Not to be confused with cosmetic UV LED masks, face masks are all about keeping your skin safe from sun damage, wrinkles and infectious diseases.
As we learn more about sun damage, and as the skin cancer statistics continue to shock Aussies every year, UV face masks are becoming increasingly popular. Especially now, in our post-pandemic world where face masks are a now-normal accessory.
The bonus of a UV face mask is that it ticks both boxes: it protects your skin from the sun and helps stop the spread of germs at the same time. Here’s how they work and where to get one.
What do UV face masks look like?
If you’ve seen a reusable face mask before, you’ve seen the shape of a UV face mask. Designed to cover the nose and mouth, the fabric stays in place with fabric or elastic that loops over the ears, with thin wire to hold its shape.
SParms UV face masks can be washed and reused up to 50 times, making them incredibly cost-effective and more environmentally friendly than disposable masks that don’t protect your skin from the sun.
Our newest style of face mask features upgraded technology to provide a cooling effect, a seamless design with no elastic that loosens over time, and nano silver threads woven through the fabric for added protection.
How much sun protection do face masks give?
If the face mask is made from UPF50+ fabric, you’ll be protected from 98% of the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays. If you’ve ever been sunburned, then your skin has been damaged by these ultraviolet rays. Over time, repeated exposure and damage can cause premature aging, wrinkles, “leather-skin” and skin cancers and melanomas.
Studies have shown that regular disposable masks provide little, if any, protection from the sun. Reusable cotton masks didn’t fare much better, being similar to a t-shirt with an insignificant UPF rating of around 5.
When choosing a UV face mask, make sure it has a certification for its UPF50+ rating from a reputable agency such as ARPANSA in Australia.
Who should use a UV face mask?
There are many situations in which a UV face mask would be useful. For example, if you work outdoors or participate in outdoor activities like hiking or biking, a UV face mask can provide an extra layer of protection for your skin. UV radiation is particularly strong at high altitudes, so if you're planning a mountain climbing expedition, a UV face mask is a must-have item.
UV face masks are also ideal for those with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea or eczema, which can be exacerbated by exposure to UV radiation. By wearing a UV face mask, you can reduce your risk of developing skin problems and keep your skin looking healthy and radiant.
Of course, UV face masks are also a great option for those who are concerned about the spread of germs and viruses. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us just how important it is to take steps to protect ourselves and those around us from infection. UV face masks can help to reduce the risk of transmission by providing a barrier between the wearer and other people.
What to look for in a UV face mask
There are many different types of UV face masks on the market, so it's important to choose one that suits your needs. Some masks are designed for use during outdoor activities and have features like adjustable straps and moisture-wicking fabrics. Others are designed for everyday wear and may be made with more comfortable materials like cotton.
To cater for everyone, we’ve created a range of UPF 50+ face masks that includes cotton designs, new technology in nanosilver thread, and kid’s masks in a variety of colours and sizes.
When choosing a UV face mask, it's also important to consider factors like breathability and comfort. If you're going to be wearing the mask for extended periods, you want to make sure that it's comfortable and easy to breathe through. Look for masks that have multiple layers of fabric or built-in filters to help keep germs and particles out.
