SA UV/Dust Face Shields

SA UV/Dust Face Shields

I discovered these face shields in the early days of my landscaping side business. Working outside is a lot more enjoyable when you have the right clothing and equipment for the weather.

Sun damage to your skin is incremental and should be on the mind of every gardener. You can catch a lot of damaging UV rays when you’re out working with your plants or when you’re on a zero-turn mower for several hours at a time in full sun, as I often am. This exposure adds up over time and can really take a toll on your long-term health, not to mention the appearance of your skin.

These SA UV/dust shields cover your nose, mouth, cheeks, ears, and most of your neck when worn as a face mask. These parts never get sunburned when I wear this shield, especially when worn with a boonie hat as the shield’s material is rated at 40 SPF. I still apply sunscreen to the lower part of my neck when wearing this, as this area could stay exposed to the sun depending on the style of shirt you’re wearing as well as the fact that areas of your skin can be exposed depending on how you’re moving as you work.

You can wear these in a number of different styles: face shield, headband, neck gaiter, full hood, balaclava, and more (I had to look up some of these). The material is very soft and breathable. It doesn’t feel overly hot even in 90*+ temperatures and, in any case, it beats the alternative of getting sunburned.

The shield stays tight on your face and won’t fall down as you move around. This is the most important thing to look for with a product like this. I can put one of these on and then focus on mowing or trimming without having to constantly readjust it on my face. They come in one size, which will fit any adult.

In addition to protecting your skin from UV rays, this shield is also effective for avoiding dust, grass particles, bugs, and other things you don’t want in your lungs while you mow. It won’t eliminate tree and grass pollen getting through, but it does seem to minimize it.

I was skeptical how these would hold up given how cheap they were. I have had my original set of five for about three years now and as I’ve already said, I wear them and wash them a lot. The colors have faded ever so slightly and I’ve noticed some very minor pilling, but I fully expect to get at least another year of service out of them.

These shields are available in many different colors and styles from wild to mild, although I prefer the solid earth tones, with the olive green being my favorite.