Lidl Ireland Highlights Gap In Sun Safety

New research carried out by Lidl Ireland has revealed some concerning sun safety habits among the Irish public, with nearly 1 in 4 Irish people admitting to rarely or never using suncream, with 1 in 3 only using suncream on sunny days or when travelling abroad. The findings form part of Lidl Ireland’s latest campaign aimed at encouraging the nation to take better care of their skin during the summer months.

With the country currently experiencing a period of high temperatures, Lidl has revealed that only 8% of Irish people follow recommended advice on suncream application, such as the recommendation to re-apply suncream every two hours when outdoors.

Additional results showed that 36% of Irish people admit to sunbathing regularly while a massive 56% believe they don’t need suncream unless they’re in direct sunlight or experiencing high temperatures.

The research also found that while many parents are diligent about applying suncream to their children, they often neglect their own skin, highlighting a tendency to prioritise their children’s sun safety over their own.

Lidl’s own suncream range Cien is formulated to match the quality of more expensive sun products, as seen in the recent Which? survey that tested 15 popular sun creams, using industry recognised methods. It protects skin at a fraction of the cost with prices starting from just €1.99 making it easier, more affordable and more accessible than ever for consumers to acquire high-quality SPF and help look after their skin.

We might not have Mediterranean summers, but Irish skin is incredibly prone to UV damage, even on cloudy days. That damage builds up over time and leads to premature ageing, uneven texture, sunspots and more seriously, skin cancer.

Campaign ambassador and TV presenter Dáithí Ó Sé experienced first-hand the consequences of inadequate sun protection when, in 2023, he discovered a sun-damage related lump that required removal. Dáithí is lending his voice to the campaign to highlight the importance of daily use of suncream and to assist in encouraging others to take proactive steps in safeguarding their skin.

Commenting on the importance of suncream use Dáithí said

“When Lidl reached out about this campaign, I knew I had to help get involved and share my experience so I can hopefully get the message out there that everyone needs to protect their skin, even the men. It was a scary experience when I got the news about my lump and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, the fear eats away at you. People often think that the sun can’t really do too much damage but it can and it does. You need to be using suncream every day even on cloudy days when you think the sun can’t reach you. I really like the Cien sports range for when I’m out and about whether I’m at a shoot or pacing the sidelines at a match. The travel size range is also really handy for when I’m on the go for work as they’re compact sizes that I can keep in the car or my suitcase without taking up too much space.”

But how do we use suncream to get the best out of it and protect our skin properly? Lidl has teamed up with skincare expert Simone Gannon to share tips on best practice for protecting our skin.

According to Simone, daily use of suncream is essential for long-term skin health. She advises that it is important to apply a sufficient amount, reapply regularly and select a suncream product that you find enjoyable to use and that suits your skin. Finding a product that you genuinely like will increase the likelihood of consistent usage.

“Lidl's Cien sun protection range has been quietly offering solid, broad-spectrum protection for years and now the formulas are better than ever, moisturising and fragrance free with everything from sensitive skin face creams to spray-on kids versions and reef-safe options. You don't need to spend €25 or more to get high performance.” explains Simone.

Simone recommends breaking down the basics:

·         Suncream should be applied every morning - rain, shine, or anything in between.

·         Reapply every two hours - especially if you're outdoors, sweating or swimming.

·         Use a full teaspoon for your face and neck and around a shot glass for your body.

·         Don't forget ears, scalp, backs of hands and feet! if you're wearing sandals.

Simone’s Suncream Top Picks from Lidl’s Cien range include:

For daily face protection:

If you want something lightweight, with no white cast, and that's comfortable under makeup, try:

·         Face Suncream with Tint SPF50+ (50ml, €3.99) A soft tint, not too matte, not too shiny. Works on its own or as a primer before makeup.

·         Sensitive Face Suncream SPF50+ (50ml, €2.99) Fragrance-free, non-greasy, doesn't clog. A really great everyday option.

·         Ultra-Sensitive Sun Milk SPF50+ (250ml, €5.49) For those who react to everything. This one's an excellent all-over option too.

For kids (or adults who hate suncream):

·         Roll-On Kids SPF50 (50ml, €3.49) A very handy format with no mess, no arguments. Just make sure to apply liberally to get the right amount of protection.

·         Kids Suncream Spray SPF50+ (150ml, €3.99) Quick and easy (and fun! Who doesn’t love using a spray?). No excuses with this one.

·         Sensitive Kids Spray SPF50+ (200ml, €4.49) Great for eczema-prone little ones or post-pool skin. Sinks in quickly, too.

·         Suncream Kids SPF50 (100ml, €2.99) A handbag/buggy/schoolbag staple.

The key with kids (and many adults, to be honest) is to make it part of the morning routine. Put the suncream near the toothpaste in the bathroom or leave it at the front door and keep a spare bottle in the car.

For sport and sweat and the 'I hate sticky suncream' crowd:

·         Sun Spray Sport SPF30 (200ml, €3.99) Non-greasy, doesn't sting your eyes if you're running or sweating (and it’s ice-cold on application, too. Very refreshing). Legality one of the better sport formulas under €5.

·         Sun Oil Spray SPF20 (250ml, €5.99) Lightweight, comfortable, not sticky. Not for high UV days but nice for evening wear or quick top-ups.

For the planet-conscious:

·         Love Your Planet SPF30 (150ml, €4.99) Reef-safe, better for oceans, and doesn't feel like a compromise. Solid protection in a greener package.

Post-sun? don't forget this:

Even if you're diligent, sun + wind + sea + suncream removal = skin that needs soothing.

·         Après Sun Aloe Vera Gel (250ml, €2.49) Cooling, hydrating, great after the beach or sunburn slip-ups. Smells great, too. Keep it in the fridge.

Speaking about the campaign, Simone Gannon said: "Lidl's research shows a serious gap in how we use suncream in Ireland. Just 8% of people are reapplying it as recommended, and more than one in ten are protecting their children but not themselves. The reality is, even on cloudy days, UV rays can cause long-term skin damage, premature ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer - so daily sun protection really is essential.

The good news is effective sun care doesn't have to cost a fortune. Lidl's Cien range offers broad-spectrum, high-quality sun protection for the whole family from gentle roll-ons and sprays for kids, to sport-friendly and reef-safe options and they're all under €6. The face suncreams are lightweight, comfortable under makeup, and ideal for everyday wear. I especially rate the Ultra-Sensitive Sun Milk for anyone with sensitive or reactive skin. And the body options are great, too. I’m a big fan of the Sun Spray Sport SPF30 - transparent, ice-cold, absorbs in seconds and leaves no trace. Sun protection should be part of everyone's daily routine, not just on holidays. And with affordable, easy-to-use products like these, there's really no excuse not to."

If suncream feels like a chore, Simone advises that the likelihood is that you're using the wrong one. Lidl's wide range of Cien suncare products makes it easy to find something for everyone, at an affordable price that makes it easier to use the correct advised amount. “No small pea-sized blobs here!”

“Skincare doesn't have to be luxe to be effective especially when protection is non-negotiable. You don't need to spend €25 or more to do it right, you just have to do it and keep doing it properly. Next time you're doing your weekly Lidl shop, make sun protection a priority. The selection is vast, the price point is low, and your future skin will thank you.”

Lidl’s Cien suncare range is available in all Lidl stores nationwide now, with prices starting from just €1.99. For more information or to see the latest instore promotions please visit www.lidl.ie

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