As a society, we have become increasingly familiar with wearing face masks as the years go on. Not only do they protect you from potential exposures and sickness, but did you know that you can also wear face masks for sun protection? If you’re intrigued, keep on reading! Today, we will discuss all the best quality face masks for sun protection so you can choose the right one. If you thought that your regular cloth mask protects the lower half of your face well, then think again. For, a cloth face mask typically offers the equivalent sun protection of only SPF 7 or so. Hence, investing in a face mask that specifically offers sun protection is important. If you want to know how to protect your skin from the sun better, this article is for you. Let’s take a look at all those masks!
Table of contents
- SUNMECI Balaclava Breathable Full Face Mask
- Neck Gaiter Bandana Face Mask
- MoKo Scarf Mask Bandana with Ear Loops 3 Pack
- 2 Pieces Unisex Sun Protective Face Bandana
- VCZUIUC Headwear Bandana Head Wrap
- Active Sports Protective Sun Face Mask
- 6 Pieces Sun UV Protection Face Mask
- S A Company 5 Pack UV Face Shield
- Sun UV Protection Face Mask
- Achiou Balaclava Face Mask
- QE Neck Gaiter Big & Tall Large Fit for Large Head
- KastKing Sol Armis Neck Gaiter
- Huk Men’s Current Camo Neck Gaiter
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Face Masks For Sun Protection
- Do face masks help with sun damage?
- Can a mask protect from UV rays?
- How can I cover my face from the sun?
SUNMECI Balaclava Breathable Full Face Mask
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Best coverage. First up, we have the SUNMECI Balaclava Breathable Full Face Mask. This mask is a little different than a typical face mask, but its differences make it a worthy opponent against the sun. The mask is in the form of a hat, so it covers your face with a cap and then opens to let your face breathe. Even better, it also covers your entire neck from UV rays.
We love how incredibly breathable the fabric is. Not to mention, it doesn’t actually cover your face with fabric, just the cap. This way, you won’t get uncomfortable if you’re wearing it for a while. All this makes this a great choice for a face mask to protect you from the sun. Do you need a face mask for winter instead? Check out the best face masks for winter.
Pros
- It’s very breathable and comfortable.
- It’s in the form of a hat, covering your face and neck completely.
- It doesn’t cover your face with fabric.
Cons
- It may be unconventional or too bulky.
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Neck Gaiter Bandana Face Mask
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Moving on to the Neck Gaiter Bandana Face Mask. This mask is different from the previous one, but it protects your face. You wear it over your neck and can push the fabric all the way up to your eyes to protect your face. The great thing about this one is it’s a bit less bulky than the hat mask, but it still covers your face and neck from the sun. This makes it a great face mask for traveling. Overall, this is a good choice for those who want something lightweight and easy to remove.
Pros
- It properly covers your face and neck.
- It’s breathable and comfortable.
- It’s really lightweight.
Cons
- It doesn’t cover your forehead.
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MoKo Scarf Mask Bandana with Ear Loops 3 Pack
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Next, we have the MoKo Scarf Mask Bandana with Ear Loops 3 Pack. This mask only comes in groups of three, which is perfect if you plan on wearing them frequently. These ones loop around your ear like a regular mask and come up to your eyes for ultimate protection. These are a bit thicker than other, more lightweight masks, but they should still be comfortable for long-term use. They’re really great face masks for sun protection, especially if you pair them with a hat to cover your forehead. This is another solid option.
Pros
- They loop around your ears instead of sliding on.
- They come in packs of three.
- They cover all the necessary parts of your face.
Cons
- They aren’t as breathable as others.
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2 Pieces Unisex Sun Protective Face Bandana
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The 2 Pieces Unisex Sun Protective Face Bandana is another face mask that only comes in sets. This time, you buy them in sets of two. This one has a very stylish look, plus there are plenty of colors to choose from! These ones also hook around your ear but are much looser than the other ones on our list. They are extremely breathable but still get the job done perfectly well. This may be your best bet if you don’t mind your forehead not being covered.
Pros
- It comes in packs of two
- It’s stylish and comes in different colors.
- It’s very breathable.
Cons
- They might be too loose if you prefer more form-fitted masks.
