Personally, it feels as though this summertime has only just begun. Yesterday was the official “first day of summer,” and now here we are, the month of August is already upon us! Where did the month of July disappear? It was in the future, and now it is a memory. I readily admit to being somewhat sluggish at the end of June, but I honestly didn’t foresee taking a nap that would include the entire month of July!
A dreamland pillow!
This season has been enjoyable, exciting and productive – as most summers usually are – without the usual drama that happens when the heat affects the temper levels. Perhaps one of the reasons this season has been relatively “drama-free” is due to having restful and sufficient amounts of sleep. This may be attributed to the fact that living natural pillows, on which to lay our head, are remarkably available and many bare practitioners are taking advantage! A good night’s sleep gives amazing rewards for those who indulge!
Our couples featured above illustrate the modern marvel known as living natural pillows. They’re accommodating, flexible and are accompanied by a sincere desire to please. Of course, reciprocity is expected and that merely involves taking turns providing the headrest! Everything more than that depends on the compatibility of the couple engaged in dreamland!
Beach bedding!
Not everyone has the same sense of privacy that others hold, especially during the freedom that summer provides us. Many take to napping and slumber while in the rays from the sun. Stroll along any beach, waterfront or pool deck and countless persons will be lounging and sleeping while doing so. There’s no law against it so why not enjoy it?
It is also vitally important to ascertain that all of us understand that living natural pillows entail the use of the buttocks of one person as the living natural pillow of another person. I’ll qualify one of the requirements from my personal experience. I’ve never rested my weary head on the buttocks of anyone recently deceased. I’m not sure if I could ever bring myself to relax during an exchange such as involving a close encounter with a dead person. For that reason, “living” is an essential aspect of the human pillow!
Compliance?
An equally essential component of the living natural pillow experience is the agreement, compliance and/or understanding between the involved persons as to what specifically the participation actually includes. For some, the possibility of being a pillow for another person is repugnant. They only want to be the person with their head on someone else’s buttocks! Role-playing isn’t one of their stronger features.
My spouse, Aaron, offers that for some couples, the usual aspects of alternating roles of accommodation are determined to not be applicable. This decision is based on their personal preference and mutual consent. If this is agreeable to them, then they are free to follow whatever is satisfactory.
Comfort and tranquility!
Naked hugs and enjoy your pillow: whatever style you have!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, August 5, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Marvelous Monday!”
The first full month of the summer of 2024 is now coming to an end. Hopefully, it has been a month of fun with a multitude of bare “bottoms” available for us all to admire! Capture the moments as we all know, summer doesn’t last forever!
Bottoms-up! strolling!
Clothing optional beaches are among the best places to view bare buttocks! Either walking around taking inventory as to what is available or passively absorbing the rays from the sun, bare buttocks and the bodies they are attached to are always plentiful!
Bottoms-up! grille chef!
The beaches aren’t the only locales to inspect bottoms-up! compliance. Many chefs opt for the bare buttocks role when labouring over a hot grill, especially in the direct sunlight!
Buttocks with a tan-line!
Tan-line: the grim reality that not all of us enjoy the luxury of accessible nudity!
Bottoms-up! nature trail!
Bare practitioner hiking along nature trails provide us with many exceptional opportunities for bottoms-up! observations, as well as a healthier heart!
Hanging out the laundry!
Hygienic laundry hanging allows us the chance to enjoy the bottoms-up! experience, but simultaneously to share our pleasure with others looking to do the same!
Bare buttocks = bottoms-up!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, August 2, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “August Awakening!”
The “header” (opening image) of this post entry here on ReNude Pride today is of Reign, one of my current favorite actors. Yes, he is a “star” in pornography and yes (again) he is openly and proudly a same gender loving (SGL) exclusively gay man. Now, what captured my attention about him – before I ever watched him perform – is the fact that he has “unashamed” tattooed just above his pubic hairline.
I readily admit that any man who is that blatant, bold and brave will automatically capture my eye! I’ll also be the first to acknowledge that the person who showed me today’s header is my spouse, Aaron. This sharing happened a couple of years ago, before even he – Aaron – watched a Reign DVD. For any man to have an “unashamed” tattoo anywhere near his genital area will gain notoriety. No questions asked!
