According to Healthline – Morning is considered the best time to soak up the sun. At this time, many people believe they can fulfill their vitamin D deficiency naturally.
However, many health experts recommend sunbathing in the afternoon. So, the question is, what is the best time to sunbathe? Find out the full answer in the following article.
Benefits of basking in the sun
Basking in the sun is a practical solution to getting vitamin D for the body. There are more benefits that can be obtained by sunbathing, among others:
1. Boosts the immune system
One of the benefits of basking in the sun is that it boosts the immune system.
The vitamin D formed by exposure to sunlight can help prevent infections in the body and fight diseases, such as heart disease, multiple sclerosis, some types of autoimmune diseases and cancer, as well as the flu.
It is not impossible if you regularly bask in the sun every day can boost your immune system so that you will avoid the COVID-19 coronavirus.
2. Strengthens bone health
The most recognized benefit of basking in the sun is improving bone health. This is because vitamin D serves to stimulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus which can strengthen bones.
A study mentioned that the vitamin D3 of sunlight has an important role for bone density. Vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble vitamin that is formed during the process of making vitamin D when sunlight hits the skin.
This is what can regulate calcium absorption. If you have higher levels of vitamin D3 in your blood, you are less likely to suffer from osteoporosis and arthritis in the future.
3. Reduces mild depression
Lack of sun exposure can increase the risk of a disorder known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a mild generalized depression that can occur in people who work long hours in office buildings and rarely go out in the sun.
Therefore, the next health benefit of soaking up the morning sun is that it reduces the risk of developing SAD and stress. Studies report that people who bask in the morning sun can avoid stress.
This is because sunlight triggers the brain to release serotonin, a hormone that can improve mood and provide a feeling of calmness. Even if you’re not stressed or depressed, basking in the morning sun can actually boost your mood.
4. Improves sleep quality
Basking in the sun can also improve sleep quality so that you will sleep better at night. When sunlight hits the eyes, a message is sent to the pineal gland in the brain and melatonin production. This hormone will provide drowsiness and help you sleep when the sun goes down again.
Sunlight gives the body a clear picture that it is not nighttime, so it maintains a normal circadian rhythm. When it gets dark outside, the body gets a clearer picture, so it feels tired and sleepy before bedtime.
5. Cures skin diseases
Basking in the sun can also help the healing process of skin diseases, such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, jaundice, and other skin infections. According to a study, four weeks of morning sun therapy was shown to significantly relieve psoriasis symptoms in 84% of participants.
To prevent the negative side effects of ultraviolet radiation, it is best to consult a doctor first before deciding to sunbathe. This can also ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Good sunbathing time
Opinions about what time to sunbathe are still varied among health experts. Some argue that a good time to bask in the sun is in the morning because it can avoid the risk of skin cancer. However, there are other opinions that suggest that the best time to sunbathe is during the day.
To find out what time of day is a good sunbathing time, it is actually important to know the ultraviolet (UV) index first. Here are some things to consider before sunbathing:
1. Morning UV levels
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies the UV index into 1-10. The smaller the number, the lower the levels. The smallest levels can be obtained at 9:00 am, while the highest levels are at 10:00 am.
2. Duration of sunbathing
The principle is that low UV index weaves take a long time to be absorbed by the body. This also makes you need a longer duration when basking in the sun so that the body produces vitamin D.
For those of you who want to sunbathe for a long time, you should do it between 9:00-10:00 am. At this time, the risk of UV exposure is relatively small. You can sunbathe while exercising or taking a leisurely walk safely at that hour for 10-15 minutes.
However, it is fine if you want to sunbathe above 10:00 am. Your body can also benefit from basking in the sun during this time. Just make sure to do it for a shorter period of time.
3. Side effects of sunbathing
Please note that sunbathing above 10:00 am has a relatively large danger of UV exposure. This can increase the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, you are not advised to sunbathe for a long time at this time, preferably only for 5 minutes.
Even so, sunbathing at an earlier time still poses a risk to the skin. The skin color will also easily darken if done for too long. Therefore, it is recommended to use sun protection lotion (sunscreen).
It is recommended to use sunscreen for too long. Therefore, it is recommended to use sun protection lotion (sunscreen).
Also read: The Difference between Sunscreen and Sunblock that You Need to Know so You Don’t Make the Wrong Choice
Tips for safe and comfortable sunbathing in the sun
After knowing what time to sunbathe, you need to do some of the following tips for comfortable and safe sunbathing so as not to increase the risk of skin cancer:
Use a sun protection skin lotion containing a minimum of SPF 30 or above on the surface of the face (avoiding the eye area) and the rest of the body.
Apply sunscreen with SPF about 15 minutes before going out in the sun. This is so that the skin can absorb the lotion first, so that it can work effectively.
A good way to sunbathe is to make the sun shine directly on the body, not just make the body sweat. So, try to get direct sunlight on your skin.
Use long-sleeved and light-colored clothes so that the sun’s rays can hit your body’s skin maximally, sunglasses, and a hat. Especially if you want to bask in the sun at 10.00 am to avoid the risk of skin cancer.
When basking in the sun, you don’t have to just stand around. Do other activities, such as leisurely walks, sitting while playing cell phones or reading books in open areas, watering flowers, gardening, washing vehicles, sweeping the yard, and so on.
Increase your water intake if you want to spend a long time in the sun to avoid dehydration.
Take a break or stop sunbathing if your skin starts to feel hot.
Sunbathing in the sun can indeed provide various good benefits for the body. However, you need to know what time of day and tips to do it safely so that the benefits of sunbathing can be obtained optimally.
Content created and supplied by: Sportyblitz (via Opera
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