Sun Protection
Know Your Skin Type
Skin most at risk
Anyone can develop skin cancer, whatever their skin colour. However, certain skin types are more at risk from the effects of UV radiation than others.
A recent survey in Northern Ireland revealed that only 40% of the indigenous population thought they were skin types I and II, and over 30% said they were type V or VI. In fact, the vast majority of the local population are either skin type I or II.
What’s your skin type?
Our northern latitude and high levels of cloud cover mean that evolution has given us fair skin that can only produce a relatively small amount of melanin and has limited ability to protect itself from the sun. Evolution did not prepare us for summer holidays in the sun or for fashion trends promoting tanned skin.
Find out how to protect your skin type.
CARE IN THE SUN
RISK FACTORS
Anyone can develop skin cancer, whatever their skin colour. However, certain skin types are more at risk from the effects of UV radiation than others.
SKIN PROTECTION
Too much ultraviolet (UV) light, either from natural sunlight or from artificial sources such as sunbeds, is the main cause of 80% of skin cancers.
SUNBEDS
Sunbeds, tanning booths and sun lamps give out ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage your skin and can make it look wrinkled, older or leathery.