There are, at least in the English language, two months out of every year that begin with the letter: “A.” The initial occurrence\is April, the one that we’re in right now. It is also the first complete month of the newly arrived Spring season. It also denotes the return of natural growth and of warming temperatures outside. A hopeful and promising month of the calendar.
The second month that begins with the letter “A” is August. Chronologically, August is the exact opposite of April. It is the very last complete month of the Summer season. It is typically a month of heat and of sunshine; among us of Greek heritage, it is traditionally the month for our annual return to the homeland to visit with family, friends as well as celebrating our culture and customs!
For my spouse, Aaron, and myself, both of the A-months, April and August, hold a special significance. April because were both born during this month albeit on different dates. However, our birthdays are less than a week apart and we were birthed during differing years.
Birthday treat!
Secondly, but equally important, we were married on 15 August, 2015. The wedding itself was the result of a conspiracy collaborated by both pairs of our parents but welcomed by the both of us! Fortunately, my father was alive when it happened and he was able to witness it and to bless us both!
Naturally, Aaron and I are not the only two bare practitioners honoured during the A-months. Alex, my identical twin brother, shares the same birthday and the same birth year as myself. We also have a first cousin, Michael Poladopoulos, nine years younger, who celebrates his birth during the middle of this month. He is likewise a bare practitioner, Deaf and a secondary school art teacher. He is half-Greek and half-Nigerian (our father’s are brothers).
Concerning Aaron’s family, there are no additional persons with a similar “claim-to-fame.” However, there are quite a number of nieces and nephews waiting for maturity before a final, official determination is made!
A bromantic moment!
Concentrating attention solely on the Peterson (Aaron’s) family and the Poladopoulos (my own) family in no way incorporates all of the A-month celebrants. Within the global bare practitioner community and culture alone, an entire listing is unfathomable! Even as a distinct social minority, we remain too numerous!
As a public site, ReNude Pride strives to remain accepting and inclusive of all the curious and those exploring their nakedness and their sexuality. We are all too aware of the feelings of being excluded, ignored or neglected. Like being forced to stand outside the home and only being permitted to watch through a window the social gathering taking place inside.
Many of us know these emotions firsthand and regrettably, some of us still have to cope with these even today. That’s why avoiding any repetition of these sensations is a priority for this publication!
So, in a serious and sincere effort to eradicate any exclusion and/or overlooking, Aaron and I invite anyone and everyone to an event to celebrate, commemorate and to enjoy nakedness! ReNude Pride’s very own:
BPO!
Bare Practitioner Occasion!
Motivated buttocks!
Anniversary? Birthday? Coming-of-Age? Coming Out? Any happening in life that you believe is worthy of commemorating within this calendar year, 2024, is enough reason for all of us to rejoice! Join in all the fun and laughter as we all strip out of our cumbersome clothes, toss away our inhibitions and gleefully engage together as community and culture in our very own special and unique collective occasion!
Our ultimate goal is to create an event that is as inclusive of all of us. Therefore, whatever the cause is determined to be: solo, a couple – bromantic or platonic – or a large group, we’ll join together and dance until all of our hearts, minds, and souls are overflowing with delight, jubilation and spirit. It makes no difference when the day occurs, the month and the date aren’t important! Aaron and I want all of us included and involved!
Circle of joy!
For far too long, our bare practitioner community and culture has enable the mainstream (majority) society the prerogative of identification of us. Their labels/names for us have often withstood (survived) the “test-of-time” and frequently became an epithet (slur) to use against us. This abusive and contemptuous identity becomes offensive and stereotypical in nature.
For example, about the time of the Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR) in June, 1969, the term “queer” emerged and quickly was assumed by general society to identify us – in a completely derogatory manner. “Queer” thus became very demeaning. However, our newly self-identified “gay” community actually liked the label “queer” and kept it with confidence and pride. We began to voluntarily even refer to ourselves and our culture as queer!
The broader society was baffled, confused and completely taken by surprise. How could we possibly endorse an identity intended to discredit and offend us? That same segment of society is still seeking another term to use, all these years later!
All we have to do is take a look now to see how queer has become synonymous with same gender loving. The mainstreamers continue to search for an appropriate replacement!
Tossing away briefs!
So please come and join with us as we jointly celebrate us being what and who we naturally are: ourselves! Bare Practitioners Occasion!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, April 12, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Quickie!”
