Earth Day is a recent event that has grown both in popularity and scope. It is now a universal observation officially celebrated on April 22, but commemorations are held according to local custom and on appropriate dates. The very first Earth Day occurred on 22 April, 1970. This year, 2025, is the 55th anniversary of this event and the international theme is “Our Power, Our Planet.” The day is dedicated to demonstrating support for environmental protection and encourages global participation in various activities.
The essential truth!
The very first Earth Day events were long overdue. Humanity has spent eternity abusing this planet – our home – without any regard for maintenance and/or replenishment. Finally, people began to recognize the fact that this destructive behavior could not go on forever without serious repercussions. It was time for a change in direction and environmentalists led the way!
From the inception in 1970, Earth Day activities and events focused on the need to demonstrate, educate and inform. In making the people aware of the seriousness of the cause and the benefits of change, a bond has formed that preserves not only our environment but also the excitement of each individual taking simple steps in making a positive difference.
This interactive approach has guaranteed the continued popularity of Earth Day among both the general public and commercial enterprises. Sharing the awareness of progress promotes the concept of the event and the ideal of preservation of our planet, our home!
Trash collection!
Bare practitioners engage in a community inspired project: the removal of discarded trash from a local beach property. This effort benefits not only the beach facility but also the local water source.
Earth Day Beach team!
A job well done and the pride in completion! A cleaner beach for everyone to appreciate and enjoy, thanks to the efforts of these two bare practitioners!
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National Arbor Day, Friday, 25 April, 2025!
Arbor Day is a secular day of observance in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees. The designated National Arbor Day is on Friday, 25 April, 2025. The majority of states in the USA hold their Arbor Day on a variety of days, based on the best tree planting season within their particular area.
In many municipalities, Arbor Day celebrations and events are now held in conjunction with Earth Day activities as the two observances are closely related. In some cases, the tendency is to host two separate festivities in order to remind people of the need to conserve in order to preserve. What is most important is that we realize that the replenishment of our tree growth is of vital importance to us all!
Hugging a tree!
The very first documented Arbor Day happened in Villanueva de la Sierra, Spain, in 1594. It was celebrated city-wide beginning in 1805. In the United States, then-president Theodore Roosevelt in 1907, issued his “Arbor Day Proclamation to the School Children of the United States” announcing the importance of trees and that forestry deserves to be taught in all the U.S. schools.
Initially used as an intentional derogatory description of arborists and environmentalists, the term “tree hugger” rapidly gained the opposite effect. It was adopted by both groups as an honourable distinction.
A municipal Arbor Day happening!
A local municipality hosts an exclusive Arbor Day event. The majority of Arbor Day activities occur regardless of the weather conditions. Rain or sunshine, both are necessary for the growth and health of the planted tree!
April: the first full (complete) month of the Spring season in the Northern Hemisphere. The perfect time to celebrate our natural environment!
Remember Arbor Day whenever you view a tree!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned forThursday, April 24, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Armenia: Genocide Remembrance Day!”
For many of us, a frequently forgotten and overlooked benefit of the summer season is the actual “start” of our day. With comfortable outdoor temperatures, our awakening routine is fairly simple: get out of bed, stretch, and if we have to wear clothes, just slip into a pair of shorts. Eureka! We’re ready to go!
Unfortunately, winter is an entirely different season! After getting out of bed, the clothing process is much more involved. Not just the shorts, but also a shirt or two, underwear (regular or thermal), shoes and socks, warm pants and layers upon layers of of outerwear garments and accessories before we even take one step outside into frigid air temperatures! A major undertaking!
Today’s post entry here on ReNude Pride serves a total of three (3) purposes. First is a visual reminder for all of us that our bare practitioner buddies in the Southern Hemisphere are now officially into their summer season and the freedom that entails. Second is the gentle hint of what is now headed toward the rest of us who live in the “winterized” Northern Hemisphere. Third is a glimpse of what “happy days” (summer) delivers to bare practitioners globally!
Catching his breath!
Francois: fun and fitness!
Today’s scenario features our very own fellow bare practitioner, Algerian-French Francois Sagat, model and SGL adult film star, who has no compunction about appearing body and clothes free no matter what the occasion happens to be. He takes pride in both himself and his work and offers no apologies for being exactly what and who he truly is: both gay and naked!
Today, he is finishing an early morning jog alone and bare along the shore of a local beach. No clothing? No problem as he pauses from his healthy excursion when he happens upon a fellow beach enthusiast who feels the need to be somewhat modest while admiring Francois stretching his body! Perhaps he is contemplating a similar routine, minus his garments?