Needless to add here, with his comfort and proud nakedness and his sexuality, Reign has obviously earned his place in our bare practitioner community and culture! Welcome home from all of us, Reign! I am so glad to have your bare and unashamed body to post here today!
A riverfront pose!
My Bare Practitioner Day Plans:
This past weekend offered us bare practitioners back-to-back days to commemorate: International Skinny-Dipping Day on Saturday, July 13, (which was accomplished despite several different rain-showers) and Bare Practitioner’s Day on Sunday, July 14. Aaron’s older brother, Paul, and his partner, Sudhir, were with us for the International Skinny-Dipping Day outing that we undertook in Richmond, Virginia. Aaron had to work Sunday; Paul and Sudhir had plans for the Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C., which left me solo and free for Bare Practitioner’s Day.
With everyone occupied, I decided to make Sunday a blogging excursion and let all know that I was going to a privately-owned waterfront cottage to compile my Monday posting for “Sex-on-The-Beach.” I’d already shared with everyone that “Sex-on-The-Beach” was the name of the cocktail I would feature as the Bare Beverage.
I settled into a calm and relaxed mood. With two couples sharing one condo for a busy weekend of nakedness, there was no tension. We spent Saturday bare and together and everyone had their own plans for Sunday, no matter if they were naked or clothed. By Sunday evening, we’d all four be bare again and together again! Family (even in-laws) can be fun!
Another July weekend, another summertime success! Who could ask for anything more?
A loving mother could and probably would!
The Scenario:
Aaron is my spouse and Paul is his older brother. Paul also knows my mother and she knows him. After I had left Sunday morning, she calls from Greece via my TTY (old school: teletype telephone for the Deaf) for some routine reason that mother’s are known for and Paul answers her call. They converse with pleasantries and she asks if I’m available. Paul responds with the reality that Aaron and I are both unavailable, I’m out at the waterfront and Aaron is at work.
She then asks if he knows where I am and Paul informs her that I’m at the riverfront working on “sex on the beach” at that Aaron is at his job. They talk a little longer and then end the connection.
Author’s Note:Knowing my mother as well as I do, English is not her first (nor her second) language. I’m positive that it took her between 30 minutes and a full hour to mentally absorb her conversation with Paul. Once that happened, she would need to communicate exclusively in Greek. The international repercussions of the earlier dialogue between her and Paul escalated disproportionally!
My bare buttocks!
About the time that I’m baring my buttocks on Bare Practitioner’s Day, I receive a text message from one of my older brothers, Leo. He’s frantic and very terse. Our mother called him upset because I was out having sex on some beach while Aaron was at work! Thankfully, all six of our brothers know that Alex (my identical twin) and I are both SGL and practice nakedness! This background knowledge eliminated more than half of a potentially lengthy detailed explanation necessary to placate Leo, of all my brothers, who also happens to be our most “less tolerant” sibling.
Author’s Note:Thank you, Reign, for your conveniently located tattoo, “unashamed!” Alex and I were both taught by our parents notto be ashamed of who we are! At long last, I am able to identify the purpose of you as the header (opening image) of today’s post entry!
Leo and I were able to share emoji laughter at the end of our texting exchange. He was confident about restoring calm and comprehension to our mother. I alerted Alex as to what had transpired so that he was prepared for any questions. When we shared online connections later that evening, all of us thoroughly enjoyed the “comedy of errors!” created by Paul and our beloved mother!
And Aaron? He is my beloved and my spouse. Paul is his older brother and my brother-in-law. After Sunday evening’s comedy review, none of us could welcome sleep. Families! What else should we expect?
And importantly to Reign! A toast to you and your inspirational and notorious tattoo: “unashamed!”
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, July 22, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “July’s Jewels!”
A suggested reference!
Author’s Recommendation: Michael, a fellow blogger here on wordpress publishes a site that I have followed ever since returning here. MySecretJourney is the title of his site which chronicles his life, his canines and his views. I urge everyone who is concerned about the November elections to read one of his recent posts: “M.A.G.A.” To visit the posting, please click here.
