The Health Service Executive is warning people to never use sunbeds and to incorporate sun protection into their everyday routines.
At the launch of its annual SunSmart campaign, it is urging people to rethink how they perceive sun exposure as the risk of skin cancer accumulates over a lifetime of being exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.
Routine activities such as school runs, walking the dog, exercising outside, gardening, commuting to work, and spending time outdoors all contribute to long-term skin damage - even on cooler or cloudy days.
At the same time, episodes of intense exposure that result in sunburn can cause immediate damage and significantly increase the risk of melanoma - the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
The HSE said that these exposures often go unnoticed but build up over time, contributing to long-term skin damage, premature ageing, and an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancers.
Selene Daly Tarpey worked in dermatology for 18 years and is now a Nurse Tutor with the HSE Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Education Sligo Leitrim West Cavan.
"Between 90-95% of all skin cancers are caused by over-exposure to UV light - that includes UV light that comes from the sun and sunbeds," she said.
"If you have skin, you can get skin cancer."
"While previous damage cannot be reversed, reducing both your day-to-day UV exposure and avoiding sunburn can help prevent further harm and lower your risk of developing skin cancer in the future. Think of it like filling a glass - you can't empty what's already there, but you can stop topping it up."
The HSE also highlighted the importance of younger people getting into good sun protection habits early, with 84% of Gen Z experiencing sunburn at least once in the past year.
The SunSmart campaign highlight's five key steps to reduce UV exposure - slip on clothing to cover your skin, slop on sunscreen, slap on a wide-brimmed hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses.