Sometimes, in our excessively fashion-conscious world, nudity needs to be inspired before it is explored. What better inspiration than enjoying nature naturally? As Francois demonstrates in these images, there is no shame in just being himself: free and natural! A true and valid representation of what is essential to all of us bare practitioners!
Surf and sunshine!
A subtle message?
In the above scenario, the celebrity bare practitioner, Francois Sagat, is depicted completing a bare jog along a beach, almost alone. There is one clothed individual sharing the sand, sun and surf with him. The textile (clothes-wearing) man observes and sits watching Sagat’s recovery from his physical endeavour as well as his obvious being bare. Incidental or intentional?
Among us bare practitioners, there are many who enthusiastically label the visuals as incidental. Francois was merely out for a jog on a relative isolated beach. He took advantage of the situation by exercising while clothes free. Expressing himself naturally in nature. Simply being who he really is when he encountered his textile (clothed) spectator sitting along the shore. An accidental and unplanned meeting.
Without any available resource to cover himself, he just finished his fitness routine as best he could: in his nakedness! He had no other alternative course of action. Poor planning? Most definitely! But then, the best way to learn a lesson is from our mistakes!
Then there are those who are less tolerant of public and/or social nudity. They may view the entire episode as a blatant ploy by Sagat in an attempt to seduce the unsuspecting spectator into the world of body and clothing freedom and beyond (a casual and consensual sexual encounter). Once Francois approaches the individual on the beach, he makes no effort to conceal or cover his being naked.
Instead, he merely flaunts his bareness directly in front of his “audience.” They substitute the surprise meeting with the label of exhibitionism, inferring that Francois using suggestive body language as an enticement to encourage his observer to join him!
Conclusion:
There are countless differences of opinion that the above scenario creates for those of us who are avid bare practitioners and those of a more conservative fashion sense and/or those with a strong opinion on same gender love (SGL). This post entry is to remind us all that there are always those persons who believe/think outside of our personal comfort level.
Post Script: The clothes wearing individual in the above scenario never takes his eyes off of bare practitioner, Francois Sagat. Evidently, he enjoyed not only the encounter but also the view!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, January 17, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Comfortable Routine!”
It is now Springtime in the Southern Hemisphere! While too cool for beaches in the Northern Hemisphere, Brazilian-born Felipe Ferreira can absorb all the sand he wants while on shore-patrol in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Bottoms-up! teaser!
The rest of us, in the Northern Hemisphere, have little alternative except to retreat inside out of the autumn chills and tease one another with our bottoms-up! antics!
Now that the Autumn season is officially here, a residual tan-line remains visible on the buttocks of many regardless of the amount of sunshine absorbed this past summer!
Chilly mornings!
The comfort of our bed becomes more important and noticeable as we all tend to linger longer before rising to begin our daily routine!
Flag draped bottoms-up!
With an imminent national election, a flag draped pair of tan-lined buttocks is an appropriate offering!
Pumpkin grinning!
Finally, a seasonal selection for our conclusion: Happy Halloween!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Friday, November 1, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “November: Vote!”
Summer, 2024, officially ended a week ago! Our man took advantage of the change and took his final skinny-dip on the very last full day of this month. He didn’t wait until the “last minute” – he actually made it his very first skinny-dip for Autumn, 2024!
A communal glimpsing to observe a bottoms-up! view of the skyline before the season of Summer, 2024, officially ends, once and for all! Even though the season may end, the majority of us know that our bottoms-up! opportunities will continue all year long!
Curled toes!
Submerged (underwater) bottoms-up! in the outdoor pool. Cooling himself before the upcoming autumn chill arrives!
Bottoms-up! with a warning!
The last day of summer and he’s bottoms-up! with an advisory warning: completely bare practitioners area. No time for any type of clothing: period!
Beach: bottoms-up! trio!
The threesome here are wasting no time even considering covering their buttocks. It’s the last day of the month of September and the new autumn season is already underway! Enjoy the sun’s rays while it is possible!
Bottoms up! and removing!
Our enthusiast can’t wait until he strips off his wet bikini and becomes a total bottoms-up! man!
Have a happy last day of September, 2024!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, October 1, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “GLBTQ+ 2024 History Month!”
A visual offering of ideas and suggestions for spontaneous measures in photography and bare practitioner enrichment while natural in nature! Before the seasonal transition occurs, visually document your comfort with our environment as we celebrate the final days of our summer!
My friend and fellow blogger, Adimu Mawzi, joined together several years ago to commemorate the verylastday of the summer of 2014. Aaron, my spouse, was at work on this day so we traveled to Richmond, Virginia, to spend some time riverside at a park near my childhood home.
I’m not adept at photography, so there were some difficulty as we attempted to adjust the automatic lens on my inexpensive camera!
