A half-refined silica gel mask is removed from the model’s face during a demonstration in Dongguan, South China’s Guangdong province, on July 8, 2011. [Photo/CFP]

A new fad in Guangzhou sees youngsters age by decades in a matter of weeks, with the help of a specially-designed silica gel face mask,the Southern Metropolitan Daily reported.

The process, whereby a silica gel mask is designed to age a youthful face, takes around one month and requires some beauty measures, medical materials and a skillful beautician. The cost normally ranges from 800 to 13,000 yuan ($123 to $2008) although some more elaborate, high-quality masks are worth around 30,000 to 60,000 ($4635 to $9,270) each.

A silica gel mask turns a 19-year-old model into a grandma look-alike in Dongguan, South China’s Guangzhou province, on July 8, 2011. The male model said the facial mask is very “playful and fun” and is especially good for costume theme parties. [Photo/CFP]

Step 2: Coating the face with medical-use Vaseline cream

Step 3: Covering the face with a transparent membrane to protect it from the plaster

Step 4: Smearing 5cm-thick medical-use plaster onto face

Step 5: Removing the plaster model

Step 7: Sandblasting and electro-facing technique to modify mould

Step 8: Injecting silica gel onto the mould

Step 9: Coloring the silica gel mold and implanting eyelashes and eyebrows

Step 10: Adjusting and wearing the mask --cosmetic glue helps ensure a smooth fit

A 19-year-old model prepares to have a silica face mask fitted to his face during a demonstration in Dongguan, South China’s Guangzhou province, on July 8, 2011. [Photo/CFP]

A mask maker removes the silica gel mask from a model’s face during a demonstration in Dongguan, South China’s Guangdong province, on July 8, 2011. [Photo/CFP]

A mask maker injects silica gel onto the face mould during a demonstration in Dongguan, South China’s Guangdong province, on July 8, 2011. [Photo/CFP]

A mask maker draws eyebrows on the silica gel mask during a demonstration in Dongguan, South China’s Guangdong province, on July 8, 2011. [Photo/CFP]