4 Tips for optimal sun benefits

We lubricate ourselves. With an ever increasing factor. But is that really wise? Responsible sunbathing is important. But we also need the sun for our health. Why? Sunlight provides, among other things:

• the production of Vitamin D. This is related to more than 2000 body processes. A deficiency can lead to, among other things, brittle bones, weak muscles, chronic fatigue, depression and diabetes.
• the production of nitrogen dioxide. Super important for a strong immune system, prevents arteriosclerosis and improves blood flow in the heart and muscles.
• less risk of cardiovascular disease.
• less chance of melanoma. This may sound bizarre. But is really the conclusion of long-term research by the University of Sweden. [1]

However, burning is out of the question. Especially at a younger age. This significantly increases the risk of skin cancer (melanoma).

UV radiation (especially UVA) is responsible for 80-90 percent of wrinkle formation in the face. And can cause DNA damage that causes pigment spots later in life.

Dilemma, dilemma! That's why four tips to take advantage of the sun, but avoid the disadvantages as much as possible

Tip 1 Daily 15 minute Vitamin D shot

Make sure you spend 15 minutes with your head and hands in the sun every day, preferably in the middle of the day (unless you're in super tropical places - and you're not originally from there). Without burning! For example during a walk. Those 15 minutes are the minimum to be able to produce enough vitamin D.

Especially people with dark skin need at least those 15 minutes. Because their skin is thicker, it absorbs sunlight less quickly.

Tip 2 Get used to it gradually

Go outside in the spring. Sports, walking, grabbing a terrace. This way you slowly build up natural protection against the sun from the inside out. Your skin thickens. And burns less quickly.

How quickly you build up protection partly depends on your skin type. If you have very, very light skin, you will never build up as much protection as someone with a more colored skin.

By gradually getting your skin used to the sun, the risk of (severe) sun allergy decreases.

Tip 3 'Shadow' sunbathing

Avoid an overkill of UV radiation. Do not bake (for hours) in the full sun. Find the shadow (really even then you get a tint). Sit under a tree or use an umbrella. And wear sun-protective clothing. Applying a high SPF to be able to bake in the sun for longer is not really very wise. Alternate sun and shade.

Is it impossible to find a shady spot during a day at the beach? Be sure to use a sunscreen to prevent sunburn.

Avoid the 'peak' sun hours (except for those 15 minutes of vitamin D production). People in southern countries often do this too. In the heat of the day they enjoy their lunch. Possibly followed by a siesta. Later in the afternoon when the sun is less bright, they go to the beach.

Tip 4 Lubricate wisely

Burning is not convenient. Premature aging from the sun - wrinkles on our face - many of us don't want either. Protect your skin if necessary. You don't just do that with an SPF!

• Use an SPF daily on your face if you want to slow down wrinkle formation. UVA radiation is available all year round, even in winter. But also make sure to get that 15-30 minute vitamin D shot every day!
• When you apply sunscreen, choose a sunscreen without UV filters that are harmful to your health or the environment. It sounds strange, but some of the UV filters are endocrine disrupting or carcinogenic.
• Avoid cosmetics with ingredients that your skin doesn't really like. Your skin wants to render 'foreign invaders' harmless and will produce free radicals that lead to skin aging.
• Not only cosmetics also cause this, air pollution, pesticide residues on fruit and vegetables, aggressive cleaning products, smoking, radiation, alcohol, eating a lot of sugars, certain medicines and not to forget (chronic) stress! You also produce free radicals through intensive exercise.
• Eat food and use skin care with lots of healthy anti-oxidants. They counteract the formation of free radicals. And can also make them harmless. Fresh unsprayed vegetables, fruit - especially forest fruits -, herbs and spices, sprouts and unroasted, unsalted nuts are good sources of anti-oxidants.
• Provide activities that reduce chronic stress for you.

Enjoy the sun! But do it wisely.