Summertime usually brings forth in our various cultures and societies an interesting and refreshing concoction of beverages, usually with an alcoholic content, to not only quench our thirst but to enable us to relax and appreciate the festive atmosphere the season brings. In the past, I have published several recipes for summer cocktails during the month of August; this year, my spouse, Aaron, suggested publishing this feature earlier in order that as many as possible have the chance to mix and enjoy! Quite naturally (we were both bare), he made this recommendation as he was sipping on this cocktail!
The name of the beverage is: Sex On The Beach. The recipe – I’m uncertain if that’s what the “recipe” is actually labelled – was located in an internet search for “summer rum cocktails.” A possible alternative title for this post entry: A Tropical Happy Hour!
SexOnTheBeach!
11/2 ounces rum (light or dark)
1 ounce lime juice
1 ounce orange juice
1 ounce pineapple juice
1/2 ounce passionfruit syrup
Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into a glass and add a lime wheel or a chunk of fresh fruit. Enjoy!
The above recipe was originally offered here on ReNude Pride under the title. That eye-catching name caught my attention. Of course, no explanation of the name was given. Also, there was no caution regarding safe sex nor urging of the responsible consumption of alcohol, especially hen operating a vehicle. I’m not able to recall the distillery that created this rum.
I do remember that the first time I tried the mixed drink, I realized the ice wasn’t necessary. I preferred my beverage at room temperature, even during the summer! Ice is cold and that fact gives me no consolation!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, July 19, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “An Unashamed Tale!”
International Skinny-Dipping Day: Saturday, July 13, 2024!
Bare Practitioner’s Day, Sunday, July 14, 2024!
Bare practitioners about to skinny-dip in the ocean!
If the weather cooperates here in the Northern Hemisphere, this weekend has the potential for a very bare extravaganza of aquatic excitement and fun! Of course, we all know that the entire hemisphere will not have the ideal conditions, but hoping for the best sometimes affords positive results! Besides, a little rain during the summer season isn’t all that disastrous! Especially when we’re all body and clothes free anyway!
A rush to skinny-dip!
International Skinny-Dipping Day, Saturday, July 13, 2024:
Skinny-dipping is a phrase originating in American English for swimming naked. The popular justification for that designation is that in the rural southern tradition, the term developed from the custom of “getting into one’s skin and taking a dip into a local body of water.” Up until the massive general recruitment into the armed forces caused by World War II, skinny-dipping was limited primarily to the southern part of the USA. The label didn’t gain widespread use in the vernacular until the war response brought young men together in defence of the country. Once the peace was restored and the military returned home did the term earn expanded comprehension.
The advancement and development of Nude Recreation Week in the 1970’s encouraged the use of that phrase in the promotion of naked swimming as part of the week-long observance of outdoor body and clothes freedom activities. Skinny-dipping was considered an event and a name that would get the general public’s attention and interest into the naturist/nudist experience.
The two sponsoring organizations of Nude Recreation Week, the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) and The Naturist Society (TNS), decided in the early years of the 21st century to alter the focus of the skinny-dipping event into an international competition in an attempt to increase the event’s ranking in the Guinness Book of Records. This strategy was intended to attract even more general interest in both the event and in promoting social nudity. One of the major objections to the additional focus on an international skinny-dipping activity has been that it diminishes the overall theme of Nude Recreation Week.
Skinny-dipping duo!
Skinny-dipping, from the earliest days, was usually always observed in natural bodies of water, such as lakes and oceans. As humanity progressed, pools were made by men for different reasons and both genders adapted to the new situation. The bare swimming experience became popular regardless of where it was located. Aquatic refreshment and relaxation remained an often-sought luxury appreciated by the multitudes! It wasn’t until mid-way through the Victorian era that the creation of swimming suits became a demand.
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Join us!
Bare Practitioner’s Day, July 14, annually!
Losing his cumbersome burden!
Bare Practitioner’s Day evolved here from World Naked Day, World Nudist Day and several other national and/or regional labels. Aaron, my spouse, and I adopted the title here in order to promote the largely misunderstood concept of same gender loving body and clothes freedom. Throughout the world, attention and emphasis is on fashion that must be purchased, little thought is offered to the fashion that is common to us all: our skin! We both believe that as our skin is completely “natural” fashion, it deserves a “special” day for celebration – all throughout the world!
