Rising Demand For 'Facekinis' In China Amid Record Heat Wave

As a blistering heat wave sweeps across China, a peculiar yet practical accessory has emerged as a saviour against the scorching sun – facekinis.

These full face masks, with eye and nose holes, are flying off the shelves, breaking sales records this summer as people seek refuge from the sweltering temperatures and the dangers of sunburns and skin cancer caused by relentless ultraviolet radiation exposure.

Demand For Facekinis In China Heat Wave

Crafted from lightweight, synthetic fabrics like polyester, facekinis have become the must-have item for Chinese residents and tourists alike, desperately seeking respite from temperatures soaring above 35°C in some regions. Armed with portable fans and hats equipped with built-in fans, the nation is creatively combatting the unforgiving heat.

A salesperson, known only as Wang, revealed to Reuters, "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."

The popularity of facekinis is particularly prominent among female consumers in East Asia, where fair skin is favoured. The demand for sun protection products has also surged in neighbouring countries, such as South Korea, in response to the relentless sun.

For 17-year-old student Li Xuyan and her mother, their visit to a tourist area in Beijing involved donning face-covering masks, leaving only their eyes exposed. Li Xuyan's concern is valid, as skin diseases and sunspots loom as potential risks under the harsh sun.

Chinese state television recently showcased tourists taking selfies next to a colossal 12-metre-tall thermometer in the scenic Flaming Mountains of Xinjiang, displaying a jaw-dropping real-time surface temperature of 80°C. The sweltering conditions are driving people to unprecedented measures to protect themselves.

As the heat wave shows no signs of abating, facekinis have undoubtedly emerged as this summer's fashion statement in China, offering not just relief but a shield against the harsh rays of the sun. 

The creative ways in which people are battling the heat serve as a testament to their resilience and ingenuity in the face of extreme weather conditions. With temperatures soaring, it remains to be seen how much hotter this trend will get.

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