We’ve now progressed to the third month of the new year, 2024. In my post entries here on ReNude Pride, in particular regarding new year’s resolutions, I’ve consistently focused on the poor timing for such life changes. The level of commitment to maintain the adjustment simply isn’t at the optimal level during the frenzy of the winter holiday season.
Reduced resolve:
The weather isn’t always conducive to the fluctuation of our daily routine. From seasonal temperatures to frigid temperatures and then to uncertain temperatures while adapting to all the other issues confronting us is not always in our best interests. Additionally, the realities of ice and snow, on a daily basis, often erases any resolve we may have.
Both my spouse, Aaron, and I have observed these result during our visits – jointly and separately – at our local fitness facility. Our job schedules don’t coincide so we visit the center at early mornings (me) or early afternoons (Aaron). The new year begins annually and the workout attendance soars. Everyone starts the new year driven to become fit and toned before the summer season is upon us.
As the weeks pass, the numbers of gym attendees starts to drop. Suddenly, the “fresh faces” at every workout station are gone and the only ones around us are the dedicated few who have been visiting the same exercise facility for as long as ourselves. The usage of the influx of new members noticeably begins to decline by the beginning of February. This year, the decrease in attendance is only now becoming apparent. Delayed!
Exercise!
Yet another example of the futility of the new year’s resolutions debacle. Why attempt to introduce positive improvements when the environment is so unproductive? That’s the reason Aaron and I both advocate Spring Resolutions instead of New Year’s Resolutions.
The arrival of Spring itself mystically promises a successful future. The rebirth and return of a new season of both growth and hope enriches most of us to physically undertake something new. The reappearance of warmer weather and the extension of the hour of natural daylight available daily offer us all encouragement.
Treadmill for health!
Improving our lifestyle and quality of life now seems easier and not as overwhelming. The mindset: I can do this! now becomes reality and not a figment of our imagination. Plus, for some mysterious and strange reason, the ice and the snow just suddenly melt away!
Stripping off his pants for Springtime!
Subtle Reminder: Spring, 2024, begins this month: March!
Consider creating a personal list (brief) of Spring Resolutions!
Keeping our resolutions list concise and simple increases our chances for a successful completion! Instead of over-burdening ourselves, focusing on a limited number of improvements enables us to consolidate our energies and to reduce distractions. Two or three successes are better than a dozen failures and guarantee an increase and a stronger self-confidence! A positive attitude empowers productivity and self-growth!
Fitness bar!
The majority of us lack the financial resources for a bare practitioner-accepting and friendly exercise/fitness accommodation. The result is that we have to contend with a textile (clothed) workout. Hopefully, the .gifs offered below provide us with some sort of inspirational incentive to strive for our very best; whether we are bare or wearing athletic gear!
Treadmill preparation!
Treadmill engagement!
Of course, our fitness-seeker (above) is wearing the minimal amount of gear as we all know that his personal preference is for complete nakedness! No matter how enticing our “treadmill-man” may think his exercise uniform appears, our bare practitioner instincts usually always focus on the examples perceived as being in common with our own: nudity!
Confused!
Confused?
Don’t suffer confusion! We’ve already survived leap year day (29 February, 2024), for this calendar year. Now is the time for us to return to an extrahour of daylight daily! Prepare yourselves and plan in advance. This annual phenomenon is now upon us!
Your watch timepiece!
Daylight Savings Time (DST) begins at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, 10 March, 2024!
Officially, this means that at 2:00 a.m., (local time) physically adjust your time-piece (cock, watch, etc.) to 3:00 a.m. Simple? Hopefully! Please remember to adjust the clock in your automobile! Remember: we are bare practitioners! We don’t have the luxury of unzipping your partner’s pants with the intention of “adjusting” his time! As bare practitioners, none of us should be wearing anything!
Friday footnote!
Friday Footnote: Book Recommendation!
TheGuardians is a fiction novel by John Grisham published in 2019. It is based on an actual legal case of an innocent man wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Diligent and thoughtful, it brings emphasis to the serious lack of honesty, integrity and justice in our vulnerable judiciary system.
S scenario that a probable majority of us hopes never happens; no matter our personal feelings on the legitimacy of capital punishment. A recommended read to evaluate and explore!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, March 11, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Maschalagnia II!”
As much mourning as I endure due to the end of the summer season every year, I always marvel at the colour the autumn leaves introduce into nature. It is almost as though the flowers that brightened our environment during the summer evolved to the leaves on the trees once autumn settles upon the scene. A very brief colourful experience as the leaves rapidly abandon the tree branches and then fall to the ground.
