Basking under the sun is a moment to stretch and get vitamin D during the pandemic. When you are going to sunbathe, the thing you need to pay attention to is the right time to sunbathe. This is because the sun's position affects the difference in exposed solar radiation. If the time is wrong, the sun's harmful radiation can actually cause serious health problems. So when is the right time to sunbathe?
What are the benefits of sunbathing during a pandemic?
Sunbathing in the morning can provide sunlight for the body to absorb and become fuel for converting pro-vitamin D into vitamin D. The body needs vitamin D to maintain healthy bones, skin, and immune systems.
Since the pandemic, sunbathing is believed to reduce the risk of Coronavirus infection. However, there needs to be more research to justify this. However, sunbathing during a pandemic indeed helps the body get sunlight to produce vitamin D.
The current pandemic has forced people to work from home. This phenomenon increases a person's risk of not getting enough sunlight so that the body cannot produce enough vitamin D. When this happens. It is not impossible that the risk of osteoporosis, bone damage, and decreased body immune system increases.
When is the right time to sunbathe?
A myth is circulating in society that the best sunbathing time is between 10.00 - 13.00. It should be understood first that several factors, such as skin pigment and latitude, affect the difference in sunbathing time in each area.
A 2006 study showed that the highest UVB index is in the range between 11.00 – 13.00, so sunbathing at this time can reduce the immune system. 8.00 – 10.00 or 15.00 – 16.00 is the right time to apply in Indonesia. This time is enough to provide sun exposure to produce vitamin D.
Besides geographical factors, skin pigment also determines the duration of a good sunbathing. Someone with light skin is recommended to sunbathe for 5-10 minutes, while slightly darker skin is recommended for less than 15 minutes.
What are the bad effects of sunbathing too long?
Improper time and sunbathing duration can increase skin health risks such as cancer. The higher the sun's position in an area, the higher the level of UVA exposure. These UV rays can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin.
As a result, this can cause premature aging, such as wrinkles and solar aging. However, UVA is not directly carcinogenic, meaning it will not directly damage the skin's DNA.
The types of light that can directly damage the skin's DNA are UVB and UVC. The two ingredients in sunlight can cause cancer effects. This may occur if the exposure is chronic and excessive, without protection.
To avoid direct exposure to sunlight, it's a good idea to use sunscreen with an SPF of 20++ 20 minutes before sunbathing. This method can be done to avoid the adverse effects of sun exposure.