a high
protection against UV rays. Look at
the label and check the standard:
BS Standard (BS 27 24 19 87) or
European Standard (EN 1836).
• Sunbeds and sunlamps increase
your risk of skin cancer. If you want
to protect your skin, don’t use
them.
For more information on how to be SunSmart and prevent skin
cancer, call the National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200
700 or visit; www.cancer.ie/sunsmart . The Helpline is staffed by
specialist nurses and is open weekdays from 9am-7pm Monday-
Thursday and Fridays from 9am-5pm