Staying Aware of Sun Danger
- A European expat new to Sydney, Australia took to Reddit for advice on the country’s cultural norms after they started getting comments from neighbors on their family’s nudist lifestyle — but many responders were more concerned about their potential lack of skin protection.
- Nudist or not, it’s always important to wear sunscreen — especially when exposing more sensitive areas. However, the best way to protect from the sun is obviously to stay out of it, at least during peak hours.
- Be sure to get annual skin checks with your dermatologist who can help evaluate your body from head to toe and discuss any potential concerns.
The anonymous expat, who posted on Reddit, said they did not want to “cause offense to anyone” in their new country, but appeared to sincerely want to know what was “appropriate.”
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Hundreds of responses followed, with a fair amount of people finding no problem with being “au naturel” as long as they were respectful in their front yard or other areas where they could be visible to neighbors, though one person called out:
“If people are commenting on your nakedness then you’re probably not as private about it as you think you are.”
However, many were simply more concerned that the poster was not being safe enough in the sun.
“Should be worried about skin cancer, the Aussie sun is no joke,” one person wrote, while another replied with a similar warning. “Naked outside in Australia is a bad idea though. You get burnt FAST. Someone from Europe will get a cultural shock in no time flat.”
A third commenter said, I don’t know any Australian over 60 who has not had skin cancer. They didn’t cover [themselves in] sunscreen in their youth.”
“The sun is not the same here and you need to act accordingly, especially if you’re Northern European, you have zero protection,” they added.
According to Specialist Clinics of Australia, the continent receives higher UV radiation levels than Europe, especially during summer, when the earth’s orbit brings Australia closer to the sun.
Protecting Your Skin
Nudist or not, always remember to wear sunscreen. Especially when exposing more sensitive areas. The best way to protect from the sun is obviously to stay covered, whether it’s under an umbrella or with clothes, hats or sunglasses. But that’s not always the preferred method with people who enjoy swimming and other outdoor activities.
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Many people think they are slathering enough sunscreen on every day, but if you’re not choosing the right type or not using enough, it may not be working.
Dr. Cecilia Larocca, a dermatologist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, previously told SurvivorNet it is recommended that you use no less than SPF 30 and reapply it regularly. The sunscreen should also be broad spectrum, Dr. Larocca added, meaning it covers both UVB and UVA rays.
Choose the Right Sunscreen and Use it Often
According to Dr. Larocca, people usually only get about 50% of the SPF on the label. So, if you’re using SPF 60, you’re really getting closer to 30 SPF of protection. To make sure you’re getting the right protection, she also recommends using sunscreen every two hours.
Avoiding the Sun During Peak Hours
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network suggests avoiding sun exposure during peak hours when the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., but trying to avoid staying out in the sun for any extended length of time is best, especially while on vacation in tropical climates.
Top 5 Ways to Protect Your Skin From Skin Cancer
Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologic surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue, also reminds to avoid tanning beds, which can “significantly increase your risk of skin cancer,” and be sure to get annual skin checks with your dermatologist who can help evaluate your entire body and discuss any potential concerns.
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