Hey, it’s Christine.

In today’s issue:

• Why getting sunlight matters

• What happens when you don’t get enough sunlight

• How to get the right light at the right time

• Why sunlight matters for your skin

• Exclusive 20% OFF code from our sponsor Obvita Organics

First time reading? Sign up here.

PILLAR SPOTLIGHT

Is a Lack of Sunlight Silently Aging Your Skin?

Okay, glow seekers, let's dive into this week's pillar: Sunlight! It sounds simple, right? But getting the right amount of sunlight is key to feeling fantastic and looking radiant, just like stepping out of a luxurious spa treatment.

We’ve been told to fear the sun — to slather on SPF, stay in the shade, and wear sunglasses from dawn till dusk. But what if that advice, while well-intentioned, left us dimming one of nature’s most powerful beauty and health tools?

Here’s the truth: avoiding sunlight altogether may be doing more harm than good!

What Happens When You Don’t Get Enough Sunlight?

Modern life — with indoor jobs, covered skin, and filtered windows — has drastically reduced how much sunlight touches our bodies. The effects show up in ways you might not connect to the sun:

• Trouble sleeping or feeling "off" in the evening

• Mood dips, sadness, or brain fog (your body makes less serotonin — your natural "happy hormone")

• More colds or getting sick easily (your immune system depends on light)

• Skin that looks tired, dry, or dull

• Slower healing and more visible signs of stress or aging

Even your skin’s ability to repair itself overnight is linked to how much natural light you get during the day.

How to Get the Right Light — Safely

Sunlight isn't the enemy. Sunburn is. The key is gentle, consistent exposure — not avoiding the sun completely.

Morning Light: Wake Up Your Body’s Clock

• Step outside within 30–60 minutes of waking up

• Look toward the sun (not directly) for 5–10 minutes — without sunglasses or glass in between

• This helps your body make melatonin later (your sleep hormone), and during the day boosts serotonin (your feel-good hormone that helps with mood, energy, and focus)

Midday Sun: Skin-Nourishing Vitamin D

• Let sunlight touch your arms, legs, or chest for 5–15 minutes depending on your skin tone

• After that, use mineral sunscreen if staying out longer

• This helps your body turn cholesterol under your skin into vitamin D, which supports your immune system and helps keep your skin barrier strong

  • Animal studies suggest to maximize Vitamin D absorption, wait 1-2 hours after sun exposure before washing your skin with soap
    

Evening Light: Gentle Wind-Down Glow

• Take a short walk at sunset

• The low-angle sunlight at the end of the day tells your body it's time to wind down

• This supports your sleep rhythm — which is when most of your skin repair happens!

What about sunscreen & sunglasses?
They’re important — but don’t overuse them. Stop burning, not all light. And avoid wearing sunglasses first thing in the morning — your brain needs that light signal to reset your body clock.

Why This Matters for Your Skin

Sunlight supports your glow in quiet, powerful ways:

• Helps your skin cells make energy (more energy = better healing and renewal)

• Supports collagen and elastin (the proteins that keep skin firm and smooth)

• Calms inflammation (linked to redness, breakouts, and puffiness)

• Helps your body make melatonin and nitric oxide (both support healthy, balanced skin tone)

Sources available upon request.

GLOW TIP

Get The Right Light at The Right Time

Sunlight helps your skin rest, restore, and repair — but only if you get the right light at the right time.

Here’s your daily rhythm reset:

• Get morning sun without sunglasses or windows in the way

• Let midday light gently touch your skin (5–15 minutes depending on your tone)

• Bask in low-angle evening light at sunset for just 10 minutes — it's your body's cue to slow down, relax, and start healing

Your skin glows brightest when your whole system is in sync.

SURPRISING STAT

QUOTE OF THE DAY

The information in Glow by Calla Skin is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Christine is a licensed spa professional in Florida and New York State, not a doctor. Always consult a healthcare professional before making health-related decisions.