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Attempting to compensate for my extremely weak skills in operating a camera, the below images, I hope, will provide some additional resources to consider in creating memories of enjoying life naturally (without clothing) in our comfortable and warm natural world!
My spouse, Aaron, is my usual source for picture selections. However, upon our return from visiting Mama in Greece, he learned of the sudden death of a long-time co-worker and friend. I am respecting his grief and his need for solitude and am asking the same from all of you.
Pose and print! Be creative and make a memory that will last for you all through the upcoming winter season!
Of course, let’s not overlook our bare practitioner social media model, Dallas “Flashman” Wade, and his penchant for grooming himself! Details and patience!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, September 13, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Friday Footnote: 13!”
PhoenixFellington, performance name of ReNude Pride’s celebrity openly gay spokes-model and acclaimed gay porn actor, gives us all a “visual treat” of his buttocks being served for admiration in a park setting on a picnic table! His birth name is TreLeronFenderson and he’s publicly proud to be not only same gender loving (SGL) but actively demonstrating and encouraging nakedness whenever and wherever possible! We’re all grateful and thrilled to have him as a part of our bare practitioner community and culture and a dynamic endorser of Team ReNude Pride!
“Some simple advice and thoughts on posing proudly as gay and naked in today’s chaotic and hectic world. Have fun and remember to smile!” ~ Phoenix Fellington ~ openly gay pornography actor and ReNudePride’s spokes-model
Surf’s up! Phoenix!
Before the departure of the Summer, 2024, season, Phoenix advocates everyone to take advantage of what remains of the comfortable weather for body and clothes freedom. Get comfortable: rid yourself of those burdensome clothes and get natural in nature! If you have friends who’ll join you, lead the way! Fun in the sun is good for everyone!
Phoenix, the leader of the hike along the Nature Trail – bottoms-up! first!
“I love being nude outside – all in the open!” ~ PhoenixFellington ~ openly gay pornography actor and ReNude Pride’s spokes-model
The former U.S. Marine is successful in his professional life because he has no “hang-ups” or reluctance to appear in his nakedness. He wants to waste as little time as possible wearing clothes or trying to cover his body. He is a firm believer that his nudity is nothing to deny or to hide. An attitude that we all, as bare practitioners, need to adopt and to follow!
Nakedness solo among his peers!
Others with him pose in gay porn industry studio attire to promote their studio. Phoenix poses naked solo in order to endorse both being gay and being naked with no concern over guilt, judgment and/or shame!
Phoenixat a clothing optional beach!
He champions posing naked as an ideal way to strengthen body self-image and to impress others with confidence and poise!
When a studio has our man under contract and is hosting a social event to encourage investors, he has no hesitation, misgivings or qualms about attending, stripping off his clothing and socializing completely and proudly nude, even if he’s the only one doing so! All of this without any of the studio executives asking him to do so! Phoenix is nothing short of being bare, bold, confident, decisive, determined and proud of being exactly what and who he is: gay and naked!
Embarrassment, guilt, modesty and shame hold nothing over our man and his nakedness and/or his sexuality!
His philosophy is that he’s already played that “game” earlier in his life and while he was a Marine. Now, leave him alone and he’ll proceed with integrity and pride while being same gender loving (SGL) and sensational in his nakedness!
PhoenixFellington, our porn-star and our friend!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, August 26, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “A Calamity of Souls!”
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.
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!”
Welcome to the end of the month of May, 2024, the final full month of Spring, 2024! The obvious benefit of the passing of this productive “natural growth” time is that the glorious Summer of 2024 is about to officially arrive here in the Northern Hemisphere! Our man featured above may indeed be “up against the wall” but he likewise loves his bottoms-up! freedom!
Log-jam bottoms-up!
Above, our man takes advantage of a log in nature to rest his weary but fit bottoms-up! anatomical asset while keeping all of us visiting his natural environment within his eyesight!
Rainy day game day together!
The couple above take a break from their “rainy-day” indoor game to exchange a kiss before resuming their play while enjoying being in the bottoms-up! gaming uniform – or total lack thereof! Way to go, guys!
Bottoms-up! catching a wave!
Our bare practitioner group above encourage us all to join in the bottoms-up! celebration and challenge the incoming surf as they unite together with their bare buttocks!
A furry bottoms-up invitation!
Bending over and inviting us all to lose the passive nature and become a bottoms-up! activist and show the rest of the world how much fun it really and truly is!
A communal bottoms-up! line up!
When the outdoor weather improves, everyone wants to get involved in freeing their buttocks for some bottoms-up! exhibitions!
Bare your buttocks and enjoy our bottoms-up! day!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, June 1, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Happy Pride Month!”
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!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 