Reply To: Sunny Days and the Sunshine VItamin D

[Cari aka “Rinse & rePeat”]

I heard recently that wearing sunglasses interferes with the eyes and the signals they send out to the skin, causing sunburns…

“Wearing sunglasses can indirectly affect melanin production and potentially increase the risk of sunburn. Melanin has several functions, one of which is to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. When the skin is exposed to UV radiation, melanocytes produce more melanin to absorb the UV rays and protect the skin from damage, which leads to a tanning effect.

Sunglasses block significant UV radiation, protecting your eyes from damage. However, they can also indirectly affect your body’s response to sunlight. When you wear sunglasses, your eyes perceive less light, and your body may interpret this as being in a less sunny environment. As a result, your body might not send the same signals to produce melanin in response to sunlight.

The lack of melanin production could potentially lead to an increased risk of sunburn, as your skin may not have the same level of protection against UV radiation. Additionally, people wearing sunglasses might feel more comfortable staying in the sun for extended periods, further increasing the risk of sunburn and other sun-related skin damage.”

The Surprising Health Benefits of Not Wearing Sunglasses: Sun Exposure, Melanin, and Nitric Oxide