Shine A Light Explores Skincare Through the Decades with Irish Beauty Fairy Sally Foran

On this week's Shine A Light with Siobhan Murphy, the importance of skincare at every stage of life with beauty expert and skincare consultant Sally Foran, better known as the Irish Beauty Fairy, was explored.

The programme also heard from local teenagers who spoke about their own skincare routines, the influence of social media trends and the pressure many young people feel to achieve "perfect" skin.

Sally explained that our skin is the largest organ in the body and plays a vital role in protecting us from pollution, infection, UV damage and environmental stressors. While many people associate skincare with beauty, she stressed that maintaining healthy skin is an important part of overall health and wellbeing.

The discussion highlighted some surprising facts. Research suggests that up to 80% of visible skin ageing is caused by sun exposure, while dermatologists warn that many teenagers are using anti-ageing products that are unnecessary and can sometimes irritate young skin. Sally shared that the ageing process begins much earlier than many people realise, with collagen production gradually starting to decline from our late teens, meaning good skincare habits and daily SPF protection are important from a young age.

The programme also looked at how our skin changes throughout life. During menopause, falling oestrogen levels can lead to dryness, thinning skin, loss of elasticity and increased sensitivity. Sally shared practical advice for women navigating these changes, emphasising hydration, gentle skincare and products that help support the skin barrier.

One of the key messages from the interview was that skincare doesn't need to be expensive or complicated. A simple routine consisting of cleansing, moisturising and daily sun protection can often be more effective than following the latest online trends.

Whether you're a teenager dealing with breakouts, a busy parent trying to protect your skin from everyday damage or someone experiencing the changes that come with menopause, Sally's advice was clear: consistency is key, and it's never too early—or too late—to start looking after your skin.

The full interview with Sally Foran, along with our conversations with local teenagers about their skincare habits, is available now in the podcast section of our website.

This programme is funded by the news reporting scheme