The reality of Nude Recreation Week having no denoted date for happening, Aaron and I both feel that Bare Practitioner’s Day needs a date assigned that doesn’t obscure the occasion and the communities represented. Both the same gender loving and the body and clothes freedom persons have earned their own day of celebration and remembrance!
Proud teen bare practitioners!
There are two specific reasons that we both believe justify having a day for bare practitioner recognition. First and foremost is the fact that across much of the globe, same gender loving persons face discrimination and prejudice simply for being themselves. It may not be as prevalent as it once was, but it continues even today. Having a time for being ourselves enables us, as a community and as a culture, to remind all others that we are here and have earned the freedom to be us!
Secondly, even among the naturist/nudist people, bias and marginalization remains against our kind. Therefore, we reserve the right to help prepare for a better and equal acceptance for those who are just now entering into our lifestyle. History doesn’t need to be repeated forever! Our delight and enjoyment of our nakedness isn’t based solely on our sexuality!
As bare practitioners ourselves, Aaron and I both appreciate and comprehend the importance of promoting the benefits, joy and rewards of the ability to enhance and participate in our lifestyle with others who feel the same! Camaraderie offers us the opportunity to meet and learn from others and to both share and socialize!
Stepping into his bare practitioner identity!
Everyone is encouraged to take full advantage of our seasonal weather and have a fun and productive July weekend! Take care and enjoy being bare!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, July 15, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Beverages!”
National Nude Recreation Week: July 8 – July 14, 2024!
The week in action with Phoenix Fellington!
ReNude Pride’s very own model-spokesperson, Phoenix Fellington, aptly takes the leadership role in our observation of this week-long observance of bare beautification and celebration! Let no one remain doubtful as to the happiness, joy and laughter that this occasion can offer to all of us, whether we’re fully committed bare practitioners or newcomers trying social nudity for the very first time. This is a week to remember as “something fun for everyone!”
This festival of body and clothes freedom activities is jointly co-sponsored by the American Association of Nude Recreation (AANR) and The Naturist Society (TNS). As every summer is the “season of fun in the sun” it is only logical that major national naturist/nudist advocacy organizations produce an event in honour of clean, healthy bare living. The recent tendency over the last several years is to observe this festivity during the week after the July 4 holiday.
Let the fun begin!
Nude Recreation Week involves an emphasis on the numerous activities, leisure services and past-times, both active and passive, that people may engage in or undertake while enjoying nakedness. In essence, identical to what can be done when wearing garments. This isn’t to imply this special week is the only time we bare our bodies for fun and games. We do that quite frequently! Not only during this week only, but all throughout the entire year!
The original agenda for what is now evolving into Nude Recreation Week was to encourage guests and persons with very limited experience with social nudity to visit facilities and properties that allowed clothing optional and/or nakedness in an effort to increase their audiences. The history of Nude Recreation Week is relatively recent with the earliest documented date of August 7, 1976, as being NudeBeachDay. It was first observed at Truro Beach in southern California and at Meadow Beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Both sites were pleased with the public response at their facilities.
Boating bare together!
The success of the first NudeBeachDay guaranteed a repeat the following year. The repeated observance earned attention in the naked newsletters and periodicals and also gained increased participation from other clothes free destinations and resorts. The popularity of the event soon led to the expansion from a single day activity into NationalNudeWeekend.
As many naturist/nudist destinations and resorts weren’t located with convenient access to a clothing optional aquatic facility, beach availability, it was soon recognized that an additional expansion of the theme was necessary. It was at this time that the scheduling of the occasion was moved from the month of August to the month of July and the Nude Recreation Week timeline was adapted.
The emergence and evolution of Nude Recreation Week did not reflect the growth of same gender loving community adherents to the body and clothes freedom movement. In the aftermath of the Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR), the entrenchment of homophobia within the movement often increased. It remains even today although less blatant than before.
Happy Nude Recreation Week to all!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, July 12, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Skinny-Dipping Day/Bare Practitioner’s Day!”
As the above statistical data chart demonstrates, clearly the observance of HIV Testing Day is providing some worthwhile results. The African-American population had repeatedly reported the highest incident rates of any racial/ethnic group within USA borders. Now that same community is offering rising rates of HIV testing throughout its population. The higher the testing, the lower the rates of infection. Progress is being made – at last!
