No trip to the beach is complete without a little bit of sunbathing. The question is, when is the best and safest time to get a tan? Should you get it in the morning or in the afternoon?
Let’s look at the best time to sunbathe for a safe and golden tan. We’ll look at the benefits of tanning under the sun compared to other means.
We’ll also go over precautions and things to consider before you lay down to soak some UV rays.
Why Get a Sun Tan?
Many people lie near the water to feel the sun’s warmth on their skin. But why? Let’s look at some of the benefits of getting a sun tan compared to other methods:
A sun tan involves lying on a beach towel or a sun-lounger until your skin gets darker. It activates the melanin in your skin, allowing you to go from pale to smoking hot in a few hours.
Tanning under the sun is also much more relaxing than artificial means. It enhances your mood and increases your vitamin D levels. It can even improve your energy as well.
This increase in Vitamin D also translates to stronger, healthier bones. It boosts your immune system to help you fight diseases better. Sunbathing even leads to better sleep.
Sunbathing lets you take your mind off things and trust mother nature to do the work. You can relax, read a good book, or catch up on sleep instead of spraying or rubbing formulas.
Lastly, sunbathing is superior to other tanning methods because it’s all-natural, long-lasting, and cheap. All you need is a towel and sand, and you can get a summer tan that lasts the whole season.
The Best and Safest Times to Tan
Sun tanning is not without risks. Long periods of exposure to the sun’s UV rays can be carcinogenic if you aren’t careful. You must avoid tanning in the early afternoon when the sun is hottest.
Therefore, the best times to tan are in the early morning before 10 am or in the afternoon between 4-6 pm. They offer the lowest risk factors by exposing you to the least amount of heat.
Tanning during these times will allow you to darken your skin without causing sunburns and irritations. You get all the necessary vitamin D without too much UV radiation.
No matter what time you choose to tan, you must take precautions to keep safe from the sun. Too much exposure can be deadly if it isn’t managed or prevented.
Some precautions include setting a timer and rotating every few minutes, applying sunscreen with SPF 30-50 protection, drinking water, and hydrating your skin once the sun sets.
Things to Consider Before Sun Tanning
Before you lay your towel down on the sand and start sunbathing, there are some factors to consider regarding your safety and long-term health.
Harmful UV Rays
The melanin in your skin is designed to protect it, making it more resistant to harmful UV rays. Your skin darkening shows signs of sun damage. If your skin grows too dark, that can be a serious health risk.
Sunburns
Sunburns, or painful, inflamed skin, can go from mildly annoying to extremely dangerous depending on how long you spend under the sun.
Not only do you miss out on your silky smooth skin and the golden glow you were looking for, but your red, irradiated skin is also now flaking, looking like the moon’s surface.
It will take a few days to get over a sunburn, but it does get better with painkillers and constant hydration and cooling.
Sun Poisoning
Sun poisoning is a serious condition with blistering, fever, and nausea. Cooling off with a wet towel and treating the irritations with aloe vera is one of the best things you can do. It’s important to hydrate and avoid the sun when affected.
Melanoma/Skin Cancer
Too much sun will kill you because of skin cancer. It’s best to minimize UV exposure and avoid direct sunlight if you wish to avoid skin cancer.
If you insist on sun tanning, it is best to take safety precautions to avoid developing skin-based illnesses.
Tanning Safety Precautions
Despite the risks, sun tanning is still a fun activity and means of beautification that can brighten up someone’s day. It’s important to practice it safely to make the most out of your experience.
Avoid Tanning Between 11 am and 3 pm.
The best times to tan are when the sun is low, and the weather is still relatively cool to prevent overheating and UV radiation. This means avoiding the noonday sun.
It is best to tan between 6-10 am or 4-6 pm to absorb the right nutrients without getting heat stroke or dehydrated.
Check the UV Index
In the same way, we should check the weather to see whether we should bring an umbrella when it rains; we should also check the UV index to see how hot the sun will be for the day.
This will allow you to choose the right times to tan and make the right preparations like SPF protection.
Wear Sunscreen and Proper Clothes
It’s common sense to wear sunscreen before going under the hot sun. It’s also vital for preventing sunburns and other skin-related conditions.
While we’d like to show off our summer bodies at the beach, wearing thin cotton clothing is important to break up the amount of radiation the skin absorbs.
Hydrate
Water protects and nourishes your skin. It allows you to overcome intense heat and rejuvenates your skin. It helps you prevent sun rashes and keeps your skin fresh and smooth.
This allows the sun to paint a vivid masterpiece on your skin.
Conclusion
Tanning in the sun comes with inherent risks, regardless of the time of day. If you want to sun tan, the best times to go are in the early morning or late afternoon.
Suntanning is still the most natural way to achieve an even, long-lasting tan. When done properly, it can give you a rich, vibrant glow.
