Mum of two, Pippa O’Connor, helped launch the La Roche-Posay’s ‘Save Your Skin’ campaign, in partnership with the Irish Cancer Society.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of skin cancer prevention through SunSmart behaviour, not just during bursts of fine weather, but all year round.
Statistics reveal that with the equivalent of 30 skin cancer diagnoses daily, people in Ireland need to get to grips with sun safe steps, regardless of Ireland’s typically inclement weather.
La Roche-Posay and the Irish Cancer Society are urging people in Ireland to play safe in the sun, particularly young people as reports from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) shows they are now more at risk.
The largest increase in non-melanoma skin cancer incidence from 1994-2011 was amongst young people.
Incidence figures for non-melanoma skin cancers increased amongst young females by (72%) and (53%) amongst males in Ireland aged 0-34, suggesting more education is needed amongst future generations on how to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the sun.
La Roche Posay and the Irish Cancer Society are calling on the public to become sun aware and follow the SunSmart Code:
• Seek Shade – When UV rays are at their strongest – generally between 11am and 3pm – and don’t forget to CHECK the UV Index.
• Babies and Children – Keep babies under six months out of the sun.
• Cover Up – By wearing a shirt with a collar and long shorts. Also wear a hat that gives shade to your face, neck and ears. Wear wraparound sunglasses and make sure they give UV protection.
• Apply Sunscreen – Use sunscreen with SPF 30 (SPF 50 for children) or higher and UVA protection 20 minutes before going outside and re-apply every two hours – more often if swimming or perspiring.
La Roche-Posay will be donating €1 for every stickered Anthelios product sold to the Irish Cancer Society to help further the research and preventative work that they do.
Speaking about the campaign, Pippa said, “I am delighted to be taking part in this campaign as I feel it is so important to be vigilant when it comes to sun safety, particularly in Ireland.”
“Similar to most families, the arrival of a sunny spell is met with great excitement in our house, as it can be a great opportunity to get out and about with my two young sons.
“However, I’m very aware of the importance of being sun smart and keeping my family safe from the harmful effects of the sun. By adopting a sun care routine with my boys from an early age, I hope to instil sun safe behaviours that will become second nature to them as they grow,” she added.