Testing Day!
First observed in the USA as National HIV Testing Day on 27 June, 1995, the main purpose of the date was to encourage persons to take the test, get the results and know their HIV status. Since that time, it has gained importance and is now promoted as an international effort for all peoples, no matter where they live. The goal has now expanded to empower individuals to seek treatment if they are HIV+ and to expand research into seeking a cure.
Since 1995, treatment options have expanded and now include prevention choices that allow persons to continue living productive lives. HIV, when treated, no longer carries the fatal outcome it once generated.
If you haven’t already done so, please get tested and know your HIV status!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, June 28, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “SIR: Legacy!”
Sometimes, the simpler is better! The month of June, annually, already has the distinction of being the official month of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) Pride Month. Our community and culture’s recognized and respected annual occasion to commemorate and to remember the birth of the modern struggle for equality, fairness and justice that began in the early morning hours of 28 June, 1969.
Prior to the celebration of our collective movement against bias and oppression, in the Northern Hemisphere, the month of June already possessed a designation that no one could ignore: the arrival of the Summer Season! As if the seasonal reality wasn’t enough, along with it came the ageless classic: swimming naked (vernacular: skinny-dipping)! The freedom to bare ourselves and to be ourselves – in nature or indoors!
A cautious approach!
Our man above has waited almost an entire year for another summertime to arrive so that he can renew his outdoor favourite: a skinny-dipping adventure in his backyard pool! Bare as nature with the freedom to be the man that he truly is!
Baring himself to skinny-dip!
Dropping his long-legged athletic shorts, our man kicks them aside, making it obvious for all of us that his style preference is “commando” – no underwear! Totally harmonious to the pleasure he derives from skinny-dipping (a proud bare body) in his very own pool! A simple task: SWS (sun, water, skin)! What could be easier to understand?
All that is needed is a source of water and a familiarity with the location. A bare body (clothes freedom) and the confidence and knowledge to overcome the challenge (swimming). Sunscreen for protection is the only “equipment” involved. Sun, water, and comfort with our complete nakedness! Who could possibly ask for anything more?
Skinny-dipping (swimming naked) is perhaps the most ancient of recreational events. Probably first undertaken prior to the necessity of clothing for comfort and/or warmth, humanity, nakedness and water have been compatible since the beginning of time. There is no need for us to ignore the harmony of ourselves – in our “natural” state of being – with our nature environment any longer! Especially now that the season to skinny-dip is now upon us (at least, in the Northern Hemisphere)!
The “first” step into the pool!
The “first” step is generally the most important. It allows us to familiarize ourselves with the temperature of the water in addition to acclimating us as to the depth of the pool. The more that we know, the better equipped we are for adventure, excitement and fun! The time of our summer season is limited, so it is always best to adapt ourselves as quickly as possible. We have an entire winter season to recollect on every moment we enjoy!
One important factor to remember when skinny-dipping is that it is best not undertaken alone. As a safety concern, this is essential when in a body of water, man-made or natural, that is unfamiliar and/or unknown. The man-made pool is here is obviously transparent yet having another person along is advisable, as physical complications can occur anytime and without warning. Our skinny-dipper today is being filmed by his accomplice with his camera. Two is better than one, solo!
A launch with a splash! Happy skinny-dipping!
Splashdown has occurred; another successful launching has happened! Bare practitioner is now underway! Mission control has now been advised that the first full day of summer is now set for fun, pleasure and safety! Everyone is encouraged to join in skinny-dipping as often as possible! Better to do so now than procrastinate and then wonder what happened once the frozen outdoor temperatures return!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: A little variety in my signature image here! Aaron, my spouse suggested this image as compatible with the subject of today’s posting! The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 24, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “HIV Testing Day!”
The glorious season of Summer deserves exceptional recognition for being the primary time of the year where an overwhelming majority of us bare practitioners relish in the almost unlimited freedom of our nakedness and our same gender loving status. ReNude Pride’s celebrity spokes-model, Phoenix Fellington, once again takes the featured role in demonstrating his acknowledged fondness for and preference for his unofficial official designation as our bare practitioner’sbarepractitioner! Confused? Don’t be! He’s hereto honoured as our bare beach soul – and not based exclusively because of his race. He’s my “soul” because he boldly and proudly poses all around without a thread of concealment over his body!