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VCZUIUC Headwear Bandana Head Wrap
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Next up, we have the VCZUIUC Headwear Bandana Head Wrap. These ones only come in huge packs of nine masks. Fortunately, you can choose any design you’d like. There is a wide range of designs and patterns to choose from; there’s really something for everyone. The great thing about these coming in packs is that you’ll have plenty to wear while your old ones are in the wash. Speaking of the wash, these are completely machine washable. These masks are like one big tube you pull on over your neck to cover up your eyes. There’s no loop for your ears. Overall, these are a solid choice.
Pros
- They come in packs of nine.
- They are breathable and very comfortable.
- There are plenty of designs to choose from.
Cons
- They don’t come in singles, and it’s a bit inconvenient if you only want one or two.
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Active Sports Protective Sun Face Mask
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Moving on to the Active Sports Protective Sun Face Mask. This mask is quite different than the previous ones. It looks almost like a standard face mask you would wear in a doctor’s office or a crowded room. It loops around your ears and rests over your nose, covering the majority of your face.
The one downside to these ones is that they don’t cover your neck. But if you’re okay with having your neck uncovered, these are a wonderful choice for face masks for sun protection. They come in packs of three and are very stylish as well.
Pros
- They are less bulky and more like regular masks.
- They come in a variety of colors.
- They come in packs of three.
Cons
- They don’t cover your neck completely.
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6 Pieces Sun UV Protection Face Mask
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Our next option is the lovely 6 Pieces Sun UV Protection Face Mask. As the name suggests, they come in packs of six, with countless designs to choose from. These masks are the standard ones that cover your whole neck and can be pulled up to your eyes.
These would be great if you plan on sharing face masks for sun protection with the whole family. They would also serve you well if you frequently wear the masks. Overall, this is another good choice for those who want to protect their neck as well as their face.
Pros
- They come in packs of six.
- There are lots of design options.
- It covers your neck.
Cons
- Some people may not need six masks.
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S A Company 5 Pack UV Face Shield
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The S A Company 5 Pack UV Face Shield is yet another mask that’s ideal for those who wish to cover their necks from the sun. These masks come in packs of five, so it’s best to get them if you already know you’ll be a fan of the way they fit. They are quite tight but still breathable as well. There are a lot of different patterns and colors to choose from, so there’s something for everyone. Mostly, however, these are targeted toward men. But anyone can enjoy the way they completely cover your neck and provide extra protection to your face. These face masks are a great choice!
Pros
- They come in packs of five.
- They have lots of designs to choose from.
- They’re breathable but still cover your face and neck properly.
Cons
- There may not be many designs that suit everyone’s taste.
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Sun UV Protection Face Mask
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Best value for money. Next, we have the Sun UV Protection Face Mask. These ones come in huge packs of nine, and the design options are almost limitless. There is truly something for everyone with these designs. That’s why we love them so much. These masks are completely breathable and tend to have a cooling effect on the skin. That means that while you’re protecting your skin from the heat, you’re also keeping cool! These are great for days when it’s especially hot, and you need to cover up.
Pros
- They have a cooling effect.
- They cover your face and neck perfectly.
- They come in large packs of nine.
Cons
- They only come in large packs.
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Achiou Balaclava Face Mask
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Moving on to something a bit different, we have the Achiou Balaclava Face Mask. This one is a bit more like a ski mask, but it will still protect you from the sun completely. It goes on like a hood, with only the space for eyes cut out. This makes it one of the greatest face masks for sun protection because it covers the face and neck completely. This is a valid choice if you want something more elaborate than just a simple mask covering your neck.
Pros
- It covers every part of your face and neck (besides your eyes, of course)
- It’s breathable.
- It covers a lot more than some other face masks.
Cons
- It doesn’t give you a lot of room for movement like eating or drinking.
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QE Neck Gaiter Big & Tall Large Fit for Large Head
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Next up is the QE Neck Gaiter Big & Tall Large Fit for Large Head. This one is made specifically for those with a larger-sized head, so getting these for a child is not recommended. Other than that, they’re pretty standard: they come in packs of three, with different colors. There’s not much to say that hasn’t already been said. Overall, these are a great choice for those who want their face and neck covered, and especially for anyone looking for face masks for sun protection.
