It's often overlooked.

Given the recent spell of good weather (a distant memory now), sunscreen sales in Ireland increased significantly. Although you might not need it at home right now, thanks to the non-stop rain, summer holidays have yet to come for many people and getting the right sunscreen is key. When purchasing, the usual thing is to look at the factor and go from there but you should also check the list of ingredients to make sure that zinc oxide is present. The addition of this to sunscreen ensures stronger protection against UVA rays (the most harmful rays that can penetrate into the skin's second layer of skin, the dermis). Many dermatologists advise that mineral-based sunscreen, with all-important zinc oxide, is your best bet for protecting against sun damage and early ageing. All the usual rules apply too: reapply every couple of hours, be extra careful when the sun is at its hottest (between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm) and every time you get in and out of the pool, PUT MORE BACK ON. Also, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, don't forget your ears and feet as these areas are often overlooked and drink lots of water to stay hydrated in the heat.