This post entry here on ReNude Pride isn’t a repeat of last year’s My Leaves Legacy. Click onto that title to link to that posting. This year, I’m simply sharing about autumn leaves without my allergic reaction. It is just the capturing of another seasonal transition in the calendar journey.
Autumn foliage!
As the autumn season progresses, the accumulation of leaves falling from trees covers not only the earth but also anyone laying there!
Bare in boots!
For many living in the Northern Hemisphere, this time of year marks the last time for being bare in nature until the arrival of the next spring season.
Hanging fitness in autumn!
The leaves change at different times. This offers an expanded expression of farewell to the growth season before the barren winter arrives.
Nocturnal autumn!
Some persons welcome the change of seasons as a salute the variations of nature. Some others, like myself, view it as an unfortunate means to endure until another trend in natural warmth returns for us to enjoy!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, November 10, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Armistice/Remembrance Day!”
Notation: I’m certain there are some beaches on our planet where it’s conducive to skinny-dip during the month of October!
October’s Bright Blue Weather
by: Helen Hunt Jackson
O suns and skies and clouds of June,
and flowers of June together,
Ye cannot rival for one hour
October’s bright blue weather.
When loud the bumble-bee makes haste,
Belated, thriftless, vagrant,
And golden-rod is dying fast,
And lanes with grapes are fragrant;
When gentians roll their fringes tight
to save them for the morning,
And chestnuts fall from satin burrs
Without a sound of warning;
When on the ground red apples lie
In piles like jewels shining,
And redder still on old stone walls
Are leaves of woodbine twining;
When all the lovely wayside things
Their white-winged seeds are sowing,
And in the fields, still green and fair,
Late aftermaths are growing;
When springs run low, and on the brooks,
In idle golden freighting,
Bright leaves sink noiseless in the hush
Of woods, for winter waiting;
When comrades seek sweet country haunts,
By twos and twos together,
And counts like misers, hour by hour,
October’s bright blue weather.
O suns and skies and flowers of June,
Count all your boasts together,
Love loveth best of all the year
October’s bright blue weather.
End
********************
While my identical twin brother, Alex, and I were students at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind residential school, we had several teachers who had us memorize poetry and then recite the poems using American Sign Language (ASL) in front of our class. Fine. Memorizing wasn’t impossible but the order of the grammar the poets used and the sense it did not make was confusing. Delightful students that we were, we simply committed the poems to our memory and put comprehension to the wayside. After all, our task was simple: complete the job and move on to the next level.
Our teachers always explained to us students and to our parents that this lesson of us reciting poetry helped us to develop comprehension of English as a language, as opposed to ASL. That may have appeared as a valid reasoning for a few but we students understood it for exactly what it was intended to be: busy work! Keep us occupied!
October foliage!
Our teacher who required us to commit this poem, “October’s Bright Blue Weather” was one of my personal favourites of my primary school years. This happened to be the very first of nine poems she assigned us. Even today, I am still able to recall the first opening lines of the poem, without hesitation.
Enjoy “October’s Bright Blue Weather!”
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 30, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “The Boys In The Band!”
September is one of the most confusing months of the calendar for me. It has pleasurable weather but it also marks the end of the summer season here in the Northern Hemisphere. The seasonal change itself isn’t all that bad – autumn can be enjoyable – it is what follows afterwards that causes me grief! I always have a difficult time with winter!
Sandy bottoms-up!
So as we bid a fond farewell to the Summer of 2023 (Northern Hemisphere), we salute our bare practitioners in the Southern Hemisphere who begin the welcome their season of naked freedom and prosperity!
Landscaping bottoms-up!
No matter where we live, almost all of us have the distinct advantage of being able to naturally enjoy the pleasures of an outdoor bottoms-up! showcase as our seasons transition from one to another, at least during the beginnings of this time of the year!
Bottoms-Up! lookout!
Plus, there’s always the opportunity to view the outside world from the comfort and luxury of our own familiar surroundings before we parade our buttocks out in full public view!
Bottoms-up! with pride!
Of course, throughout the entire year, our cause and purpose is always clear: Bottoms-up! with confidence and pride!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post here is planned for tomorrow, Sunday, October 1, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “October: GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month!”
