Should You Sunbathe In UK Heatwaves?
When the sun is shining, the first thing people want to do is get outside and soak in the sun’s rays. Especially when you’re from the UK and you have to deal with grey, gloomy skies and rain for most of the year.
But in the event of a heat wave, is it okay to follow the same routine of taking off your work clothes and chucking your bikini on?
What Are The Benefits Of Catching The Sun’s Rays?
Sunbathing in the UK is a nice time to relax and soak in the all-important vitamin D.
Most people do not get enough vitamin D as it is difficult to get just through the food you eat, and it is vital for your overall health.
Here are some of the benefits you can get from the being outside in the sun and exposure to vitamin D:
It Can Help Reduce Symptoms Of Depression
Being outside in the fresh air and exposed to the sun helps your brain to release the hormone serotonin. This is a mood-boosting hormone which is responsible for regulating your mood. Therefore sitting outside can boost how you are feeling and leave you feeling calm, helping to regulate and balance out low moods.
Time Outside And In The Sun Can Help You To Sleep Better
Also, it has been said that spending time in the sun can help to regulate your circadian rhythm, so when it comes to falling asleep you will feel calm and drowsy as the sun sets.
Exposure To The Sun Can Strengthen Bones And Boost Your Immune System
Having a healthy dose of vitamin D aids your body in absorbing calcium which is responsible for strengthening your bones and making them healthy.
Vitamin D also can help with a number of illnesses and diseases, helping those who suffer from heart disease and autoimmune diseases.
How To Stay Safe During A Heatwave?
Being outside and enjoying the sun is a fun thing to do but sitting out and sunbathing comes with some risks. It is easy to become complacent and not take the necessary steps to keep your body safe.
Too much exposure can lead to sunburn which can have lasting effects, such as blistering, redness, sore skin, and affecting your entire body.
In the event of the UK having a heatwave, you need to take extra precautions against the unprecedented high temperatures.
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
Sitting out in high temperatures will lead to increased sweating, which in turn will dehydrate your body. It can be difficult to match your intake of water to the outtake of sweat.
Therefore you should always keep a bottle of water with you and make sure to drink before you feel thirsty. You don’t want to be dehydrated and then have some water; you want to keep your levels topped up throughout the day.
Never Forget Your SPF
Always apply your sunscreen before heading outside and in a heat wave, up the factor you are wearing. The Obagi Matte Sun Shield SPF 50 will provide you with the protection your skin will need.
Try to apply it at least 15 minutes before going outside, always making sure to cover your entire body.
Limit Exposure
As much as you may enjoy being out in the red-hot sun, it is best to limit your time spent in it. During a heat wave, you will be exposed to higher temperatures, and this can have negative effects on your body. This can range from sunburn, to even heat rashes.
So make sure to take some time out and sit in the shade, use this time to top up your sunscreen and have some water.
What Is The Best Time To Sit Out In The Sun?
The time of day plays a huge part when it comes to the strength of the sun’s UV rays.
It is a good idea to limit your exposure to the sun between the hours of 12 and 4 as this is when the sun is at its peak and UV rays are at their strongest.
You also have to take into account how long you are going to be exposed to the sun. You won’t be affected or burned if you are outside for a few minutes in the middle of the day but if you go out without sunscreen in the early evening from 4 pm, you will most potentially still burn your skin.
Just because the UV rays aren’t at their strongest, doesn’t mean that they are not there. You can still get your picture at golden hour whilst wearing the Obagi sunscreen.
The takeaways are that being outside and soaking in the sun’s UV rays has its benefits as long as you take the necessary precautions beforehand.
Research shows there can be benefits to sunbathing and spending time in the sun. It is great for boosting your mood, getting better sleep, and getting your dose of vitamin D.
Just make sure to never leave the house without your sunscreen and try to limit the time you spend directly in the sun as you don’t want to burn your skin or get a heat rash.
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