How to take advantage of the sun to gain health?

The sun is closely linked to life and that is why exposing ourselves to it can bring us great benefits. Even though there is a widespread fear of the effects caused by prolonged exposure, we must remember that we could not be alive without it.

And apart from "surviving" thanks to it, how can we take advantage of it to gain (even) more health?

The key to taking advantage of it, in favor of our health, is to take the appropriate precautions or care.

Having mentioned these issues (which are obvious), let's get down to business:

Why is moderate sunbathing good?

Because the sun is necessary for all of us on the planet (and also for astronauts), we should expose ourselves to it in moderation.

But really, what does the sun do for a person?

Although its impact is enormous, we can summarize it in:

• Helps maintain a low blood pressure level.
• It contributes positively to skin care, as it is involved in the metabolism of vitamin D. This plays a very important role in bone health and favors the strengthening of the immune system.
• It allows us to sleep better and favorably influences sexual life.
• It is related to the synthesis of melatonin, which helps us regulate mood. Therefore, this hormone gives us greater joy in living.

What care should be taken when exposed to the sun?

Not all people have the same tolerance to the sun, as there are several factors that influence it. For example: the age, the intensity of the rays present, the thickness of the skin and the geographical location.

Even so, regardless of these factors, it is advisable to follow care so that the sun remains an ally, instead of an enemy:

Choose the appropriate time

The hours or schedule you choose to expose yourself to the sun will influence whether it benefits you or harms you. You should do it when you notice that it will not burn your skin. For example, in the spring and summer, it is better to do it in the morning. Do it between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm.

While, in the course of the afternoon, it is appropriate to do it from 6:00 pm, until the sun goes down. On the other hand, during the winter, you could take advantage of central hours and extend the time you spend receiving its rays on your skin.

Walk and don't overdo it

Taking time to walk is a good way to take advantage of the day to sunbathe, it is even better than lying down to do it.

In this way you will obtain another additional benefit in the same period of time: you will be exercising your legs while activating the cardiovascular system. Walking and sunbathing will favorably influence you to lead a healthy lifestyle (and also that you gain some tan for the summer).

Even when the days are cloudy, a walk will bring you more benefits than staying home without doing anything. But remember not to overdo it and seek shade when the rays become very intense and start to burn.

Even if you don't realize it, the sun can burn intensely even when the sky is cloudy. This case occurs especially when we are in high places, such as a mountain.

Why do you think there are so many sunstrokes when hiking in the mountains?

Use sunscreen

The use of sunscreen is vital in the daily care that you must give your skin. This helps you lengthen the time during which you can sunbathe, without harming your body. If you only tolerate sun exposure for 15 minutes, the sunscreen will allow you to stay longer.

So if you're going to have constant exposure to the sun, you'll need to make sure you're wearing your sunscreen (and keeping it in your backpack).

Types

Sunscreens are available in three different forms or types, and each one is specified here:

• Physicists: They use titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They are found in certified ecological brands, because they are very efficient and safe by allowing you to prolong your stay in the sun.
• The ecological ones: Because they are antioxidants, they prevent the formation of free radicals and increase the power of the skin's immune system. They also prevent the skin from aging prematurely, due to its buriti, raspberry, carrot oils, butter, and vitamins E and C.
• Chemicals: They are effective but provide fewer benefits than the previous options.

How much FPS is needed?

The SPF will tell you how long your skin will be protected when you expose it to the sun. There is a formula by which to guide you to know how much sun protection a product offers you.

A rough calculation states that if you apply an SPF 50 sunscreen, your skin will be protected for (approximately) 50 minutes.

Think of it as an average approximation made in average conditions. This data can vary a lot depending on the distance you are from the sun or the time of year.

Although these calculations are not completely exact, they closely approximate the actual protection time.

Keep in mind that both water and sweat decrease its effectiveness by 50%. Because of that, it's wise to reapply sunscreen often.

Although at Guuds we do not make sunscreens, what we can recommend is that, if possible, you use a cosmetic with SPF 50 sunscreens and as ecofriendly as possible.

These types of products are one of the causes of the death of marine flora, and consequently, the cessation of fauna growth.

Remember, sustainability first!