I am often surprised to meet women who apply sunscreen 24/7, always wear a hat, and treat the sun like their worst enemy.
I actually believe that a lack of sun exposure can be detrimental to our health while, depending on our skin type, 5 to 15 minutes of daily sun exposure on non-sunscreened skin can be good for us, by enabling our body to manufacture vitamin D, which in turn, helps:
- Boost our mood
- Improve the quality of our sleep
- Lower our blood pressure
- Strengthen our bones
- Regulate our immune system
The best time to get the most out of our sun exposure is apparently between 10am and 1pm (when most people stay out of the sun), when we get plenty of UVB rays — which allow our body to create vitamin D — while minimizing the risks from exposure to UVA rays.
While I wouldn’t linger in the sun for too long, I truly enjoy pausing mid-day to sit by my lavender plants. With closed eyes, I soak in the sun’s warmth, breathe in the scent of the blooming lavender, and listen to the uplifting sound of birds. It’s a simple ritual that works wonders for my well-being.
What about you? Do you ever go out in the sunshine without sunscreen?