Facemasks:

In some parts ofChinait is common to see white facemasks not too dissimilar from those worn by medical or dental practitioners. This is nothing to do with airborne diseases or infections but simply to keep grime out (which can accumulate quite badly in large cities) and helps keep women’s skin soft and white (this is considered beautiful). It really shouldn’t be necessary to don a facemask. In winter a good scarf will do the trick anyway. In summer, women use umbrellas to keep the sun, and hence a nice tan, off their skin.