There are many fellow bare practitioners (same gender loving naturists/nudists) who relish the summer months, especially the final full month of summertime: August. Back when the days of the season were free from school, it was the “last chance” for carefree antics and spontaneous play. The 31 days of August encouraged all of us to fill every moment with enough fun and good times to last until the next summer arrived, almost a full year away!
Within two decades, a majority of primary and secondary academic calendars have adopted a year-around approach to education and summers are no longer a universal break in the scholastic routine. The recent COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic contributed to this situation. The almost three complete months of summer holiday may now be a memory from the past, but the legends of the extended vacation from knowledge and responsibility will last for years yet to come.
This posting is intended to provide a recall moment in time for many of us to ponder the days of freedom, fun and August laughter. Good times are rarely forgotten!
August theme: Get naked!
One of the infamous advantages of the month of August in the Northern Hemisphere is the ability to strip off our clothes, no matter if we’re inside or outside! Clothes freedom often created an ideal environment for unlimited adventure and excitement! There is absolutely no need to “cover-up” all the fun!
Roger and Darren!
Darren and I have been friends for years. We’re both Deaf, gay and share a preference for being proponents of the bare practitioner lifestyle. When we initially met one another, we found ourselves severely limited in building acquaintanceship with others at a clothes-free riverside park in central Virginia – our mutual home state.
Kalvin, a new and friendly acquaintance!
Darren and I first met Kalvin when we arrived back at our usual hang-out along the riverside. It only took minutes for him to show us that he understood American Sign Language (ASL). Of course, friendship happened almost instantaneously! It was fortunate that the three of us were there simultaneously!
Kalvin and I: fun pose!
Kalvin had no problems relating to Darren and I and enjoyed a similar sense of humour. We all exchanged email addresses and numbers for texting. He also relieved Darren the burden of being the “odd man out” as Aaron (my current spouse) and I were seriously becoming a definite couple by the time we all met.
Kalvin and Darren!
That particular August, we gained a certain amount of infamy from other regulars at our SGL (same gender loving) area of the riverside beach. As the month progressed, other folks soon recognized “our space” and our style of communication (manual language) and respected the fact that our interaction depended on eye contact as opposed to strictly hearing.
Adimu and Roger!
Both Aaron and Kalvin heard conversations from our SGL river neighbours that let them know that our crowd involved persons who were either Deaf and/or hard-of-hearing. They also relayed that ASL was understood and used as our primary communication tool. Other SGL Deaf men soon happened upon us and joined in our fun!
Adimu and Roger: again!
The weeks of August passed and our somewhat limited bare practitioner Deaf gang grew as we met more people who welcomed not only our shared communication ability but also our inclusive nature. In relating to some of our newer acquaintances, not all of the riverside people were favourable to our presence but were grateful to have a resource to refer others.
Aaron, my spouse!
Through all this August Fun, Aaron had his own special type of fun behind his camera lens! I’ve frequently published here of his preference for being the photographer instead of posing for pictures. However, that didn’t ban others from grabbing the camera and capturing him unaware! Notation: This image was not my undertaking!
The bare truth!
Not only is socializing friendlier when clothes free, but socializing is much easier when nude!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, August 25, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Summer Chuckles!”
August Play-Day is conveniently always clothes free! It is almost impossible to justify the wearing of a swim suit, let alone an athletic uniform during one of the warmest – if not the hottest – months of the year. Besides, it is a play-day – a day dedicated to fun for everyone – no clothes allowed!
A pool pose!
An aquatic decision!
August: time to skinny-dip!
August Play-Day: discard your clothing!
There is a reason that August Play-Day is celebrated. For one, it is about freedom. Freedom from having to suffer in the heat and humidity wearing clothing, one of the last things needed. The water, whether a pool or a natural body (lake, river, ocean) is very inviting and an overwhelming majority of us find it impossible to resist the joys and thrills of a skinny-dip (swimming naked) to alleviate the soaring temperatures and to relax around others doing likewise. Social nudity encourages communal skinny-dipping as many of us savor time together in a fun and healthy manner. A good time to be had by all!
Many race for the chance to skinny-dip!
There are numerous peoples who deny giving social nudity any thought throughout the year but with the arrival of summer, the month of August, the higher temperatures and any hinderance to abandoning clothing is suddenly itself abandoned. A carefree race through the surf along a beach assumes an entirely rewarding attraction as opposed to walking along, burdened by garments that only hinder whatever natural breeze is stirring! Inhibitions are cast away when the environment – both natural and social – encourage us to enjoy less stressful situations!
