Brought to you by the Irish Cancer Society Your future self will thank you. Sun damage is no joking matter. As we get older we start to realise that the sun can be both our greatest friend and worst foe. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in Ireland with over 10,000 cases each year. But the good news is 9 out of 10 cases can be prevented if you take proper care. Here's how to protect your skin from sun damage this summer. 1. Seek shade According to the Irish Cancer Society seeking shade is one of the easiet ways to protect your skin both today and in the years to come. The most dangerous time to be out and about in direct sunlight is between 11 am and 3 pm. During this time get yourself inside or under an umbrella pronto. via GIPHY 2. Cover up While it's tempting to get your kit off as soon as there is even a glimpse of sunshine in Ireland, sometimes it's just not a good idea. Keep yourself covered up and save any unnecessary hassle. via GIPHY 3. Wear Wraparound sunglasses It's worth investing in a good pair of sunnies with built-in UV protection. Not only do they protect your pretty peepers from harmful rays, sunglasses are also perfect for creeping under the radar and hiding last night's hangover. They really are every women's best friend during the summer months. via GIPHY 4. Step away from the sunbeds Sunbeds are a terrible idea all round. It can be very tempting to use them top up your tan before, or even after your holiday, but they should be avoided at all costs. Using a sunbed for the first time before the age of 35 increases your risk of developing melanoma by almost 60%. They also cause skin ageing, meaning that you will get wrinkles and saggy skin before your friends who do not use them. Not a good look! 5. Slop on sunscreen You may have hated your mum smothering you with sunscreen when you were younger but she really was doing you a favour. The Irish Cancer Society recommends using an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply 20 minutes before you go outside and reapply every 2 hours. Remember to reapply after swimming too. via GIPHY 6. Don't get sunburned Sunburn is painful and annoying, need I say anymore? Getting sunburn just once every two years can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer. It's not only the peeling, blistering kind of sunburn that is bad for you either. If your skin has gone pink or red in the sun it's sunburned. 6. Check the UV index Before you head outdoors it's worth checking the UV index. The UV Index tells us the level of UV radiation that is expected at the earth’s surface. The scale runs from zero upwards. The higher the level the less time it takes the skin to burn and the greater the risk of skin damage which can lead to skin cancer. 7. Know your skin type According to the Irish Cancer Society, there are six different skin types ranging from pale to dark. Each type of skin needs a different level of protection from the sun. Knowing which skin type you have can help you protect it properly. You can take the Irish Cancer Society's quiz to find out what kind of skin you have here. 7. Watch the kids Keep babies under six months out of the sun. For older kids follow the rules above for a healthy happy and burn-free summer. For more information visit the Irish Cancer Society website.