This is one of the questions that I\u2019ve received a lot from my patients and my friends. The answer is yes, sunscreen is still so important. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen<\/a><\/strong> with an SPF of 30 or higher applied every single day and opting for a higher SPF such as 50 if you\u2019re anticipating prolonged sun exposure. These recommendations are just one component of sun-smart behavior, including seeking the shade when possible, wearing a hat and sunglasses and reapplying frequently if you are out for any long period of time or exercising while outside. So yes, wearing a face mask may offer you some additional protection, but it doesn\u2019t replace the need for daily sunscreen use.<\/p>\n How much protection you\u2019re afforded by your face mask depends on its material, with synthetic materials offering greater protection than natural fabrics. It also depends on the color, because darker\u00a0colors provide better protection, and how tightly woven the material is. Most face masks are made of light cotton material and they probably afford an SPF 7 or so, which is about half of what is recommended for daily use. Some companies are marketing masks labeled as having UPF 50 protection, and you can search for those online.<\/p>\n Also, for the times when you intermittently pull down your face mask, you want to make sure that you have sunscreen all over your entire face to protect those areas that are sometimes covered \u2014 but not always. So, remember, just like always, wear a broad-spectrum daily sunscreen every single day, even with your face mask.<\/p>\n