McConaughey Uses Protection

Matthew McConaughey likes to play safe ... in the sun!

While the sun-worshipping, shirt-deprived hunk likes to keep his sweaty, hairless golden abs and pecs out of harm's way by using suntan lotion, TMZ has learned that Matt recently had producers of his new film, "Surfer Dude," purchase over 50 bottles of HIC 2X sunblock. Anybody wanna rub some on his back? Or front?! Place the lotion on his basket!

The 37-year-old muscled bachelor knows it doesn't matter how hot your body is ... if your face looks like a brown Gucci leather handbag. Right, Donatella?