Flawless skin is the result of inherited genes, regular and appropriate skin care routines. Skin care and skin conditions vary according to skin types, regions and age.
South-Asians have a different skin type when compared to the Caucasians and require a different skin care schedule. Cosmetics used by Caucasians do not suit all Asian skin types.
Asian skin is usually brownish and the skin tone of a person varies according to the region of origin. Excessive melanin contributes to the brown color and also excessive melanin in the skin weaves a protection against skin cancer.
In spite of excessive melanin content South-Asians are prone to pigmentation, age spots, freckles, etc due to severe climatic conditions. Aging does not show up as wrinkles in South-Asians but rather as hyper pigmentation, dark spots, uneven skin tones, freckles etc.
Common skin conditions faced by South Asians
- Acne – The weather in most South-Asian countries is hot and humid or warm thus South-Asians are more prone to acne. Their skin turns oily therefore clogging the pores and producing acne. South-Asians have larger pores when compared to others hence they are more often prone to skin irritations and acne. Regular exfoliation will help control acne.
- Skin pigmentation or dark spots – Pigmentation occurs earlier in South-Asians, regular exposure to sun causes pigmentation and dark spots. Using a sunscreen will help control pigmentation and dark spots.
- Dryness of skin – Extreme climatic conditions affect the skin very badly. During summer, the oil secretion is too high whereas during winter the oil secretion is minimal and this causes dryness of the skin.
- Irritation of skin – South-Asian skin is very sensitive, thus cosmetic products designed for Caucasians can cause irritation to the South-Asian skin. Stress is another major factor contributing to skin heath; excessive stress, hormonal imbalance, and any other factor within the body can cause irritation to the skin
Regular skin care routine for Asian skin
- Wash your face regularly with a mild face wash. If your skin is too oily then wash your face more often.
- Cleanse your face daily, if your skin type is oily cleanse more than once. Choose a cleanser that will suit your skin type in particular.
- Use a mild scrub to clean your skin deeply. It is advisable to use facial scrub only twice a week.
- Toning will remove dirt, if any, left behind after cleansing. Toning the skin will help the skin benefit from other products, toning should be done after cleansing the face. For oily skin, toning has to be twice a day, for dry skin toning has to be done once a day. Toning helps in reducing the pores and balances the pH level in the skin.
- For dry skin use a moisturizer, use it repeatedly through the day as per your skin requirements. For people with oily skin use an oil-free and light moisturizer.
- Wear a sunscreen with SPF 15 to 30 for protection from sunrays. If you spend more time in the sunlight use a stronger sunscreen. Sunscreen prevents wrinkles, dark spots, pre-mature aging and skin cancer.
- In the evening cleanse your face again and use a rejuvenating product such as retinoid, beta hydroxy acids, kinerase, antioxidant, alpha hydroxy acids, etc. Asians skin is more sensitive to alpha hydroxy acid than beta hydroxy acid.
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