I Tested Blue Stone Sunshields With Scientific-Grade UV Equipment
As a board-certified dermatologist, I spend most of my day talking about sun protection. Sunscreen is the foundation of any skincare routine, but it's not the only tool in the toolbox. Wearable sun protection — hats, visors, face shields — is something I recommend to my patients regularly, especially after chemical peels or laser treatments. But I wanted to know: how well does it actually work?
So I took scientific-grade UV testing equipment outside and put Bluestone Shields face visors to the test.
How the Test Worked
The UV meter I used measures wavelengths from 280 nanometers all the way to 400 nanometers, covering the full UVA and UVB spectrum. The process was simple: point the meter at the sun, get a baseline reading of available UV energy, then place a Bluestone Shield in front of the meter and measure how much UV was blocked.
I tested multiple styles including the full-face Fuxx visor, a clear visor, a shorter brim option, and their interchangeable-lens sunglasses.
Why UVA and UVB Both Matter
UVB rays (280–315nm) are shorter wavelengths responsible for sunburns. They're strongest midday and cause delayed tanning over a period of days. UVA rays (315–400nm) are longer wavelengths that penetrate deeper into the skin. They're responsible for premature aging, wrinkles, dark spots, and they persist all day long — even passing through window glass. About 95% of the UV radiation reaching your skin is UVA.
Both contribute to skin cancer. Both cause visible aging. Any tanning response — even that immediate grayish color shift you notice after stepping outside — is your skin cells signaling damage.
The Results
The full-face tinted visor I've personally worn for years blocked UV dramatically. The clear visor, which I was skeptical about, performed equally well. Even the shorter brim options and the snap-in sunglasses showed significant UV reduction.
The key takeaway: wearable sun protection works, and it works across different styles and tint levels.
Who Should Consider Wearable Sun Protection
I routinely recommend face shields and UV visors to patients recovering from chemical peels and laser resurfacing. But they're also a smart addition for anyone with a long daily commute (UVA penetrates glass), anyone who spends extended time outdoors, or anyone looking to layer their sun protection beyond sunscreen alone.
The Bottom Line
Sunscreen is still your first line of defense. But pairing it with wearable UV protection gives you a second layer that you can't sweat off, forget to reapply, or apply too thinly. The testing confirmed what I've recommended to my patients for years — these shields meaningfully reduce UV exposure across the full spectrum.
Watch the full test with real-time UV readings on my YouTube channel. If you want to try any of the products you can get them here. While these products are effective, it's not necessary to use every product from one brand. I recommend choosing products that align with individual skincare needs and keeping routines simple. If you have any questions about these products, feel free to ask.