Exposure to the sun improves the body’s average production of vitamin D. Although this vitamin is essential, many people do not get enough of it. Vitamin D deficiency is widespread, and some estimates suggest that up to half of the world’s population is deficient.

When it comes to sunbathing, a few tips to protect your skin, before, during, and after doing it, from the harmful effects of these approaches are often helpful. The following are tips and tricks that you can apply to get the most out of the sun in the safest way possible.

What is Sunbath?

Sunbathing is a natural way to treat a variety of health issues. If done correctly, sunbathing, which is the act of sitting or lying in the sun, often with the intent to tan, may have some health benefits.

Things You Need To Do Before a Sunbath

Cleanse your Skin

To prepare your skin for sunbathing, take a long shower. Wash off any deodorants or perfumes after cleansing your skin and removing all of your makeup. Also, when you get out of the shower, don’t reapply lipstick or put on jewelry because you’re going to do sunbathing. 

Exfoliate

Exfoliating your body before sun exposure is a safe way to eliminate dead cells that keep your skin from tanning evenly. Your skin tans as a result of exposure to the sun. Exfoliate daily to reduce buildup and to keep dead skin from blocking the light. If you forget to exfoliate, you’ll end up with an uneven tan, which you don’t like. If you’re already darker, scrub gently so you don’t remove any of the shine. 

Apply Sunscreen

When you are done exfoliating your skin, you must then apply sunscreen. Don’t forget to bring plenty of sunscreen with you. Sunscreens with zinc oxide and a high sun protection factor are needed (SPF). The higher the SPF, the longer you can stay in the sun without causing damage to your skin.

Moisturize

Get your skin as silky as possible by moisturizing it the night before you intend to sunbathe. Concentrate on the more troublesome regions, which are the ones that dry the fastest and can result in an uneven tan. To kill two birds with one stone, get a moisturizing sun lotion.

Things You Need To Do During a Sunbath

Set a Timer

The amount of melanin and suntan color produced by your skin determines how long you can tan. You can lie on your back for around 20-30 minutes for a healthy tan. After that, lie down on your stomach for another 20-30 minutes. Any time outside of these hours may result in a painful sunburn or, worse, UV damage.

Make Sure to Cover Up

Protecting your skin, particularly your face and eyes, is critical. To cover your ears, wear caps or a hat with a big brim. Check to see if your ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp are all well-protected. Shade caps may also be used if desired. These caps may also cover your neck since they have a lining that drapes down the sides and back.

Shield yourself from UVA and UVB rays by wearing the proper sunglasses. Keep in mind that the skin around your eyes, as well as your eyes themselves, are highly vulnerable to UV rays. It can lead to the development of eye diseases if not adequately covered. Cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and even eye cancer are among them.

Move Frequently

Make sure that you won’t forget to move for some time when you are having your sunbathing. By moving frequently, you’ll be able to avoid burning a part of your body. Also, by doing so, you’ll be able to avoid risking your health for a possible sunburn or, worst, skin cancer.

Take a Time-Out

If you feel like the sun is too hot for you to handle, take some break. It will prevent you from getting any severe complications in the future. If you want, schedule your sunbathing early in the morning. Also, don’t forget to drink water to keep you hydrated.

Things You Need To Do After a Sunbath

Hydrate your Skin

After sun exposure, but even before, hydrating your skin is essential. While a moisturizing cream will not protect your skin from the sun, it will help mitigate the sun’s effects. Since dry skin is more susceptible to UV rays, it is more likely to get sunburned. 

You will help rebuild your skin’s protective layer by thoroughly moisturizing and nourishing it with a body lotion or cream before sun exposure. The color will become irregular, and the skin will begin to peel if the tanned skin is not adequately hydrated. Furthermore, since hydration is so necessary, it’s best to do it all over the body.

Take a Shower

After sitting in the heat, a bath or a shower, hot or cold, is always a good idea to strip all the lotion, oils, salt, and sand from your skin to make it look silky. If you don’t moisturize afterward, the bronze can become patchy and uneven. You may also apply a cooling cream to reduce the risk of burning. Any lotion containing aloe vera is calming and will relax your skin.

Cleanse

The first and most significant step is to cleanse. If you don’t thoroughly cleanse your skin of sweat, dust, and sebum, it won’t absorb anything beneficial. Furthermore, clogged pores and pollutant residues on the skin are likely to aggravate the situation. So, depending on your skin condition, cleanse your skin gently with a soap-free cleansing balm, face wash, or cleansing lotion. Use a soft body wash or shower gel on the body. 

Moisturize

It is essential to moisturize before and after a sunbath. UV exposure causes free radicals to form on our skin, which is the leading cause of dark spots and wrinkles. 

To fuel antioxidants, apply antioxidant-rich toners, serums, and moisturizers to your skin. Antioxidants battle free radicals and help prevent or delay skin harm. Antioxidants such as green tea, white tea, sea buckthorn, vitamin C, and vitamin E are good choices.

Takeaway

A great sunbath requires careful planning and even more careful maintenance. Sunlight may improve mood, sleep quality, and vitamin D intake, strengthening bones, and may aid in the prevention of certain diseases. However, unprotected sunbathing can cause sun rashes, sunburns, and an increased risk of melanoma.