Good times for all!
Our nakedness encourages social interaction which also supports the concept of having “fun” together with others. The lack of any type of covering reinforces the ideal of living naturally – without the necessity of any garment or artificial item that transmits the hint of guilt or shame about our body. Too many of us are required to wear clothing for our professional lives. The practice of sharing our bareness with our acquaintances and friends affords a significant number of us to feel liberated from the restrictions imposed by a society that isn’t noted for endorsing individuality. The ability to be ourselves – totally natural – is one of the major attractions of social nudity.
Towel removal
Participating in nudity, alone or with others, isn’t limited to just outdoor situations. The changes in our weather that happen throughout the year force many of us to adapt ourselves to flexibility in our environment for different activities. Having to relocate our socially naked experiences provides us all with the skills needed to adjust to experiences beyond our control. It also affords us the opportunities to enjoy the various challenges interactive communal nudity offers!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, August 7, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Practitioner Model!”
Strip off your costume and splash into another season of aquatic splurging and natural antics!
Summer is here!
A Sun-bathed Nakedness
Walt Whitman
“Never before did I get so close to Nature; never before did she come so close to me…Nature was naked, and I was also…Sweet, sane, still Nakedness in Nature! – ah, if poor, sick, prurient humanity in cities might really know you once more! Is not nakedness indecent? No, not inherently. It is your thought, your sophistication, your fear, your respectability, that is indecent. There come moods when these clothes of ours are not only too irksome to wear, but are themselves indecent.”
Nakedness!
Also on this same date, primarily in Europe, Nude Hiking Day is observed. As this is the longest day of sunlight in the year in the Northern Hemisphere, it affords an excellent opportunity for an all day bare hike throughout the many trails!
Nude Hiking Day!
The best wishes for a safe and very happy Summer, 2023!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The post entry schedule for the remainder of June, 2023, is as follows:
Monday, June 26, 2023: “Why Pride?” Tuesday, June 27, 2023: “HIV Testing Day!” Wednesday, June 28, 2023: “Pride: SIR!” Friday, June 30, 2023: “Bottoms-Up! June, 2023”
What makes me laugh? Laughter is the best medicine. But it’s something we -including myself take for granted. I love to laugh. I love a good joke. I believe I have a dark sense of humor and nothing to me like stand up. Dice Clay, Chris Rock, Margaret Cho, Carol Burnett are some of my […]
Re-bloggers Note: I strongly encourage all of my readers to seriously consider to follow my “blogging brother and buddy” site here! The next scheduled post entry for my site is planned for Wednesday, May 31, 2013, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! May, 2013!”
The purpose of this post entry is to educate, encourage and remind us all on the benefits and health values of sunscreen. This post is published here annually and is constantly updated to offer new alternatives, ideas, suggestions etc. Please use the “comments” application for any concerns. Thank you!
If anyone has specific questions, consult your local health care provider or their assistant. Some solutions or resolutions may be available online. Otherwise, check with your local pharmacist or health agency.
Tyson Kobe: skinny-dipping pool exit!
Introduction:
Allow me to explain the title. I am in no way encouraging anyone to actually put on any article of clothing! That is simply not in my nature as a dedicated bare practitioner. What I am referring to by the title here is to remind us all – myself included – of the vital importance of the use of sunscreen whenever we go outdoors. No matter the length of time in either the direct or indirect sunlight; sunscreen is essential in the preservation of a healthy and protective skin covering!
While we’re reviewing the topic, another piece of information that is often overlooked. Sunscreen is equally important in the wintertime as it is during the summer! The UV rays from the sun are definitely not a seasonal spectacle. Unlike our nakedness, the UV rays do not hibernate!
During the colder seasons of the year, no matter which hemisphere one resides, the sun’s rays are reflected and intensified by the snow and ice. The use of sunscreen remains necessary on all exposed areas of the skin. Failure to do so may cause severe consequences.
Beach visitation!
In the Northern Hemisphere, the 2023 Summer season does not officially begin until June 21, annually. This also happens to be the absolute longest day of sunlight within this particular hemisphere. Due to the excessive amount of daylight on this date, in some countries, especially in continental Europe, it is also observed as Naked Hiking Day. The logic for this activitybeing the longer the natural daylight lasts, the greater the length of time for hiking clothes free! Now that we have noted Europe’s special designation, the USA claims it deserves equality.
