Do sunglasses make vitiligo worse? 

Last Updated on 2nd September 2021 by Caroline Haye

Artificial versus natural sun protecion

We have been blessed with some gorgeous warm, sunny weather this spring and summer so far. That said, sunny conditions are never a certainty in our neck of the woods, but I live in hope that this year will continue in the same vein for a couple more months. And, with this in mind, I am going to be optimistic (literally looking on the bright side). I am going to risk putting a jinx on the British summer by broaching the deceptively harmless subject of sunglasses. Specifically, what I am wondering is do sunglasses make vitiligo worse?

Most of us own at least one pair of these practical yet stylish accessories at any one time. And many of us expend considerable time and money on selecting them. They can be just as much a fashion statement as our clothes and hair styles. And a top quality pair can cost a lot more than an entire outfit. In fact, many people regard their “sunnies” as a vital component of their seasonal wardrobe… As important to their summer look as sporting sun-bronzed skin. But, whilst a cool pair of shades can, undeniably, set off a golden tan to perfection, some people believe they may also sabotage your efforts to develop one in the first place.

In short, there is a theory that wearing sunglasses for too long could cause sunburn by interfering with the body’s natural tanning process. For most people, this possibility is nothing more than a quirky and obscure snippet of information. But for anyone with vitiligo, its implications might be much more significant.

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Our love-hate relationship with the sun

Extensive reading on the pigmentation process, coupled with my own experience of vitiligo recovery,  have convinced me that sunshine is a bit like food. It is one of life’s great pleasures and is absolutely essential to our survival. But we need to approach it carefully and take it in moderation. This advice, of course, applies to every living thing, but more especially to those with a pigmentation disorder.  Through personal experience, I have learned that getting too much sun can be as counterproductive as too little. (For more on this, read my post Is Sunshine Good For Vitiligo?)

So how does the pigmentation process actually work and why do some claim wearing sunglasses interferes with it? 

​Well, first of all, skin pigment is not just for decoration. It exists for a practical reason. It is the body’s way of protecting itself against UV damage. A person with normal skin produces a certain amount of melanin whether they are exposed to sunshine or not. The amount of melanin present in their skin determines how fair or deep their natural colouring is.

Our natural skin colour is dependent on our genes. It exists in order to provide protection to the deeper layers of the skin. As such, it tends to give a clue as to where our ancestors came from. Peoples who lived nearer the equator for generations generally have more melanin and darker skin than those who lived far away from it.
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When skin is exposed to sunshine melanin production increases further to provide even more protection. This is what we call a sun tan. Deeper skin tones usually tan easily because they have more melanin to start with. Fairer skins burn if sun exposure is too intense or too long. This is because they have relatively little melanin to start with. And they can’t make sufficient quantities fast enough to keep pace with the UV damage. This is why paler people need to sunbathe more carefully and more gradually if they want to avoid looking like a boiled lobster by the end of the first warm day of summer.  

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Our eyes may play a part in tanning

The question of whether or not wearing sunglasses interferes with the tanning process seems to hinge on a specific point… On exactly what the mechanism is that triggers our increased pigment production. The claim is certainly not as crazy as it might at first sound.  The logic goes that the first step in the tanning process takes place via the eyes.

Our eyes detect UV exposure, stimulating the pituitary gland into producing MSH (Melanin Stimulating Hormone) into our bloodstream. It is this hormone that then causes the pigment producing cells (melanocytes) to produce a protective tan.

The connection between the pituitary gland and the optic nerve is significant in this scenario because it is the pituitary gland’s ability to sense light via the eyes that starts the whole process.  Therefore, filtering out UV light with sunglasses should, in theory, impair the body’s ability to protect the skin against sunburn.  This also has implications for the risk of developing skin cancer.

If this is true, we would all be wise to minimise our use of sunglasses when we are in strong sunlight.  But, of course, the irony of this is that this is the very time when we tend to need them. (Squinting in bright light is uncomfortable and likely to produce wrinkles. And excessive exposure without the appropriate eye protection can cause eye damage, including cataracts.)

So are sunglasses good or bad?

Before you throw out your treasured Ray-Bans, there are plenty of opposing views on this topic. Views which which also appear to make sense if we accept that the trigger for the tanning process is not wholly reliant on the optic nerves.  This theory says that melanin production occurs in response to detecting UV light on the skin itself. And, if that is true, then wearing sunglasses should make little or no difference to tanning.  

But then, it raises the question: does wearing a sunscreen trick the body into thinking the UV light is less intense than it really is?  And if that is true, then the risk of burning once your SPF product has worn or washed off is probably higher than if you hadn’t applied one in the first place.

From what I have read so far on this subject, there is no definite consensus among experts. But, as ever, intuition tells me that common sense and moderation are the best guides to how much we should rely on sun protection in general. And I have some tips of my own for others with vitiligo who may be wondering how to approach this whole issue.

Sun protection for vitiligo, yes or no?

The therapeutic value of sunlight is one thing that is beyond question.  Without it we would die.  And in the context of vitiligo (and many other skin conditions) UV therapy is the cornerstone of most effective treatments.  It was certainly a key part of my own vitiligo success story.  

On the other hand, sunburn is one of the events that can trigger de-pigmentation in those who have a susceptibility to it.  Similarly, it seems that there is at least a fair chance that wearing sunglasses and sunscreens could be counterproductive since some credible theories exists to suggest they hinder the body’s natural detection and defence system against the dangers posed by UV radiation.

Moderation in all things

The answer to this dilemma, it seems to me, is to ensure we get regular, but moderate, exposure to sunshine. And, in the case of sunglasses, it is probably an over-reliance on them (i.e. wearing them for prolonged periods of time) that is likely to be a problem.

So, my feeling is that it is best to save your sunglasses (good quality ones, please) for the times you really need them, like when the sun is causing you real discomfort. Or when driving, for example.  

Constantly wearing sunglasses throughout the summer might be tempting if you suffer from vitiligo “Panda Eyes” (as I used to call mine). But, in my opinion, it is unlikely your eye area will ever re-pigment if you constantly keep it hidden from the sun.

Sunscreens

And, when it comes to sunscreens, I prefer not to block the healing rays of the sun by using these myself. The only time I do is when I know that I am going to be out in intense sunshine for extended periods of time. On those occasions, I use as natural a product as I can find. Because products containing harsh chemicals can be as bad for vitiligo – or worse – than sunburn itself.

​In short, sunshine is a two edged sword for people with vitiligo.  But I am certain that it is far more beneficial than it is harmful, as long as we exercise care and common sense.