Sunlight can be harmful at any time of day, but it's most intense and damaging between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the summer months when the sun is highest in the sky. This is because the sun's rays are strongest during these hours, and they contain more ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
UV radiation can damage your skin, causing sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. It can also damage your eyes, leading to cataracts and other eye problems.
To protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun, it's important to:
- Seek shade during the hottest part of the day.
- Wear protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every two hours.
- Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.
While sunlight can be harmful, it's also an important source of vitamin D. The best time to get vitamin D from the sun is around midday, when the UVB rays are most intense. However, it's still important to protect yourself from the sun's harmful effects.
