The sun is essential for our health, as it helps our body produce vitamin D, which is important for strong bones and a healthy immune system. However, excessive sun exposure can also be harmful and increase the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to know when the best time to be in the sun is to maximize its benefits while minimizing its risks.
The best time to be in the sun is during the hours when the sun is low in the sky, which is typically early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This is because the angle of the sun’s rays is such that they have to travel through more of the atmosphere, which filters out more of the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. During midday, when the sun is high in the sky, the angle of the sun’s rays is such that they travel a shorter distance through the atmosphere, which means that more of the harmful UV radiation can reach our skin.
The American Cancer Society recommends that people limit their sun exposure during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. During this time, it is best to seek shade, wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. It is also important to reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
In addition to the time of day, the amount of time spent in the sun is also important. It is recommended that people get 10-30 minutes of sun exposure a day without sunscreen to allow their body to produce vitamin D. However, people with fair skin or a family history of skin cancer should be cautious and limit their sun exposure.
It is also important to note that UV radiation can still penetrate through clouds and reflected off surfaces such as sand, water, and snow. Therefore, it is important to protect your skin even on cloudy or overcast days and when near reflective surfaces.
In conclusion, the best time to be in the sun is during the hours when the sun is low in the sky, which is typically early in the morning or late in the afternoon. However, it is important to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions.