Pros
- They fit better on people with larger heads.
- They come in a small pack of three; not too big, not too small.
- They cover your face and neck perfectly.
Cons
- They aren’t ideal for children.
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KastKing Sol Armis Neck Gaiter
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Best overall. Now onto the KastKing Sol Armis Neck Gaiter. This mask is made specifically to protect you from the sun’s UV rays. So if you’re looking for the best overall face masks for sun protection, this is it. These ones come in different sizes, so it’s easy to get one that fits you well. Also, they only come in singles. Besides that, they come in over a dozen colors and patterns. These are absolutely perfect for a day out in the sun; they cover your face and neck completely and are built for UV protection.
Pros
- It was built for UV protection.
- It only comes in singles, so you can try it out without fully committing.
- There are over a dozen colors.
Cons
- Some people may prefer having the masks come in large packs.
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Huk Men’s Current Camo Neck Gaiter
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Best quality. Finally, we have the Huk Men’s Current Camo Neck Gaiter. This one only comes in singles, but purchasing just one of these is absolutely worth it. These masks are made to keep you protected from the sun’s UV rays, and it covers your face and neck perfectly. It comes on like a hood and then opens up with room for your eyes, forehead, and hair. This is a great option for those who want full coverage when out in the sun. The only downside is the price. But once you’ve invested in one, you won’t regret it!
Pros
- It covers your face and neck perfectly.
- It was made for UV protection.
- It’s breathable and comfortable.
Cons
- It is a bit expensive for just one mask.
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Our Verdict!
Overall, there are countless face masks for sun protection to choose from. You just have to know where to look. That said, it can be a bit difficult to find masks specifically for UV protection. If you’re still unsure, here are our top picks out of the masks on our list!
- Best value for money: Sun UV Protection Face Mask
- Best quality: Huk Men’s Current Camo Neck Gaiter
- Best coverage: SUNMECI Balaclava Breathable Full Face Mask
- Best overall: KastKing Sol Armis Neck Gaiter
How To Choose The Best Face Masks For Sun Protection
There are a few things you should look out for when looking for a good quality and effective face mask. It would be best if you had something that’s light and breathable but also still protects you from the sun well enough. Are you still stuck? Here are a few things to look out for when selecting your face mask.
Quality
When purchasing any product, you want to make sure that the quality is worth the price. That’s why the first thing you should look for in a face mask is quality. Think: does this mask look cheaply made? Is it made of materials that will wear down easily? Does it say anything about the quality of the reviews? Ask yourself these questions, and it should narrow it down.
Quantity
Another thing you want to keep in mind is the number of masks that you’ll be receiving. Do you prefer getting them in a large pack, or do you only want one or two? It will vary depending on who you are. But overall, take a look at the number of masks compared to the price, and you should be on your way.
Price
Of course, when buying anything, you want to keep an eye out for the best price. Never go for what’s the most expensive; it usually isn’t worth it. But going for the least expensive is also a risk. Try to meet in the middle price-wise; you’ll find it’s easier than you may think.
Do face masks help with sun damage?
Yes, they can help with sun damage. If you’re always wearing a mask that covers your face when outside, your skin will be protected against UV rays because of the fabric. However, not all masks offer complete protection from the sun, so it’s best to go with ones that guarantee this.
Overall, yes, they can be really helpful in protecting your face from the sun. Just make sure that you have the right kind of mask!
Can a mask protect from UV rays?
Yes, if you get a mask that’s made from the right kind of materials. Materials such as neoprene are especially good for protecting against UV rays, so be on the lookout for it. Some people also say that the color of your mask makes a difference. If you choose a mask that explicitly says it will protect you, it should do the job well enough.
Now you may be wondering, “Do I still have to wear sunscreen under a mask?” This is a valid question. This video by The Skin Cancer Foundation tells all.
How can I cover my face from the sun?
There are a few ways you can protect yourself from the sun. First off, hats are particularly good for shielding your skin from the sun, especially a hat that has a rim all around so it can protect your neck. Tight, breathable fabric (such as the face masks listed in this article) is good for protecting you from UV rays. Also, make sure you’re moisturizing your face properly with these best face moisturizers. This will help protect you even more!
