Beijing: Ultra-thin masks that look like human skin with only holes for eyes and nostrils have recently become a craze in China.
This has, however, evoked concern among the public who fear the masks could be misused. The "incredibly realistic" masks are giving buyers a chance to completely change the way they look, the China Daily says.
Available online on taobao.com, the masks — only 0.1 to one millimetre thick — are made from silica gel and look like a layer of human skin.
They have almost the same texture as real skin and can only be noticed within a distance of one metre. Prices range from 500 yuan (Dh283.62) to 2,000 yuan. "We are getting a huge number of inquiries about these masks. And business is thriving," said Xu, owner of the Beijing Face Disguise Studio.
Xu started his own mask business in 2010. He had earlier made special masks for film companies. Xu's studio also sells fake ears and fingers.
While the purposes of buying such masks remain a mystery, he said most people simply buy them for fun — like scaring a girlfriend, while there are others who are disfigured. But Xu takes no responsibility for any crime that involves his masks.
