Protecting your skin
Exposure to UV rays from the sun and sunbeds can damage your skin and increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
Protecting your skin from UV radiation and avoiding sunburn can help reduce your risk.
For detailed advice on staying safe in the sun, including sunscreen, clothing, shade and protecting children, visit Protection from the sun | nidirect.
Sunbeds
Sunbed give out UV radiation and increase the risk of skin cancer. People under 18 are not allowed to use, hire or buy sunbeds in Northern Ireland.
Find out more:
Know your skin
Knowing what's normal for your skin can help you notice changes. If you notice a new or changing mole, freckle or patch of skin, you should get it checked by your GP.
Skin cancer prevention resources
The PHA provides information and resources to raise awareness of skin cancer prevention and encourage people to protect themselves from UV rays.
Care in the sun
Click here to find out more about Sun Protection.
Skin cancer prevention PHA publications
This leaflet highlights the importance of protecting your skin from UV damage (either from the sun or sun bed use), provides advice on how to check your skin regularly and the importance of looking out for any mole changes.
This poster highlights how you can help yourself and others to take care in the sun.
Last modified
29 September 2026