Whether he’s playing in the sand (view above) or being honoured in the foliage of the forest, his oft quoted remark, I love being naked, outside, in nature! is the summary of us nakednessenthusiasts no matter where we live or our skin colour! A man’s man and entertainer combined into one for us all to emulate!
Phoenix Fellington, the bare tree!
Phoenix, a former U.S. Marine, has the strength and, most importantly, the physique, to support a tree unaided by it’s natural trunk! And believe me, this is one active same gender loving (gay) porn-star who has the body to prove that fact!
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Juneteenth Celebration vigil!
Juneteenth Holiday!
The official name for this occasion is the Juneteenth National Independence Day and it is a national holiday in the USA. It is celebrated annually here on June 19, commemorating the official and formal emancipation from slavery in the USA. The name for this most recent holiday is a combination of the words “June” and “nineteenth” because it was on the date of June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in all of Texas at the end of the American Civil War.
The initial celebrations of this event began in 1866, originating in church sponsored community gatherings in Texas and throughout the south among liberated slaves often featuring a community food festival. With the Great Migration of African-Americans (descendants of slaves), these observances quickly spread throughout the country.
The day was recognized as a federal (national) holiday in 2021, when President Joseph Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. It was first observed as a federal holiday that same year. The protocol is in place when this holiday falls on a Saturday, the Friday before is the date of the observance. If the date is a Sunday, then the following Monday is the official holiday.
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Phoenix Fellington, picnic table invitational!
Summer Commences!
For this year, Summer, 2024, officially comes into existence on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 4:51 p.m., (local time). The fun begins and lasts until September 22! For those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, if you haven’t already done so, make the seasonal adjustments necessary to ensure a happy, safe and successful summertime of family, friends and fun!
This year is one of the times when the equinox doesn’t occur on the traditional date of June 21. However, June 21, 2024, does mark the first official full day of 2024’s summertime. Extra time for fun and play!
Summer splash!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, June 21, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Strip2Dip: Summer, 2024!”
This is my annual post entry here on ReNude Pride to remind everyone (follower and/or visitor) of the healthy and lifesaving capability and importance – and necessity – of sunscreen and the essence of applying it daily. Even though I publish this notification as the summer season approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, I need to reiterate that sunscreen is essential all throughout the year! The UV sunrays are not reduced due to colder/cooler temperatures. The UV sunrays are effective regardless of the season!
My initial posting was repeated, verbatim, for the period of the first several postings here. It was then that I realized that I could offer updates and extra information. I instituted this editing and practice through a section entitled – initially – “update.” I soon realized that this was a faulty habit and now post this announcement that from henceforth, I will revise the information based on the relevant topic agenda. I continue this procedure even today. New topics and details are added throughout each annual post entry.
A sunscreen in a lotion format!
The summer doesn’t officially begin until 21 June, 2024, in the Northern Hemisphere. However, in the USA, this upcoming weekend is a three-day holiday and most people here consider this occasion as the unofficial beginning of the legendary season of “fun in the sun!” No matter which day one prefers for the arrival of summer, there’s no denying the fact that warmer temperatures and longer hours of daylight are here! This means that the textile people are wearing less clothing and those of us who live in the glory of our nakedness are, as usual, basking in our freedom!
The Important Reminder:
In our eagerness to get out and frolic in the fresh air and warm sun, many of us forget one of the essentials elements of our health: We all need to protect our skin before we uncover any part of or all of our body! This protection entails the use of an appropriate sunscreen applied correctly, adequately (sufficient quantity) and, when necessary, reapplied diligently. The purpose of sunscreen is to protect ourselves from the harmful rays of sunlight, whatever season of the year. Sunscreen should be used all year long not just during the summertime!
A sunburned back!
What is sunburn?
Sunburn is caused by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation and not heat. It is important to remember that human skin can and does burn even on overcast or cloudy days, cold winter days and while under a shade (sheltered from direct sunlight). Sunburn damages or destroys the skin, which controls the amount of heat our body retains or releases, hold 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.
