Hey friend, Gubba here from the Gubba Homestead.
Have you ever wondered if the sunglasses protecting your eyes could be harmful to your skin? Sounds crazy, right? Most of us believe sunglasses are foolproof sun armor. But what if they’re fooling your body into underpreparing for sun exposure, leading to unexpected sunburns?
I used to be an avid sunglass wearer. I got a pair of polarized glass sunglasses on sale when I was a teenager and wore those for years…until I discovered they could actually be causing damage to my body.
Today, let’s explore this wild concept and why I created my All‑Natural SunBalm as your real-skin rescue in the sun.
How Could Sunglasses Actually Lead to Sunburn?
Why do I burn even with sunglasses on?
Your eyes are your body’s sun sensor. Normally, bright light triggers your pituitary gland to create melanin, a natural shield for your skin.
Your pituitary gland does so much more than support your body in the sunlight. There is a reason they put fluoride in the water supplies and want to disconnect you from your pituitary gland.
We will save that conspiracy for another day…
But with sunglasses on, your eyes tell your brain “it’s dim out here.” Your body doesn’t ramp up that melanin production, yet your skin is still absorbing the harsh UV rays. It’s like telling your mailbox you’re expecting mail without checking the mailman actually came!
You're stepping into the sunshine, but your internal sun-brain is confused. Not good.
What Is the Role of the Light Spectrum on Our Eyes?
Can sunlight really benefit your vision? Absolutely.
Sunlight isn’t just about UV—it includes a range of wavelengths that help regulate your biological clock (circadian rhythm), improve mood, and maintain eye health.
When your eyes receive full-spectrum light:
- They help balance melatonin and serotonin, leading to better sleep and mood.
- They support pupil response and eye muscle function, improving distance vision and contrast.
- Exposure to natural light can reduce risks of myopia and form visual depth perception.
Sunglasses may block UV, but they also dampen these beneficial wavelengths. Sometimes, they trick our brains into thinking it’s darker than it really is, which can affect our alertness and visual clarity.
Taking off sunglasses or opting for wide-brimmed hats gives your eyes the needed spectrum without confusing them, while still protecting your skin.
I personally have started to sun gaze in the mornings and evenings, meaning I stare directly at the sun for a period of time. I sure have come a long way from being an avid sunglass wearer and being terrified of the sun!
Are Sunscreens and Sunglasses Part of a Bigger Problem?
Do sunscreen and sunglass companies have a hidden agenda?
Let’s call it what it is: a financial ecosystem.
You buy sunscreen, you buy sunglasses, you burn, you buy more sunscreen. That endless cycle lines pockets, while your skin and body keep sending confused signals. Our bodies are so dysregulated due to the constant attacks on them.
And most chemical sunscreens contain additives like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and endocrine-disrupting fragrances. They degrade in the sun, cause hormone disruption, AND (the worst of all in my opinion) avobenzone has been found to cause abnormal placentation during early pregnancy.
A sunscreen ingredient is causing pregnancy issues, yet your dermatologist will tell you to slather it right on.
Sick.
So while the ads push synthetic protection, your body is whispering, “I need real nourishment and smart sun habits.”
What Is the All‑Natural Sun Balm from Gubba Homestead?
Enter my solution: All‑Natural SunBalm. I created it so your skin can be nourished in the sun, without chemicals.
What’s inside?
- Grass-fed tallow: Rich in vitamins A, D, E, K, and essential fatty acids.
- Non-nano zinc oxide: Nature’s mineral sun reflector, no absorption into your bloodstream.
- Beeswax, olive oil, and coconut oil: Smooth application and protective support.
- No harmful chemicals: No parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, or toxic preservatives.
It’s a balm that nourishes your skin and supports its natural response to sun exposure.
Is Mineral Sunscreen Better than Chemical Sunscreen?
Yes—when it’s used thoughtfully.
Mineral zinc oxide sits on top of your skin and reflects UV rays away like a tiny shield. It doesn’t get absorbed, unlike chemical sunscreens which claim to protect but may break down or trigger hormonal concerns over time.
People like to think that what they put on their skin has no effect on their body, but it definitely does! Your body is a detox pathway, so if you are covering it in toxic sludge, you are clogging those pathways and junk is being absorbed right into your body.
How Does Sun Exposure Actually Benefit Your Skin and Health?
Is sun always the enemy? Not at all.
When managed properly, sun exposure:
- Boosts vitamin D production
- Helps regulate circadian rhythms
- Supports mood and mental health
- Can reduce rates of depression and autoimmune issues
But we’re talking about respecting it. Smart sun care uses shade, timing, and nourishing barriers (like Sun Balm).
Why Store-Bought Chemical Sunscreens Are Not the Answer
Why are pharmacies still selling these? Money.
- Many contain hormone disruptors and preservatives that harm your skin and body.
- They need frequent reapplication, because the chemicals break down under sunlight.
- They often wash off easily, sending polluted ingredients into waterways.
- And they ignore nature’s system, depending only on chemical filters, rather than nurturing your skin to perform optimal sun defense.
What If I Still Want to Wear Sunglasses?
You can. Just choose when and why.
- For driving or reflective surfaces, wear sunglasses.
- For outdoor gatherings, remove them occasionally or opt for a wide-brimmed hat to maintain your natural light feedback.
- Balance eye protection with overall skin and hormonal awareness.
I personally never wear them anymore, but I see where there are instances you may want to.
FAQs: Sunglasses, Sunburns, & Sun Balm
1. Can wearing sunglasses actually cause sunburns?
Yes, and here's how: Your eyes help regulate melanin production (your skin’s natural sun protection). When you wear sunglasses, especially dark-tinted ones, your body thinks you’re in the shade. This can delay your skin’s natural defense mechanisms, making you more susceptible to burns—even when the UV index is high.
2. Why does my skin burn faster when I wear sunglasses?
Sunglasses block the light signals your eyes normally send to the brain, saying, “Hey, we’re in full sun—make melanin!” Without that cue, your skin may be underprotected, even though it’s getting hit with UV rays. It’s like disabling your home’s smoke detector while you leave the stove on.
3. Are all sunglasses bad for your health?
Not necessarily, but it depends on how you use them. Constantly wearing sunglasses outdoors may disrupt your body’s hormonal and sun-regulating feedback loop. Occasional use, like during driving or snow glare, is fine. But relying on them every time you’re in the sun could have unexpected biological consequences.
4. Is there a safer alternative to sunglasses for sun protection?
Yes! Wide-brimmed hats, visors, or natural shading like trees can protect your eyes without completely blocking the light spectrum. This lets your eyes still signal your body to defend itself naturally, while minimizing direct exposure. It’s a balanced, ancestral approach to light and skin care.
5. Why haven’t I heard this before?
Great question. The sunglass industry is worth billions. It’s not in their interest to explore or publicize potential downsides. Plus, mainstream health narratives tend to treat the sun as an enemy, rather than something to understand and respect. We're just now beginning to uncover how light affects not just skin, but mood, hormones, and immunity.
Stay safe in the sun—with less burn and more real nourishment.
Ready to nourish your skin with clean, effective Sun Balm?
Shop All‑Natural SunBalm now
Let your skin and eyes work together—and don’t forget to tell me how your skin feels after sunny days!
With love from the homestead,
Gubba
