It’s summer, the sun is blazing, and Aussies are flocking to the beach in droves.

For some in our communities, nude beaches are the hottest craze.

Whether you’re baking buns or frolicking with a fuzzy crowd in the woods, you really don’t want to get fried to a crisp!

Let’s undress sun safety so you can enjoy your time au naturel.

 

Sun Safety in Australia – A Hot Topic

Australia, we’ve got golden sand, stunning beaches, and a powerful sun that isn’t here to mess around – so neither should you!

Due to our location near the equator and a thinning ozone layer, UV rays here are intense and can cause major skin damage, even on cloudy or cool days.

The UV Index measures the strength of UV radiation. When it’s above 3, protection is a must!

 

On clear summer days, it only takes 11 minutes for UV to cause sunburn.

Whenever UV is 3 or above, the cell DNA in your exposed skin is being damaged by UV. Over time, this exposure increases the risk of skin cancer.

Do you know what the average UV index in summer in NSW is? Over 11+ in the “extreme” range!

With 2 in 3 Australians at risk of skin cancer in their lifetime, it’s vital to take sun safety seriously to prevent damage like sunburn, premature aging, and cancer.

Luckily, the SunSmart Global UV app can tell you the current UV index for your location – so you can plan your sun protection!

 

The Nude Beach Exposed

Sydney Mardi Gras is approaching, and things are heating up.

For some of us, the nude beach is a sanctuary of freedom to get a tan bronze look.

We hate to be a summer bummer but tanning in the sun is not healthy – it’s your skin’s response to damage caused by the sun’s harmful rays.

And to dispel more myths: having a tan, a spray-on tan or having a more pigmented skin tone doesn’t protect you from UV damage from the sun.

Whether you’re going to nude beaches in Sydney or elsewhere in NSW, remember:

More exposed skin = more skin at risk from the sun.

 

A lot of NSW melanoma hotspots include coastal areas with beach lifestyles.

It’s important to practice sun safety thoroughly if you have more skin exposed.

So, before you leave the house and strip down to your birthday suit, make sure your skin is protected as much as possible.

The same goes for cruising in the woods and going outside when UV is high!

Let’s strip down the finer and super essential sun safety tips to liberate and protect you.

 

The 5 S’s of Sun Safety when naked

“Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide”

 

Remember hearing that when you played outside long ago?

Same goes for playing outside as an adult, and no we’re not just talking about sex in the woods!

These 5 S’s are your sun safety mantra, and when combined together, they give you the best sun protection.

Let’s see how they apply when you’re naked.

Slip on protective clothing

We’re talking long-sleeved clothes to cover as much skin as possible.

That includes a rashie when you go swimming too! Close weaved fabrics and dark colours are your best bet against UV.

Wait, why are we talking about clothing at a nude beach?

In the time you’re not nude, it’s vital to cover up – not from your neighbours but from the sun.

Have fun with a fab outfit and play with different styles like sarongs, caftans, and thin breathable hoodies!

Slop on SPF50+ Sunscreen

“Hey, can you get my back?”

 

This is the most important ‘S’ if you’re spending time in the nude!

Sunscreen should always be applied 30 minutes before going outdoors and re-applied every 2 hours.

Apply more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating.

 

Yes, apply everywhere.

When you’re nude, there are more areas of your body that are exposed to the sun. This includes areas where the sun doesn’t usually shine.

 

Make sunscreen your best friend and find one that feels the easiest for you to apply.

Lather it generously on your skin – don’t hold back, really slop it on!

 

And when on the beach, you need SPF 30+ or SPF 50+ sunscreen. Anything less than SPF 30+ simply won’t do!

Pay special attention to sensitive areas like your face, ears, lower back, and everywhere else exposed to sun.

Don’t forget your lips too. Apply lip balm with SPF 50+ or you may have a different kind of smoulder on your lips!

Slap on a wide brimmed hat

Yup – a baseball cap won’t cut it.

Let your face, ears, and neck join the party in the shade with a wide brimmed hat.

And nothing says Australian like a cork hat!

Your head doesn’t have to be in the nude. The more skin covered, the more protection.

Seek shade

Seeking shade is super important at any beach and especially if you have more skin on show!

By limiting your time in direct sunlight, you’re protecting yourself from UV damage and getting roasted like a marshmallow.

 

The sun’s intensity peaks between 10am and 3pm, so when out during this time, seek shade.

Check the SunSmart app to find out when UV is under 3 in your location.

To avoid the harsh sun in the middle of the day, you can head to the beach earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon.

 

You can find shelter under trees, beach umbrellas/cabanas, and other sheltered spots.

And seek hydration because we lose a lot of water through sweating, heat, and swimming in salt water.

You’re looking to get wet, not thirsty!

Slide on sunglasses

Rock your coolest pair of sunglasses and wow, you’re the splitting image of James Dean 😎

Make sure your shades meet the Australian standards for sunglasses. Look for big dark lenses and a label that reads “100% UV protection” or “AS/NZS 1067.1”

There’s a reason we have this in Aus, and that’s cause our sun can burn your eyes too!

Long-term exposure to UV light increases your risk of cataracts and other eye problems – and that’s anything but sexy.

 

Go above and beyond with the 5 S’s of sun safety and maximise your protection at the nude beach.

Looking for bush in the bush under the harsh sun?

Remember the 5 S’s before you slip, slop, slap on someone!

 

Mole check!

Lastly, pay attention to your skin so you can notice any changes like moles.

Melanoma commonly occurs in areas frequently exposed to UV. However, they can also occur in areas that are normally covered up.

(Credit: Dana Farber Cancer Institute)

Guys, keep an eye out for your head, back, neck, chest, and torso as these are the most common areas for melanoma in men.

For the ladies, check your arms and legs for any unusual changes too!

For areas hard to check like your back, try to look in the mirror or get a friend to check for you.

Keep an eye out for spots that change in size, shape, or colour, and schedule a skin check with your doctor if you notice anything strange.

 

Stay cool, stay smart, stay sun safe

Our beaches are a paradise, but our intense sun means we must stay vigilant about protecting our skin.

The 5 S’s apply even when you’re not naked, especially with our UV levels in Australia.

Whether you’re lounging at the beach, hiking in the bush, or at a mates’ BBQ, following the sun safety mantra will ensure you avoid a cruel summer ☀️

Stay sun-smart, protect your skin, and happy responsible beaching!