The information published in this post entry 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 not be the same for another. When in doubt, consult a health practitioner. It is better to ask now than to be sorry later!
Application!
What is sunscreen?
Sunscreen is a chemical that, to a certain degree, prevents UV radiation 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 sun activity is happening: backyard, ball-playing field, park or beach, etc., the product should contain two elements for effective protection. Always use a “broad spectrum” sunscreen that contains chemicals that block 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 (perspiring). Choose a variation that is both easy to apply and feels good on the skin. There are numerous commercial qualities available: creams, lotions, moisturizers, gels, sprays and solid stick types.
What is SPF?
The initials SPF refer to the sun protection factor. It is the measure of the effectiveness of the sunscreen in absorbing UV 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 approximately 150 minutes or roughly 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 90%. The difference in protection may not justify the added expense of higher SPF sunscreens, in particular those manufactured in the USA.
USA: SPF Inconsistencies
Most consumers choose a sunscreen product based on it’s sun protection factor (SPF) rating, often selecting those with a higher SPF, convinced they’re getting the protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
In the USA, SPF values are an unreliable measure of a products sunscreen effectiveness. A good and effective sunscreen should provide equal broad-spectrum protection from both UV-A and UV-B rays. Within the USA, the SPF rating reflects only how well a particular product protects from UV-B rays. Broad-spectrum sunscreens are available, but the SPF rating values do not stipulate the difference.
Sunning themselves!
What’s the best sunscreen for me?
This depends on may aspects, including age, skin type, activity, time of day, location (proximity to the Equator) and the UV index. For most skin types, a sunscreen with a broad-spectrum minimum SPF15 is recommended. Men with fair or lighter skin tones (of all ethnicities and races) and low sun tolerance (burn easily) should use a broad-spectrum 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 hairier parts of the body, including the arms and 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 sunscreens may cause irritation. Use a product that contains only physical blockers (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide). A physical blocker does not penetrate the skin layers as do chemicals. Physical blockers stay on the skin surface to provide protection.
What’s the best way to use sunscreen?
If you’ve used sunscreen before and suffered sunburn, it was either applied incorrectly or the wrong SPF. For sunscreen to be effective, it must be in sufficient quantity, applied correctly and thoroughly, applied prior to sun exposure and reapplied when necessary.
Remember the lips! Use a lip balm with a minimum SPF15.
How much?
One ounce (a full shot glass) per adult body per application (minimally). Apply liberally all over the body, including behind the ears and on the edges of the ear and ear lobes.
When to apply?
At least 30 minutes before going into the sun. Reapply 15 minutes later. The extra application helps to cover body areas that may have been missed the first time. Once in sunlight, reapply every couple of hours, especially if swimming, perspiring or towel drying.
Sunscreen for a friend!
Who should use sunscreen?
Everyone needs skin protection. All ethnicities and races are susceptible to sunburn. Persons with darker skin complexions may have a higher tolerance for sun exposure but at some point, will begin to experience sunburn. Keep in mind that skin damage and serious complications later in life are a result of the failure to protect the skin.
Do persons of African descent need sunscreen?
All persons need to protect themselves from UV-A and UV-B sunrays. A common misconception is that Black people and others with darker skin tones is that their melanin-infused skin completely eliminates the necessity for sunscreen as protection. Yes, darker skin does offer limited additional tolerance but all persons, no matter their skin tone, need to wear sunscreen.
For a long time, all races mistakenly believed that the darker skin needs at least an SPF30complexions of persons of African, Middle Eastern and Indigenous American and Australian heritage were immune from the damaging and harmful rays of the sun. Despite the fact that melanin-infused skin have a higher genetic tolerance than fairer (lighter) skin tones, everyone has a natural deficiency of SPF.
At minimum, skin needs at least an SPF30 broad-spectrum for full protection. from UV-A and UV-B. Black people (on average) have a natural deficit of about SPF17 because melanin naturally provides a SPF13.
Sunglasses!
What about my eyes?
Ultraviolet rays do have an adverse effect on eyes as well as vision. Sunglasses that are able to filter the sun’s rays are available without a prescription. Protect yourself!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, May 24, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Almost Here!”
