75% of beauty products [use] chemicals which could be harsh on Asian skin types.
Brits spend an incredible £606 million shopping online for beauty products alone, in search for that perfect cream, moisturiser or cleanser that promises healthy skin.
The obsession for healthy skin takes time, effort and most importantly money. And it often does not have the desired outcomes.
Each and every ethnicity has a unique skin type. Asian skin may require a different skin care regimen than other skin types. To regulate a proper skin care routine, it is essential to first understand how the Asian skin differs as well as its care essentials.
As discussed previously in DESIblitz article South Asian Skin Care, Asian skin tends to do the following; scar more easily and be prone to skin pigmentation, become oily and prone to spots and acne, and be very sensitive and sometimes dry.
Although on the plus side, Asian skin is more resistant to ageing than other skin types. But as Asian skin is more prone to sensitivity it necessitates additional gentle care.
A recent study discloses that shockingly Asian skin is not considered as a target group for 86% of beauty products that are produced in Britain.
Moreover, an amazing 75% of these beauty products are using chemicals which could be considered as harsh on Asian skin types.
Therefore, regular use of these products could be a reason as to why many Brit-Asians suffer from skin imperfections.
Excessive use of facial products which include harsh chemicals or do not suit a specific skin type result in the loosening the outer layer of your skin. This can lead the skin to look aged, dull and stiff.
Skin care expert, Yasmin says:
“The most important thing is to have a morning and evening regime. Clean your face using a cleanser or a facial wash, and then use a moisturising cream and then use sun protection factor.”
Temperature variances and changes in the weather impact on skin too. In the summer, high temperatures can cause the skin to produce more oil, trapping dirt and therefore clogging pores which can lead to spots and acne.
Although during the winter when the temperature is excessively lower, the organic processes of our skin’s natural oils decrease, resulting in skin becoming dry.
Even though Asian skin is less prone to burning, sun exposure triggers the production of pigmentation that can lead to pigmentation related skin complications.
The sun may not be shinning everyday, however the skin still requires protection from invisible UV rays on a daily basis.
Decreasing intense sun exposure, wearing sun protective clothing and applying sunscreen regularly is a must to protect skin and keep it looking beautiful.
The food you eat also plays a very crucial role in the nourishment of the skin. Consuming certain foods can further help fade imperfections and improve the skin’s complexion.
- Tomatoes are regarded as one of the best defences for the skin. As well as a powerful antioxidant this prevents from sun damage.
- Red meat is also a rich source of protein and zinc. It helps prevent from acne and makes the skin lighter.
- Walnuts are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as oily fish and salmon. They play a good role preventing acne breakouts, swelling, redness, wrinkles and defending the skin from harsh chemicals and toxins.
- Green tea is loaded with antioxidants that help maintain the skin’s natural beauty. Green tea helps prevent sunburn and skin cancers related with exposure to UV rays.
Achieving beautiful skin does not need to be expensive. Below DESIblitz gives you some homemade remedies with ingredients you can find around your house.
Turmeric Face Mask
2 tbsp of flour (plain, gram or rice)
1 tbsp Turmeric powder
3 tbsp of natural plain yogurt
Mix all the ingredients into a paste and apply to clean dry skin. Leave for about twenty minutes until completely dried. Wash off with warm water and moisturise as normal.
Turmeric is great for the skin. Being high in antioxidants it is brilliant for the treatment of common Asian skin problems such as acne and skin pigmentation.
Exfoliating Deep Cleansing Mask
2 tbsp of gram flour
1 tbsp of honey
2 tbsp of fresh orange juice
2 tbsp of sugar
2 tbsp of yogurt
In a bowl, mix all the ingredients well until fully combined. Apply directly onto clean dry skin in an upward motion onto the face and neck and massage for three to four minutes.
Leave for about twenty minutes until completely dry. You can use this mask twice a week as the gentle natural ingredients will leave your skin looking clear and feeling gorgeous.
Although beauty treatments may give the best effect for healthier looking skin there are a few simple things that can be done everyday to keep skin looking beautiful.
Our hands carry bacteria and dirt, so always wash your hands before touching your face especially if you are prone to spots.
Doing regular exercise and sweating cleans your pores and removes dead cells, just make sure you shower straight afterwards.
Even though it is an essential to many of us, wearing make up could be doing more harm than good, so avoid application everyday and always use oil-free cosmetic products.
Finally there could be nothing simpler than keeping hydrated. Drinking water increases blood flow and cleanses our bodies from the inside out.
Some products deliver best results for certain types of skin yet not for all skin types. Excessive use of beauty products doesn’t promise quicker results so finding a daily routine that suits you and your skin type is the best option.