“It’s only Irish sun” has burned more of us than any beach holiday. UV levels in the Irish midlands regularly hit 6+ in June and July, high enough to burn fair skin in under 30 minutes, even when it is cloudy. Here is our pharmacists’ practical guide.
Which SPF number?
- SPF 30, the everyday minimum for adults outdoors in an Irish summer.
- SPF 50, for fair or freckled skin (most of us!), children, and anyone on medicines that increase sun sensitivity (some antibiotics, isotretinoin, and others, ask us).
- Once-a-day formulas, brilliant for work days and school trips; one proper application in the morning keeps protection all day. See our sun protection range, or shop sun care by brand: Nivea Sun, Garnier Ambre Solaire or any brand in our brands A to Z.
The rules that actually matter
- Enough cream: most people apply half what they should. An adult in shorts and t-shirt needs about six teaspoons.
- UVA matters too: look for the UVA circle logo, it protects against ageing and deeper skin damage. All our stocked brands carry it.
- Reapply after swimming, sweating or towelling, yes, even the once-a-day ones then.
- Kids burn faster: use a dedicated kids SPF50 like La Roche-Posay Anthelios Kids SPF50+ and keep babies under 6 months out of direct sun entirely.
- Lips too: an SPF lip balm (we like Carmex SPF30) prevents the painful peeling everyone forgets about.
Already burned?
Cool showers, plenty of after-sun or aloe, paracetamol if needed, and drink water. Blistering, fever or a very young child with sunburn, come in and talk to us.
This article is general information, not a substitute for personal medical advice. Talk to our pharmacists at Laois Pharmacy, 1 Dunamaise House, Portlaoise (057 866 1999), we are always happy to help.
✓Medically reviewed by Deirdre O'Donovan, MPSI, Pharmacist, Laois Pharmacy (PSI reg. 4772). Last reviewed August 2026.
