This is ideal for preventing the shortcomings from the next school year.
If there is a vitamin not to neglect summer, it is vitamin D. It plays an essential role in the body: it boosts immunity, protects bones and even contributes to good morale. Yet, “2 out of 3 French people are affected by a vitamin D deficit “we explained Dr. Charley Cohen in a previous article. And this lack can result in persistent fatigue, pain, mood disorders … Masi before thinking “supplementation”, a much simpler thing is accessible to all: to expose yourself to the sun. How long ? At what time? And above all, how to do it without risk?
Vitamin D is synthesized by the skin under the effect of UVB (ultraviolet b) rays of the sun. It is then transformed into a active hormone by the liver and the kidneys. It intervenes in the functioning of the immune system and the prevention of certain chronic diseases. We find vitamin D in certain foods (fatty fish, eggs, cod liver, etc.) and in pharmacies in food supplements, but sunlight remains the main natural source of vitamin D so as not to miss it.
And good news: no need to expose themselves for hours. According to Dr. Karan Rajan, doctor within the British NHS, “25 minutes of exposure to the sun several times a week is enough to maximize the natural production of vitamin D by the skin”. The ideal is to discover the arms, legs or face at the end of the morning or at the end of the afternoon, when the rays are powerful enough to activate the synthesis of vitamin without being too aggressive. “Solar creams block UVB, so it is advisable to remain without protection on the first 10 to 20 minutes of exhibition”explains Dr. Rajan. Then you have to protect yourself.
Exposing the sun for too long is dangerous. UVBs become harmful: sunburn, premature aging, allergies, cancers … To limit these risks, it is better to hydrate, wear a hat, and apply a sunscreen index 50, whatever its type of skin. “Remember to check the UV index on the weather app for your phone: beyond 3, sunscreen is essential”, recalls the doctor.
