[Medical Q&A] Do you know the correct way to sunbathe?

Author: Huang Zijuan Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University

Reviewer: Li Xiaohong, Professor of the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University

Sunlight, or sunlight, gives life to all things and health to humans, and is one of the important natural healing factors. Infrared, visible light, and ultraviolet light in the solar spectrum have different effects on the body: infrared is mainly a warming effect, promoting blood circulation and metabolism; ultraviolet light has the effects of sterilization, promoting tissue regeneration, and enhancing immunity; visible light affects the central nervous system and endocrine system through visual and skin receptors. So, let's take a look at the correct way to use sunbathing (sun therapy).

1. In summer, the best time is 8-10 am; in winter, the best time is 11-13 noon; in spring and autumn, the best time is 9-12 am and 14-16 pm. It is not suitable to sunbathe when the temperature is too high (above 30℃) or when the angle between the sun and the horizon is less than 30°.

2. The time should not be too long. The exposure time can be gradually increased from the initial 10 minutes to 1 to 2 hours.

3. Sunbathing is best done in open areas outdoors, such as the seaside, lakeside, woods, balcony, etc.

4. Expose your body as appropriate to allow your skin to be exposed to the sun. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your head and eyes and avoid direct sunlight on your head. Avoid catching a cold in winter and don’t expose your body too much like in summer.

5. In order to irradiate all parts of the body, it is advisable to change body parts constantly, for example, lie prone first, then lie on the left side, lie on your back, lie on your right side, etc.

6. Avoid sunbathing within 1 hour before or after meals to prevent hypoglycemia or affect digestive function.

7. People with severe heart disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis, and bleeding tendency should not sunbathe.

8. Do not fall asleep while sunbathing, and use sunscreen ointment on the skin to prevent B-segment ultraviolet rays from penetrating.