Soaking up the sun rays can be a great way to raise your vitamin D levels, but it is crucial that you take safety precautions when getting any sort of sun exposure. With the rise in temperatures during the summer, sun safety becomes more important to prioritize than ever before. Exposing yourself to the sun’s rays without taking the proper precautions will leave you susceptible to sun poisoning, sunburn, dehydration, and other adverse symptoms. Luckily, there are ways to protect yourself from the sun while also reaping the benefits of sun exposure.
Potential Adverse Effects of Prolonged and Strong Sun Exposure
Sunburn
Prolonged exposure to the sun without protection can lead to a sunburn. A sunburn is characterized by red, peeling skin. An intense sunburn can even feel painful to the touch. Many people who try to get tan during the summer months experience a sunburn. However, the negative effects of a sunburn are not only superficial. In the long run, a sunburn can contribute to skin cancer and overall skin damage.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can occur when someone spends a prolonged period of time in the sun. The heat from the sun causes people to sweat, which will lead to dehydration and an imbalance of salt and water in the body. The excessive heat will send your body into overdrive and dehydration leading to issues such as fatigue, stomach bloating, overheating, dizziness, nausea, and body chills.
Skin Aging
Signs of skin aging such as wrinkles, sagging, sun spots, and a loss of elasticity can all be caused by spending too much time exposed to intense sun rays. Aside from the cosmetic and superficial effects of this development, skin aging can also make you more susceptible to sustaining injuries for longer periods of time. Due to the fragility of the skin, it can become harder for bruises and cuts to heal.
How to Protect Yourself From The Sun’s Strong Rays
With the coming of summer, it can be hard to avoid the sun’s strong rays altogether. The nice weather encourages people to spend more time outside. Due to the benefits that time outdoors can have on both your physical and mental health, we do not want to encourage staying inside all season long. However, we do have some recommendations as to how best to prepare yourself for spending time outside this summer in order to avoid the potential negative effects of the sun.
- Sunscreen is a lotion-like product that contains certain minerals and ingredients known to protect the skin from sun exposure. We recommend putting sunscreen on every single day, regardless of the weather, but especially in the summer. Be sure to purchase a sunscreen with a SPF level of 30 or above.
- Be sure to stay in the shade as much as possible. The shade will act as a natural protectant from the sun. Hats and umbrellas can also be used when there is no apparent shade anywhere close. However, this tactic does not necessarily protect against potential heat exhaustion, so be sure you are extra vigilant about drinking water and staying cool.
- Wearing long-sleeved clothing and glasses can act as physical barriers from the sun. However, you still want to try and stay as cool as possible so be sure that you wear comfortable clothing.
- Water is always your best friend, but especially during the summer. Heat exposure increases the amount of sweat your body expels, which leads to dehydration side effects. Keep water around at all times. Due to the loss of salt from your body, it is important that you replenish your body with electrolytes as well.
- Certain medications can have a negative reaction with sun exposure. If you are taking any women’s wellness supplements, vitamins, or prescribed medications, be sure that they do not have any interactions with sun exposure. Certain medications can simply increase your sensitivity to the sun. It is important that you are aware of these changes so that you are able to properly protect your body. If you are unsure, be sure to check with your physician.
The Benefits of Safe Sun Exposure
Although the sun can have a dangerous impact on men and women's health, it can also offer us many benefits. Here are some benefits of sun exposure when sun exposure is practiced safely.
An Increase of Vitamin D
The sun is the most natural and effective ways to receive your daily dose of vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that your body needs to properly maintain your immunity levels and overall health. Your body produces vitamin D naturally when it soaks up the sun.
Improves Mood
The sun is a great way to start your day on the right foot. The sun’s rays can improve your mood by releasing serotonin into your body. If you are feeling down throughout the day, take a break from your work, and go step outside into the sun for a small period of time. Allow its power to help boost your mood.
Regulates Melatonin Production
Melatonin is a hormone that your body produces, and exposure to the sun can help to regulate your release of this hormone. Melatonin is connected to your body’s circadian rhythm, or sleep cycle. Exposure to the sun can help you to have a more restful night of sleep and to bring your body into a more consistent routine.
Increases Brain Power
Not only does the sun help to improve your mood, but it can also help to improve your brain’s ability to concentrate, regulate memories, and simply think. For an added boost of brain support, try meditating outside in the sun.
As with most things in life, moderation of sun exposure is the key to success. Make sure that you are taking the proper steps to protect yourself from the sun so that you are safely able to reap its benefits. We hope you enjoy soaking up the sun this summer, while also protecting your precious skin and wellness!