In 2023, in the USA, the Memorial Day holiday (a three-day weekend) falls on May 29. This is the day on which the USA honours all the war dead. This holiday is also considered – at least in the USA and Puerto Rico – as the unofficial start of the summer season.
Confused? I am, too! That’s the reason why here on ReNude Pride we follow the official commencement of the 2023 summer: June 21!
Sunscreen spray!
Justification:
For many persons, the summertime is synonymous as the legendary season of “fun-in-the-sun!” No matter which date one prefers for the arrival, there’s no denying the fact that warmer outdoor temperatures and longer periods of daylight are here. This means that the textile (clothed) folks are wearing less and that we bare practitioners are, as usual, nude. If we’re able to survive the winter naked, why expect anything differently from us during the summer?
It stands to reason that most (if not all) of us, bare or otherwise, are outside more than we were a month ago. While we are outdoors, we’re all exposing more of our skin to the sun’s rays. This baring of ourselves in all of this sunshine is a welcome change and relief from the barren dullness of winter and the colder temperatures.
In our eagerness to get out and frolic in the fresh air and warmer weather, many of us forget one of the basic rules of outside freedom and health: skin protection! We all need to cover up (protect) our skin before we uncover any part or all of our body. This protection entails the use of an appropriate sunscreen applied correctly, adequately (sufficient quantity) and, when necessary, reapplied diligently.
Using sunscreen allows most of us to make the most of whatever opportunities our summer plans may offer. The purpose of sunscreen is to protect ourselves from sunburn and other conditions of sun ray excess or worse.
Sunburn!
Sunburn:
Sunburn is caused by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation and not heat. It is important to remember that multiple layers of the skin can burn even on overcast or cloudy days, cold winter days and while under shade (shelter from direct sunlight). Sunburn damages or destroys the skin, which controls the amount of heat our body retains or releases, holds in fluids (hydration) and protects us from infection.
Reactions to sunburn range from mild irritation to serious pain. Sunburn may cause fevers and nausea (depending on the severity of the burn) and makes the dead skin peel away. Sunburn may lead to serious health complications later in life.
Sunscreen product!
Sunscreen information:
The information below is very general and is offered as a guide to use in selecting the type of sunscreen that’s best for personal protection. Keep in mind that every individual is just that, an individual: a unique person. What is applicable for one may or may not be the same for another. When in doubt, consult a health practitioner. It’s better to ask questions now than to suffer later! Please remember that everyone may or may not be allergic to certain ingredients contained within sunscreen.
What is sunscreen?
Sunscreen is a chemical that, to a certain degree, prevents UV (ultraviolet) radiation in sunrays from reaching the skin. While there is no product that totally eliminates UV radiation damage, many variations, when used properly, can and do protect the skin adequately.
What should I look for in a sunscreen?
Regardless of where the sun activity is taking place, backyard, ball-playing field, park or beach, etc., the product should contain two elements for effective protection. Always look for a “broad spectrum” sunscreen that contains chemicals that block or prevent both UV-A and UV-B radiation from penetrating the skin surface.
While no product is completely waterproof, select a “water resistant” type that is designed for long-lasting wear, especially if swimming or sweating. Choose a variation that is both easy to apply and feels good on the skin. There are numerous commercial brands available: creams, lotions, moisturizers, gels, sprays and solid stick types.
What is SPF?
The initials SPF refer to the phrase: sun protection factor. It is the measure of the effectiveness of the sunscreen in absorbing UV-B radiation. If someone sunburns after about 10 minutes of sun exposure, using a product of SPF15 extends the amount of time before sunburn occurs to 150 minutes or two-and-a-half hours. After this time, it should be reapplied to continue protection.
In terms of percentages, a product of SPF15 blocks 93% of the UV-B rays. One of SPF30 blocks 97% of radiation and one of SPF50 blocks 99%. The difference in protection may not justify the added expense of higher SPF sunscreens.
Sunscreen application!
What is the best sunscreen for me?
This depends on many factors, including age, skin type, racial identity, gender, activity, time of day, location (proximity to the equator) and the UV index. For most skin types, a sunscreen with a minimum SPF15 is recommended. Mem with fair or lighter skin tones (of all races) and low sun tolerance (burn easily) should use a SPF30. For minimal sun exposure, 90 minutes or less, a moisturizer cream may suffice (with correct SPF level).
