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A traveller from Jiangsu province, China, learned the hard way that extreme sun protection can backfire terribly
While travelling, she slathered on sunscreen, wore a hat, and donned a full-face mask to block the sun's harsh rays.
By evening, her face felt hot and severely flushed. The next morning, she woke up to a breakout of red, itchy rashes across her face.
Doctors at the Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong diagnosed her condition as a typical skin irritation reaction. According to the South China Morning Post, the doctors said the woman's face was trapped in a hot, humid environment for too long, essentially suffocating her skin.
Full-face sun protection covers, nicknamed 'facekinis', have skyrocketed in popularity across China
A one-piece hat and mask that exposes only the eyes is currently a bestseller among big brands.
This extreme shielding stems from a cultural preference for pale skin and fears of ultraviolet (UV) damage. Many consumers now believe that physical barriers are far more effective than liquid sunscreens alone.
According to iiMedia Research, the market for sun protection clothing in China hit 67.5 billion yuan (RM41.9 billion) in 2022 and is expected to reach 95.8 billion yuan (RM59.4 billion) this year.
Doctors warn that over-protecting the skin can cause unwanted health issues
The issues include severe allergies, rashes, and vitamin D deficiency.
They recommend opting for lighter, breathable alternatives like umbrellas instead and have advised people to completely avoid outdoor activities between 10am and 4pm on hot summer days.
