Feb 12 • 14:55 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil Folha (PT)

Chinese women adopt 'facekini' for sun protection and to avoid tanning; watch the video

The 'facekini' has become a popular form of sun protection among Chinese women, helping them avoid tanning and skin damage.

In China, especially at the beaches of Qingdao and in the streets of Beijing, the 'facekini' has gained traction among women seeking to protect themselves from sun exposure. This unique accessory serves as a physical barrier against the sun's harmful rays and also aligns with the cultural emphasis on fair skin, a prevalent beauty standard in Chinese society. The design of the facekini varies widely, with some models covering just the face while others extend to cover the entire head, but their primary goal remains consistent: to prevent sun damage.

The inception of the facekini can be traced back to Zhang Shifan, who originally designed it to protect swimmers from jellyfish stings. Living in Qingdao, she observed that while the rest of their bodies were adequately shielded, many swimmers sustained facial injuries due to jellyfish. This prompted her to innovate a solution that not only prioritized safety from marine stings but also addressed the aesthetic desire for unblemished skin, resulting in the unique facekini product.

Today, the facekini reflects a combination of practicality and cultural beauty standards, as the trend emphasizes skin protection. It showcases how fashion can intertwine with the needs of daily life while catering to societal beauty ideals. For women in China, wearing the facekini is not just about physical protection; it's also a statement of their cultural connection to ideals surrounding beauty.

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