Not so new helmet design. Dwayne switched to a partially open face mask back in the Warriors heyday. The usual reasoning for show more face is related to having a character of color and then covering them up completely so that it's not evident and the desire to make it more obvious.
I do prefer the original full-faced version of the mask as well as the armor by Bagley TBH.
Protected by the Comics Code Authority
YES Capes. YES Masks. YES Secret Identities.
Glad he doesn't have those huge ass shoulder pads