Asian Skin Care
Regardless of ethnicity or skin type, radiant and glowing skin is a universal sign of good health and beauty. With its golden yellow undertones, Asian complexions can range from fair to dark, depending on the person's nationality and region of origin. Although there are a multitude of skin-care products and treatment procedures that are available to promote healthy skin, not all options may benefit Asian skin, as Asian skin has its own unique needs.
.
Does this Spark an idea?
-
Benefits of Asian Skin
-
With a thicker dermis and numerous sebaceous glands, Asian skin can show fewer signs of pre-mature aging compared to that of Caucasian skin. According to Asian Plastic Surgery, the thicker dermis coupled with the increased amounts of collagen can contribute to the skin's quicker recovery time from surgery or injury. The higher amounts of melanin contained in Asian skin can act like a built-in SPF, preventing sun burn and skin cancer while allowing the skin to tan more readily.
.
Considerations for Daily Skin Care
-
Asian skin is more prone to irritation, acne, hormonal changes and discolorations. To avoid irritation, it is important to use gentle cleansers as well as water-based and oil-free moisturizers. Asiance recommends moisturizers that include hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which are likely to add water and not excess oil to the skin.
If treating acne with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, use a lower dose to prevent irritation and skin discolorations from occurring. It is also important to visit a dermatologist should your acne worsen, as acne can result in permanent scarring.
-
Effects of Skin Resurfacing Treatments on Asian Skin
-
Asian Plastic Surgery advises Asian patients to avoid traditional skin resurfacing procedures that use ablative lasers such as the carbon dioxide laser, as well as deep chemical peels, as they can both cause severe skin discolorations and disruptions of melanocytes, or melanin-producing skin cells. Side effects of standard ablative procedures can include increased redness, hyper and hypo pigmentation, and permanent scarring.
According to Asian Plastic Surgery, milder lasers such as the pulsed light and Erbium lasers can be safer options for Asian skin, since they are known to penetrate the skin's surface at a shallower depth compared to that of traditional lasers. The use of gentler laser treatments can also decrease the chances of hyper and hypo pigmentation. If receiving a chemical peel, Asian Plastic Surgery recommends using a treatment with a trichloroacetic acid, or TCA level of less than 20 percent to minimize skin irritation.
Misconceptions
-
Despite its higher melanin content compared to that of Caucasian skin, Asian skin still needs sun protection. Although the skin cancer rates for Asian populations are lower than Caucasian groups, Asian patients can still be at risk for skin cancer.
Asiance mentions that the higher levels of melanin found in Asian skin can cause the skin to discolor easily upon reacting to sun exposure, harsh skin procedures and cosmetics. Despite the quick healing process of Asian skin, hypertrophic scarring, or long-term reddening and thickening of scars such as keloid formation, is more prevalent in the Asian population than in Caucasian groups.
Prevention/Solution
-
Wear a daily SPF 15 sunscreen that contains both UVA and UVB protection, and avoid excess sun exposure. Maintain proper nutrition and hydration by consuming a diet that is rich in fresh vegetables and fruits while keeping your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Gently exfoliate your face with facial scrubs or milder spa treatments on occasion to slough off dead skin cells.
Asian Plastic Surgery mentions the importance of proper wound and post-surgical care. Careful wound cleaning, the early removal of sutures and proper skin moisturization are important in minimizing scarring, as well as following the post-operative care instructions suggested by your physician. If necessary, your physician can inject a weak steroid into a wound to minimize scarring.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit beautiful asian woman image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
