6 Special Characteristics of Asian & Darker Skin
1. Asian skin is more prone to sensitivity
Asian skin is said to be prone to irritation as we have a thinner stratum corneum or the outermost layer of skin, compared to other ethnic groups. As a result, the skin becomes extremely sensitive to environmental factors and chemicals, which can disrupt the skin’s pH balance. Our essentials range from Dermaquest is perfect. Our Papaya and pineapple cleanser gently nibbles away the dead layers of skin, while our amazing B5 hydrating serum gives your skin the hydration it needs.
Suncreen is a very important part of our daily skin care routine. We offer a Physical SPF which is effective immediately and less likely to cause irritation or sensitivity like other chemical Spfs on the market.
2. Asian skin scars more easily
Because the stratum corneumis thinner , it is also said that Asian skin are genetically predisposed to scar more easily than others. Hence, greater care must be given when an acne breakout occurs or when undergoing any kind of treatments such as Laser hair removal or Chemical Peels.
At Simply Skin Oldham our Practitioners have years of experience and knowledge and only use medical grade equipment and products at our Clinic.
3. Asian skin has more issues with hyperpigmentation
All skin contains about the same number of melanocytes but the amount of melanin they produce varies. Melanin is a natural skin pigment that protects the skin from UV damage. Obviously, dark skinned people produce more melanin and light skin people produce less. While research have indicated that Asians have more photo-protective pigment melanin – Dr. Kwame Osei, who has studied genetics, indicated that we all have three layers of melanin – Asian skin actually have more issues with pigmentary disorders such as hyperpigmentation, melasma, freckles and lentigines, compared to other ethnic groups. This is why you see lots of Asian cosmetics including skin lightening and brightening ingredients.
Again SPF is a most, daily, regardless of the weather. We offer a Brightening cream which can help tackle some of these issues combined with our amazing Skin peels.
4. Asian skin loses moisture more easily
Some studies have suggested that the Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) values were highest in Asians. Asian skin showed the highest levels of TEWL, as well as increased levels of permeability. TEWL is the amount of water vapor lost through the skin under non-sweating conditions. So more skin hydration is needed! A moisturiser high in water-binding ingredients such as hyaluronic acid is perfect. Its not greasy and soaks in immediately. One application of our serum is the equivalent to 8 glasses of water for your skin!
5. Asian skin gets oily more easily
It is often said that Asian skin has more sebaceous glands and is oilier than Caucasian skin type. This could have something to do with the weather, obviously for Asians living outside the UK!
6. When the skin is oily we desperately try to reduce this oil and can sometimes make the
problem worse.
When the skin is stripped of oil using harsh products it panics and will actually produce more oil. Salicylic is a great acid to reduce oil but hydration must be put back into the skin to keep it healthy.
6. Asian skin is more resistant to aging
While the stratum corneum in Asian skin is said to be thinner , the dermis is apparently thicker. The dermis contains greater collagen levels. Collagen is what gives us elasticity in our skin and youth. Collagen starts to reduce by the age of just 25! So no time like the present to start taking care of your skin.
This information, while mostly based on research data, may not apply across the board to all Asians. Everybody is different regardless of Skin Type or colour.
For a full Consultation and Assessment of YOUR skin book today or call 01617858897 to book your FREE appointment.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog as much as I did writing it!
Hayley xxx