Tanning – The pros and cons of staying in the sun
The sun is a great way to get a good tan to your skin. Then there are others who want to ensure that they get their daily free dose of vit D by being out in the sun. Vitamin D supplements come in two main kinds – vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 – so you can boost your D intake over winter. The sun does indeed have some benefits, however, if you spend too much time out there, you may do more harm than good to your skin.
The rays of the sun contain ultraviolet radiation and these are of two types. These are UVA and UVB. While UVA radiation is what makes people tan, UVB can actually burn the epidermis, causing sunburns.
Sunlight is an excellent source of vitamin D and most people don’t want to miss out on getting this nutrient. However, if you want to spend some time in the sun to get this nutrient, use good sun protection.
The best way to protect your skin is to use sunscreen with at least a 15 SPF. Whether you are planning to stay indoors or it’s a cloudy day, keep in mind that the sun’s rays are constantly reaching your skin. So, make sure to use a pure sunscreen or a moisturizer that contains sunscreen.
If you are planning on staying out under direct sunlight, use a sunscreen with a higher SPF. A higher SPF translates into higher protection from the sun’s UV rays and you should therefore wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 30. Before going out into the sun, ensure that you apply it thickly. Also make sure that you reapply every two hours of being out in the sun.
For that wonderful tanned look to your skin, try using one of the tanning products available. Sun lamps and tanning beds are ideal choices to get a radiant glow to the skin and that too without the usual damaging effects of the sun’s rays.
You can also find tanning solutions in bottles as well. These are available in the form of sprays and lotions and give a radiant tan to your skin that look quite good on the skin and allow you to enjoy a tan without any exposure to sunlight. However, don’t forget to wear sunscreens even with these types of sunless tanning.
If you are concerned about the lack of vitamin D in your body, you can get some vitamin D supplements. These mostly contain vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol and can make up for the lack of this essential nutrient in your body.
You can easily get your daily dose of vitamin D through supplements, so avoid exposing yourself to the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays.