Colleagues say they've found a good use for a facekini
In recent weeks, Chinese social media has been abuzz with discussion over an unusual form of sun protection - the "face-kini," or a full-face swimsuit designed to protect skin from harmful UV rays. The invention has drawn both praise and ridicule among Weibo netizens, highlighting the ongoing conversation around the importance of sun safety versus personal vanity.
28 July 2023
The face-kini is the brainchild of Chinese entrepreneur Xie Yiqin, who claims it can protect skin from harmful UV rays while allowing wearers to fully enjoy water activities without worrying about sunburn or premature aging. The full-face swimsuit covers every inch of the face, including the nose, mouth, and even the eyelids, providing a unique solution for those concerned about sun protection.
While some have praised the innovative design, others have taken to Weibo to express their disdain. One user posted a photo of themselves sitting on a beam, numbing their feet, pinching their hands, and turning their behind to hurt, all while exclaiming, "To the childhood we can never go back! Know this car point praise!" The post garnered numerous likes and shares, with many netizans expressing similar sentiments about the face-kini's unflattering appearance.
One user wrote, "Sun protection? Honestly, it's so ugly. Do you have the guts to wear it outside?" Others joked about the design, comparing it to a kangaroo or even a duck bill, while others found more creative ways to express their disdain, likening the face-kini to a "face-mask" or "full-face burqa."
The conversation also took an unexpected turn when a user brought up the popular Chinese television series, Happy Again Season 1 Episode 1. In the episode, a character wears a similar swim mask to protect their skin from sun damage, sparking discussions about the role of vanity versus health concerns in personal appearance choices. One netizen sarcastically tweeted, "If you're so afraid of the sun, why do you go to the beach? Isn't the point of going to the beach to sunbathe?"
The face-kini has also sparked a larger conversation about employment in China. With the easing of pandemic restrictions, many have found it harder to find work, with one user tweeting, "The day you go to work Have you lost your job this year? Why it's harder to find a job when the epidemic is over Instead, it's harder to find a job." The sentiment was echoed by another netizen who quipped, "Tweets from the Sacred Monk of the Eastern Land of the Great Tang Video," suggesting that users should focus on more pressing issues than a piece of swimwear.
On the other side of the debate, some netizens have defended the face-kini, citing its effectiveness in protecting skin from harmful UV rays. One user simply stated, "I don't even wear a sunscreen." While another quipped, "It's not his nostrils that are so funny," suggesting that appearances should not be the focus of criticism.
The conversation over the face-kini highlights the ongoing tension between vanity and health in China, as well as the broader challenges faced by job seekers in the post-pandemic era. As summer approaches and people flock to the beach, the debate over sun protection and personal appearance is certain to continue.