The Tribune

THINK you have a couple more years before having to worry about skin cancer? UV-induced skin issues are serious amongst young adults: melanoma is the most common form of cancer found on 25 to 29-year-olds.

You know the basic rules for sun safety: wear SPF every day (even on cloudy days!), stay away from the tanning beds, and when you’re active outdoors, reapply, reapply, reapply!

But, there’s more to know. Add to your arsenal of savvy sun care tips with our top five ways to keep skin safe.

1. Take a shot: A whole tablespoon of SPF is needed for your face. For your body, use enough to fill a shot glass.

2. So exposed: As you bare more skin, you’ll be exfoliating and shaving (a mechanical form of exfoliation) more often. Exfoliation, especially with hydroxy acids, may increase your sensitivity to the sun as little as 13 per cent and up to 50 per cent. For this reason, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) requires an application of SPF after any hydroxy acid treatment – and most skin care experts recommend this same practice for your home care regimen, whether your exfoliation method was chemical or physical.

3. Cover up: Thanks to the latest fashion trends, wide-brimmed hats are readily available. Snatch one up and wear it to increase UV defence. Guys, wear a baseball cap and sunglasses to shield your face, especially between 10am to 4pm.

4. Check yourself: Keep track of moles and quickly report any changes to your dermatologist.

5. Then get checked: A skin cancer screening is a visual inspection of your skin by a dermatologist, resident or well-trained nurse practitioner or physician assistant under the direction of a dermatologist. (Needle phobes, there’s no blood work required. Whew!) Get a screening once a year, or whenever a suspicious mole shows up on skin.

• This information was taken from www.dermalogicacaribbean.com. Sarah Beek is a professional skin therapist at the Dermalogica Skin Centre in the Old Fort Town Centre. For

more information or to make an appointment call 377-SKIN (7546), e-mail appointments@dermalogicaskincentre.com, or visit www.dermalogicaskincentre.com.