Reduce your risk of skin cancer by following these 5 vital steps

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The month of May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. UV exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. During Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we are encouraging you to practice safe sun every time you are outdoors.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland with over 11,000 new cases diagnosed in 2015. The National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) expects this number to double by 2040.

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is a disease of skin cells. Nine out of every ten cases are caused by UV rays from the sun or sunbeds. Overexposure to UV rays, which leads to tanning, redness or burning of the skin, causes damage to skin cells. While much of this damage is repaired some remains and can lead to skin cancer later in life.

Early detection is also vital. If spotted early, up to 90 percent of cases are curable. In the case of melanoma skin cancer, spotting it early can save your life. For this reason, it is important to get to know your skin, check it every month for change and speak to your doctor if you are worried.

Reduce the risk by following the SunSmart Code:

1.     Slip on some clothes

2.     Slop on sunscreen

3.     Slap on a hat

4.     Seek some shade

5.     Slide on sunglasses

It is important to use products that provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

The Irish Cancer Society recommends wearing sunscreen from April to September to reduce the risk. It is helpful to work SPF into your daily routine to ensure that you are always protected.

CASMARA LIGHTENING REPAIR CREAM SPF 50 – RRP €55

A high-technology product based on an advanced selection of Active Ingredients restoring the damage caused fundamentally by UVA & UVB which affects the skin's DNA with harmful effects to the skin's health: dehydration, lack of uniformity in colour and tone, loss of radiance, sagging, wrinkles and blemishes, premature ageing.

·       Stimulates the renewal of the cellular information and the biosynthesis of proteins and collagen.

·       Reduces the depth of wrinkles.

·       Improves the elasticity and firmness of the skin.

·       SPF 50 protects the skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UVA & UVB rays

CASAMRA URBAN PROTECT DAILY DEFENSE (DD) CREAM – RRP €32

The Casmara Research Centre has created the Urban Protect DD Cream. An innovative urban shield for the daily defense of the skin with a touch of colour. Thanks to its powerful anti-pollution and anti-aging active ingredients; and the innovative MULTI-LIGHT TECHNOLOGY S.P.F 30 (UVA-UVB and artificial light), it protects and treats the skin and at the same time evens out the skin tone with a natural finish.

·       Protects with broad-spectrum solar filters SPF 30 (UVA, UVB and blue light)

·       Perfects skin by colour-adapting with a natural finish

·       Treats the skin by stimulating the production of collagen & elastin and fights the signs of fatigue & tiredness

Remember, using sunscreen alone will not give enough protection against UV rays. It is important to use shade, clothes and sunglasses too. This way you get the best possible protection from UV damage.

The type of sunscreen you use is up to you and what you feel comfortable putting on your skin. Creams, lotions, gels and sprays all work but only if used properly.

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