Sunshine micronutrient is an essential component of your physical and mental well-being. While one of the primary ways to fulfill your calciferol reservoirs is through basking in the sun, it is crucial to consider and find the best time to expose your skin to vitamin D sunlight morning or evening.
The wholesomeness of your bones and immunity relies on the presence of vitamin D, which also acts as a potent mood stabilizer. Currently, a large percentage of the global population is facing the risk of calciferol deficiency, so taking vitamin D via sunlight, diet, and supplements – such as multi vitamin for women and men, is an absolute necessity, which is another reason to figure out the most suitable time for vitamin D sunlight morning or evening.
Why Do You Need Vitamin D?
Compared to other micronutrients, vitamin D or calciferol possesses the uniqueness to act as a nutrient and a hormone. Scientific research reveals that it protects your bone health, strengthens your body's defense mechanism, and prevents cancer. However, you need to consume sufficient amounts of vitamin D-rich foods and become habitual of going outside in the sun to meet the daily requirements of calciferol.
How Much Vitamin D Do You Need?
The amount of vitamin D sunlight morning or evening differs concerning gender, age, and health status. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of calciferol in micrograms (mcg) for infants up to 12 months is 10 mcg, increasing to 15 mcg for 1 to 70 years of age. Simply put, the RDA of calciferol doesn't vary greatly, except for individuals above 70 years of age, when you need 20 mcg of vitamin D daily.
Vitamin D Sunlight Morning or Evening
Vitamin D sunlight morning or evening is mandatory to maximize early morning, midday, or evening golden sun rays. Moreover, it is essential to learn the drawbacks of exposing yourself at inappropriate times because the sun also emits harmful ultraviolet rays, unfriendly to your overall health.
1. Morning Sunlight
In the morning, particularly around sunrise, sun rays are the least harsh, which is the most comfortable opportunity to spend time outdoors. In addition, this time is also gifted with a gradual increase in ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which initiate the production of vitamin D in your skin.
Scientists have proven that exercising or simply basking in the sun at this hour regulates your mental circadian rhythms, blesses you with a quality sleep schedule, and promotes your health in all aspects.
On the other hand, there are some people whose skin may start burning when exposed to the skin. In such cases, using sunscreen products or covered clothing may become necessary. Waking up at this hour may also be quite tricky for night owls.
2. Evening Sunlight
In the late afternoon – when the sun is about to set in the west- the sun's rays' intensity decreases, which minimizes the risk of sunburns and skin damage. Besides, most individuals have spare time in the evenings, which offers a better opportunity to spend time outdoors.
However, the strength of UVB rays is decreased in the evenings. While vitamin D production is still possible, its efficiency may be weaker than it is in peak times. If you're sensitive to light before bedtime, evening sun exposure may disrupt your sleep schedule.
Click here to read 'Sunset Vitamin Benefits.'
Ideal Time of Sun Exposure
If you're wondering about which time sunlight is good for vitamin D, there can't be a clear-cut yes or no answer to this question because the consequences depend on several factors, including your geographic location, type of skin, daily routine, and the types of sun protection products you use before stepping outside.
1. Skin Type
People with darker complexions can easily bear the evening sunlight. At the same time, fair skin tones should prefer morning sun exposure because they have less melanin hormone than the former.
2. Sleep Schedule
Try aligning your daily routine and sun exposure time. It is recommended to soak yourself in the sun during the day, but you don't need to stress out on it. If you have spare time in the evenings, avail yourself of its benefits by walking.
3. Moderation
Excess sun exposure, whether in the morning or evening, can harm you with unnecessary UV rays and scorching heat. Therefore, aiming to strike a balance to expose yourself to adequate sunshine vitamin energy allows you to reap maximum benefits.
The Bottom Line
Vitamin D sunlight morning or evening offers potential benefits and some drawbacks that must be considered. The best choice depends on your individualized circumstances, type of skin, and routine schedules. While sunlight is a natural source of calciferol, practicing moderation and safety precautions should always be your priority.