Why I stopped wearing sunglasses 😎

I used to wear sunglasses all the time.

I had a pair that made me look and feel so cool (you have one too, right?).

Like most people, I’d bought into the idea that wearing them was grade A eye protection from the sun.

But then in my 20’s I started questioning (pretty much everything), and that’s when I learned that:

When we block sunlight from our eyes, we’re actually blocking super important signals that tell the rest of our body how to prepare for the sun - and a lot more.

Look 👀

Here’s what happens when sunlight reaches our retina:

Protects your skin: stimulates melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), which tells your skin to produce melanin - your natural SPF.

→ Sunglasses = less melanin = less natural protection.

Balances hormones: sets your circadian rhythm through the hypothalamus (the brain’s tiny control center to keep your body balanced)

→ Cortisol rises when it should (helping you wake up and handle stress). Later, melatonin kicks in on time (hello restful sleep).

Supports digestion & energy: by anchoring your circadian rhythm, sunlight helps your gut enzymes and metabolic hormones work in sync.

→ You digest better and have steadier energy.

Lifts Your Mood: directly boosts dopamine and serotonin. This is why light therapy is used for seasonal affective disorder…but nature gives us the best therapy for free.

Basically, it’s like the sun saying:

​“I’ll tune up your hormones, lift your mood, get your skin ready, and help you digest lunch better. You’re welcome.” 🌞

Wild, right?

The very thing we’re taught to protect ourselves from is the thing that teaches our body how to protect itself and function optimally. 💡

Of course, I’m not suggesting staring straight at the midday sun (please don’t).

But early morning or late afternoon light in your eyes with no sunglasses, no glass barrier, just you and the sun, is a potent little practice I recommend to clients all the time.

I’m not saying you should toss your favorite shades (I still pop mine on now and then to cut the glare while driving).

I’m saying, try a few sunny mornings without them and see how you feel.

In love (and lots of light),

Dr. Aliya

PS. Want to catch an early glimpse of the inner sun practice I’ve got coming later this month? Click here.