Sunscreen at a Nude Beach: The Parts People Forget

Rarely exposed skin needs respect

Areas normally covered by a swimsuit may have far less sun exposure than your arms or face. Treat them like first-day-at-the-beach skin, not like the parts of you that spend every summer outdoors.

Use broad-spectrum protection

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF appropriate for your skin and planned exposure, and follow the product directions. Apply before long exposure rather than trying to catch up after your skin feels hot.

Coverage is the hard part

Commonly missed areas include the tops of feet, backs of legs, sides of the torso, shoulders, ears, scalp around thinning hair, and edges where a swimsuit normally creates a visual reminder. A mirror or trusted partner can help with hard-to-reach areas.

Reapply

Swimming, sweating, towel drying, and time all reduce protection. Follow the sunscreen label for reapplication, especially after water exposure.

Shade is not failure

A hat, umbrella, shelter where allowed, and strategic time in the shade reduce cumulative UV exposure. Putting on a loose cover-up is also a perfectly sensible form of sun protection.

Watch reflected exposure

Water and bright sand can increase the amount of light reaching you. Cool wind can also make strong sun feel deceptively comfortable.

Plan the first visit shorter

If large areas of skin have not seen direct sun in years, a shorter first trip is easier to manage than an all-day endurance test.

This is general sun-safety information, not individualized medical advice. People with sun-sensitive conditions or medications should follow their clinician's guidance.

Quick questions