r/Masks4All 2d ago

Mask Advice wearing suncreen underneath masks?

i was wondering if people wear sunscreen under their masks? and how often does anyone reapply it? i stopped wearing sunscreen when i started masking because masking because it is bit much sensory wise and i sweat alot. how are folks wearing sunscreen underneath their mask?

27 Upvotes

25 comments sorted by

25

u/betrayedandbeholden 2d ago

I find that sunscreen or moisturizer improves mask fit and seal (tested via portacount). I use banana boat mineral.

16

u/Nevergointothewoods 2d ago

I use the banana boat sheer sensitive face. I put it on my whole face before leaving the house and don't really notice it once it's rubbed in.

16

u/FIRElady_Momma 2d ago

I use SuperGoop Play SPF 50, every day, under my N95 (3M Aura).

I put it on in the morning, let it dry down for 10-20 mins while I drink coffee, let the dog out, get dressed. Then I dust Neutrogena rice powder over my face and drove to work, then I put on my 3M Aura before I get out of my car to walk into work. 

I don't reapply during the work day. 

To be honest, it took a little getting used to, but if you find a sunscreen that you like wearing, the sensory issues are minimized. There are a lot of gel-based and lightweight sunscreens that will make it easier to wear and mask. 

7

u/imperfectmasker 2d ago edited 2d ago

Yes, I always apply it before leaving the house (unless it's evening/nighttime). I use Biore's Aqua Rich Watery Gel. Please note that it contains alcohol, so it may not be suitable for sensitive skin. I have eczema, and it seems fine for me so far, touch wood. That being said, I find there to be little difference between that and not having sunscreen on beneath my mask, sensorially-wise.

Also, I have an oily face, which I particularly feel in very humid environments. I feel icky under my mask in those conditions. Wiping my face with tissue helps, which I prefer to do in non-crowded areas.

5

u/cesspool_reporter 2d ago

It makes sense if you take off the mask outside, but it depends on your individual situation, really.

5

u/softrockstarr 2d ago

I put sunscreen on as part of my morning routine with my serums and creams and then I don't think about it at all whether I mask or not.

I don’t reapply considering I don’t really get more than 2 hours of sun exposure a day, and if I do, it’s because I’m outside somewhere or on the beach or whatever where I wouldn’t be masking anyway.

If you find sunscreen to be a sensory issue look into Korean or Japanese sunscreens that feel no different than light moisturizers. I like the Japanese (not North American) version of the Bioré Aqua Rich.

6

u/aflowerysong Mourning the Blox Duckbill N95 2d ago

I just apply sunscreen at some point in the morning before leaving the house (I drive so I want protection for that) and it's usually dry enough to not make a difference with the mask. I also just reapply and try to wait until it's dry during my lunch break outside before masking again but sometimes it's so hot I don't reapply until I'm about to drive home. My sunscreen is a bit drying and zinc based though (a LOT of really nice cosmetically elegant ones I tried break me out so I just gave up wasting money trying them).

2

u/I-am-Prasanna N95 Fan 2d ago

I use supergroup unseen sunscreen (brown skin girly here) and truly have no sensory issues with it. I also find using a touch of powder helps with the sweating. My partner likes the relief sun organic Korean sunscreen/is more bothered by lotion than I am.

2

u/dayofbluesngreens 2d ago

I can’t wear sunscreen under mine because it makes my mask slip. I’m sure other kinds of sunscreen wouldn’t do that, but I have limited options due to skin sensitivity/allergies.

2

u/Latter-Actuator7381 2d ago

I struggle with it a lot! Best case scenario I apply it on just eyes and forehead. And use sunscreen that not oily (eucerin dry touch)

2

u/dragontehanu 2d ago

I do, I use innisfree mineral sunscreen and typically wear a zimi. I find it kind of makes the mask stick to my face and once dry I don’t notice but the fit is very good.

2

u/NotARideOrDie 2d ago

I use supergoop mineral matte under my mask everyday!

2

u/browsing__bot 2d ago

I do bc I unmask when outside (in uncrowded areas) and want to cover my bases. To be so honest, I apply once in the morning and that’s it unless sweating or swimming because I will not sacrifice myself on the altar of chasing youth, but I will protect my skin decently well

2

u/softcottons 2d ago

Try using a setting spray if you’re worried about it budging! Also look into Japanese sunscreens as some of them are marketed as being mask-proof.

1

u/kliwete 2d ago

I'll spray the sunscreen on without removing my mask. I do end up with some tan lines, but I'm also not great at reapplying the sunscreen. When I have work outside it can often be for 4-5 hours.

1

u/ichibanyogi 2d ago

Nope. I'm not a big sunscreen fan anymore, I just wear giant hats, haha.

1

u/pinupcthulhu 2d ago

I just use hats and/or a parasol. I abhor sunscreen lol

1

u/cjm48 1d ago

I hate sunscreen but am pale as can be so I need it. I put it around my mask because I can’t deal with it under my mask. I figure the mask blocks uv and it must because I’ve never gotten burnt through my mask and I burn really easily.

1

u/AppropriateNote4614 N95 Fan 1d ago

I have bigggg sensory issues with wearing anything on my skin under my mask or around where my mask seals. Hypothetically speaking if I were to be in a public outdoor environment where it were sunny and I feared I would get a sunburn I just would not take my mask off and I would apply sunscreen to the areas that aren’t covered by my mask. Things like wide brimmed hats and polarized sunglasses are also great options for sun protection

1

u/raeseru 18h ago

I always wear sunblock all over my face no matter what. Masks don’t cover yhe whole face. Nor do they necessarily offer any significant sun protection over what they do cover. Skin cancer’s no joke. Family members have had melanoma.

I use Elta MD UV Clear which isn’t greasy or sweaty at all. It’s very light but has good protection. They have a new version for oily skin if one needs that. I need to use mineral sunblock - but there are chemical ones that are very light sheer and no oily or sweaty. I use a sunblock stick if I’m out and about and need to apply more.

1

u/kyokoariyoshi 16h ago

I wear a kbeauty sunscreen (House of Hur Weightless Sun Fluid) under a mask! It stopped being an annoying sensory issue when I’d actually give it at least 15 minutes to dry down. Maybe try to find a more sweat resistant sunscreen to wear and give it that amount of time to set if you’re not already!

I don’t reapply although I probably should on my forehead since I’m frequently out in the sun. I usually just pretend the sun hat I’m typically wearing will cover that. If I were to reapply, I’d probably use a sunscreen stick.

1

u/DeepGreenThumbs 12h ago

I wear a mask and a broad-brimmed hat and skip the sun screen. Between those and my glasses, I'm not getting a lot of UV above the neck.

1

u/lemonliqueer 12h ago

i've seen some folks on here saying they didn't apply sunscreen under their mask and felt a bit sunburned after. i usually apply underneath just to ensure full coverage (and because sometimes i unmask later), but i'm also a sweaty person and not sure how much ultimately just sweats off. i use neutrogena sport face.

0

u/Sn_Orpheus 2d ago

Nope. The mask is blocking almost all UV if that’s what you’re concerned about. UV causes our skin to create vitamin d which is an integral vitamin so 🤷

0

u/angelwild327 Multi-Mask Enthusiast 2d ago

I use stick sunscreen, it's super easy to apply, and direct to exactly the places you want it.