For extended periods of sun exposure and higher activity engagement, use a longer-lasting product such as a cream, gel or lotion. Spray (aerosol or pump) are beneficial for hairy parts of the body, including the arms, the armpits, back, chest, legs and the pubic region. If a person is acne-prone, choose sunscreens that are oil-free or non-carnodegenic.
For persons with sensitive skin, the chemicals in some sunscreen variants may cause skin irritation. Use a product that contains only physical blockers (zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide). A physical blocker does not penetrate the skin layers as do chemicals. Physical blockers stay only on the skin surface to provide protection.
Applying sunscreen to his partner’s back!
What’s the best way to use sunscreen?
If you’ve used sunscreen before and received a sunburn, it was either a) applied incorrectly, b) the wrong SPF, c) a very cheap deviant, d) insufficient amount of sunscreen, or e) expired product. Before purchasing a sunscreen product, check the expiration date. Verify the SPF level with your particular needs. Make certain that the instructions for the use of the selected variety of sunscreen are with the product.
For sunscreen to be effective, it must be in sufficient quantity, applied correctly and thoroughly applied prior to sun exposure. Reapply sunscreen as instructed following the recommended timeline.
Remember the lips! Use a lip balm with a minimum SPF15!
How much?
One ounce (the equivalent of a full shot glass) per adult per application is the minimally recommended dosage for the average person. Apply liberally all over the body, including behind the ears, on the ears both edges and ear lobes. Everyone should remember to apply sunscreen in the armpits and behind the knees.
When to apply?
Sunscreen should be placed on the body – entirely – at least 30 minutes before going into the sun. Reapply approximately 15 minutes later. The extra initial application helps to ensure that all exposed body areas have been covered, including those that may have been missed the first time. Once in the sunlight, either directly or indirectly, repeat the application process according to the instructions or at least every couple of hours, especially if swimming, perspiring and/or towel drying.
Helping his partner cover his body with sunscreen!
Who should use sunscreen?
Everyone needs skin protection. All races and ethnicities are susceptible to sunburn. Men with darker skin complexions may have a higher tolerance for sun exposure but at some point, will begin to experience sunburn. Bear and bare in mind that skin damage and serious, sometimes fatal, complications later are a result of the failure to protect the skin.
Do darker-skinned people need sunscreen?
Within the Black-toned and Brown-toned skin communities, it’s a common misconception that their melanin-infused (darker skin tone) skin completely eliminates the necessity for sunscreen as protection. Yes, darker skin does protect from some UV rays, but all persons, regardless of their skin tone, need to wear sunscreen.
For a long time, all races believed that the darker complexions of persons of African and Middle Eastern ancestry/descent were fully protected from the harmful rays of the sun. Despite the fact that darker skin tones have greater genetic protection than fairer/lighter skin tones, everyone has a natural deficiency.
At minimum, human skin needs at least an SPF30 for full protection from UV rays. Black people, on average, have at least a deficit of about SPF17 because their only offers a protection level of SPF13.
What does the expiration date mean?
Sunscreen usually remains effective and stable for a period of three years. After the expiration date, the contents (ingredients) will begin to decompose and will not offer the intended protection. Always check the expiration date before application. Discard any product that is past the expiration date!
For the bare practitioner/naturist/nudist:
Apply sunscreen to the entire body. This includes the anus, armpits, penis and testicles (both front and back). Follow the reapplication guidelines every couple of hours. Body areas that may not receive direct sunlight absorb UV-A and UV-B radiation indirectly.
Manscaping (body hair removal), no matter the method used, creates sensitive areas on the skin surface. First apply a gentle body lotion, wait 15 minutes and then cover with sunscreen.
Sunglasses!
Eyes:
It is extremely important to wear sunglasses to prevent harmful UV radiation from damaging the eyes. Select a pair (and a spare) with UV filtering lenses.
Summary:
Summer is a naturist/nudist paradise for a variety of nudecentric outdoor activities: aquatics, athletics, barbecues and cookouts, events, festivals and socials. It is also a time for quiet solitude such as gardening, hiking, reading a book outside or a casual stroll along a nature trail. No matter how we choose to spend our leisure time, proper prevention against sunburn and other skin damage ensures all of us freedom from concerns over sun exposure. One less worry as we go about our business of having fun in the sun!
In adhering to the above practices, protocols and our own common sense, we’ll all be able to look back in the autumn and know a good time was had by all!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, May 26, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Skinny-Dip Duo!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 