Victorian Fashions and Hints of Sun Damage

16th Century

Upper-class Western European women wore “visards,” black velvet face masks designed to keep their skin as pale as possible. The wearer would often have to clench onto a button or bead to keep it on.

17th Century

The Taj Mahal, built from 1632 to 1653, incorporated translucent marble screens that reflect sunlight in different ways throughout the day—and protect from the scorching heat while allowing airflow.

19th Century

In the late 1800s, scientists started to recognize the negative health effects of sun exposure.