When it comes to solar defense, Egyptians applied black kohl, Victorians swung their parasols, Americans slathered on the Coppertone, and now, the Chinese are wearing face masks? In the latest bit of weird, tacky, and true news, a new phenomenon in China has women covering up on the beach—face first. The coastal area of Qingdao, northeast of China's Shandong province, recently began mass-producing “Face-Kinis,” a protective head mask that reminds us more of a Zentai hood, a ski mask, or even burglars' pantyhose disguise, than a beach-bound accessory. It makes sense that the assortment of colored and patterned masks are popular among older Asian women who, let’s face it, traditionally value paler, sun-free skin. Whitening, brightening treatments and advanced SPF technology were first developed and popularized in the Asian beauty market, so while we were a bit frightened at first sight, we weren’t completely shocked. The masks are priced at two to four dollars each, and have become a bit of an obsession among women in the area. When you’re exposed to the elements, sometimes sunscreen and shades aren’t enough. If anything, it’s physical SPF elevated, and we don’t blame these women for getting ultra-proactive about their skin’s health.
We’re curious to hear your thoughts. Is this sun safety gone too far, or would you ever wear one of these seaside cover-ups full-frontal? Voice your opinion below!
Poll
Would you ever face the world in a "Face-Kini?"
-
A. For ageless skin? YES!
-
B. I'll stick with SPF. NO!
- Vote
More to Love
-
Beauty Sleep—You’re Doing it Wrong
- 1188
- 5
-
Capsule Collection: STRANGEBEAUTIFUL Creates Actual Doses of Nail Color
- 363
- 11
-
Pantone’s New Foundation Matrix
- 293
- 13
-
Barbie Gets Her Biggest, Blondest Makeover Yet
- 794
- 25
-
January Rising: The Limited Edition Shade From OCC
- 741
- 21
-
Inglot Presents: Master Class With Ve Neill
- 223
- 9
-
Worried About Your Body Odor? Try This Deodorant Candy
- 1111
- 41
-
Finally, A Mascara That Gives a True False Lash Effect
- 1779
- 44
Apr 10, 2013
Aimee V.
Lol they look like colourful ninjas.
Feb 21, 2013
Mano G.
I would rather only go out at night than to wear a mask
Jan 27, 2013
Anette A.
it has gone too far. omg......
Oct 01, 2012
Heather H.
I think the right SPF lotion is just what we need to be protected from the sun. We are forgetting the sun's benefits, such as Vitamin D.
Sep 27, 2012
Jillian S.
I spent most of my young adult life managing several upscale tanning salons that had both UV and sunless equipment. Yes, the scare had gone too far. When done in moderation, UV light whether natural or cosmetic is good for you. Vitamin D production is one of the effects that has been associated with exposure to ultraviolet B which is emitted in sunlight and by an estimated 90 percent of commercial indoor tanning equipment. While you can get vitamin D from cod liver oil, salmon, fortified milk and orange juice, moderate UVB exposure from sunlight (without burning your skin) provides 10,000-20,000 IUs. What I have told clients is to tan according to their skin type and follow the exposure schedule for their specific type, whether they are indoors or outdoors. I also suggest sunless along side uv tanning. Technology has come a long way with sunless and that orange color everyone is afraid of is almost always avoidable and is rare. I think what people need to start doing is understand the term moderate. Someone who tans every day for a long period of time, or mistakingly believes a sunburn turns into a tan are the people who will be at much higher risk of melanoma, squamous and basal cell skin cancers. Also, globbing on spf is very dangerous for the health of your skin especially if its an spf over 50 bc it contains more chemicals than protectants for your skin.
Sep 19, 2012
Theresa M.
Way to far! Remember you get vitamin D from the sun....
Sep 09, 2012
Elisa E.
This is a little too much :/
Sep 03, 2012
Jani M.
I think it's a bit excessive to go to the beach wearing a mask. SPF is just fine for me. I don't mind reapplying it every two hours.
Sep 02, 2012
Kayleigh K.
Ummm... well at least nobody would recognize you. :|
Sep 02, 2012
Alexia R.
I have an allergy to the sun, and would love to be on the beach but spf does not cut it for me, i wear a full wet suit and slathered with spf 50 I only lasted 10 minutes because of the exposure on my face so Id do it! I also know several people that are so hypoallergenic they have yet to find a spf they can wear, but these cases are the minority