Understanding facekini: The skincare trend sweeping China amidst rising temperatures
What's the story
With temperatures rising above 35 degrees Celsius, many people in Beijing and other parts of China are following a new trend - the facekini.
Facekini is essentially a full mask with holes for the wearer's eyes and nose.
It is rapidly gaining popularity in the country as people increasingly use it to shield themselves from harmful UV rays.
Understanding the trend
What is the 'facekini' trend?
The facekini, a full face mask made of fabric resistant to ultraviolet rays and intended to shield the wearer from the sun's damaging rays, is the latest skincare/fashion trend sweeping the Chinese capital city.
Skincare enthusiasts in Beijing are enhancing their sunscreen regimen by adopting innovative and cutting-edge trends to protect their skin from the sweltering heat.
Protection
Protection of the highest degree
Both locals and visitors are taking precautions to shield themselves from the Sun.
To prevent heat stroke, people are utilizing a variety of covers and carrying portable fans. Some hats have built-in fans to provide additional cooling.
Facekini masks come with separate sleeves to cover the arms, wide-brimmed hats, and lightweight jackets made of ultraviolet-resistant fabric.
History
Facekini first became popular in 2000s
The facekini first became popular in China in the early 2000s, especially in coastal regions like Qingdao.
Older ladies were the first to adopt it. The idea was to maintain their fair complexion, which is customarily regarded as a sign of beauty in Chinese culture.
A facekini prevents tanning and sunspots, thereby helping them maintain their complexion.
Sales
Sales of sun protection products are increasing
"Compared to before the pandemic, two or three years ago, this year is much, much better than previous years. Sales volume is definitely up a lot this year," said Wang as quoted by The Guardian. Wang works in a shop that sells hats.
Since East Asian women prefer fair skin, sun protection products are widely used in nearby nations like South Korea as well.
Expert advice
Long-term use of facekinis can lead to rashes, say experts
The trend undoubtedly comes as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding our skin from harmful UV rays.
While the concept seems intriguing to many, experts advise to be cautious.
According to them, continuous usage of facekini can lead to skin rashes, sweating, and breathing problems.
It is advised to go for a comprehensive sun protection approach rather than relying on facekinis alone.