It is generally accepted that Asian skin is different from that of Europeans. This is mainly due to the pigment composition and centuries of adapting to various weather conditions.
The article is a part of our comprehensive series on “Skincare for men.”
What are the characteristics of Asian skin?
Here are some key characteristics of Asian skin:
1. More prone to scarring
Unlike European skin, Asian skin gets scars very quickly. This is mainly because Asian skin has a thinner stratum corneum, the outermost epidermal layer consisting of dead cells.
This outer layer plays a very crucial role in protecting the underlying skin. Since this layer is thin in Asian men, the underlying skin is more vulnerable to scars, making it hard to heal.
2. Loses moisture easily
TEWL or Trans-epidermal Water Loss is the amount of moisture that leaves the body under non-sweating conditions.
Various pieces of research have indicated that this value is very high in Asians compared to people in other regions. If the skin doesn’t get enough moisture, it becomes dry and gets itchy, scarry and cracked.
Thus to compensate for the moisture loss, you need to hydrate thoroughly and use moisturisers.
3. Highly sensitive
As mentioned above, the level of the stratum corneum is thin in Asian skin which makes it more prone to irritation by chemicals, cold and heat.
It is, therefore, more important for Asian men to avoid skincare products with harsh chemicals/ingredients.
4. Has more oil
Asian skin is comparatively oilier than European skin. This is due to two important reasons.
Firstly, Asain skin has more oil glands, and secondly, due to the humid weather conditions, these glands overreact to produce more oil(sebum).
Excess oil enlarges the pores causing acne to develop.
5. More resistant to ageing
The Asian skin has more collagen, which gives elasticity and thickness to the skin. This makes the skin appear more lively and youthful.
However, the collagen levels start to decline when a person hits the late twenties, which is sooner than their European male counterparts.
6. More susceptible to hyperpigmentation
Melanocytes are natural pigment skin cells that are present in the skin. These are the cells that are responsible for the production of melanin, which gives the skin its colour and protects it from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Studies have shown that Asian skin has more melanin which causes the skin to have pigmentation disorders such as melasma, hyperpigmentation, age spots, freckles, etc.
To protect your skin from various disorders caused due to overexposure to sunlight, it is important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
In addition, wearing sun-protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats,long-sleeved shirts, sunglasses etc., can help.
Skincare tips for Asian skin
Following are some tips for take care of your Asian skin for men.
1. Thoroughly cleanse your face with water
After you wake up in the dawn, make sure to use a mild face wash and thoroughly cleanse the skin.
This will help to ensure that your face is free from all the accumulated first and oil and is adequately hydrated.
2. Use a toner
Once you have completed washing your face, apply some toner onto a cotton swab and gently rub in circles on your face. This will help your face balance the pH levels and ensure that the skin care products you use are properly absorbed.
3. Apply serum
Using a serum can help address many skin problems. They have excellent anti-ageing benefits and can reduce several skin problems such as dark spots, blackheads, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, etc.
5. Use a moisturiser
Moisture is one of the essential things needed to ensure that your skin remains young and healthy. Using a moisturiser helps to keep your skin radiant and glowing. You can use cream-based moisturiser if you have dry skin.
6. Apply sunscreen
Asian sun can be harsh. And many men spend multiple hours out in the sun on a regular basis. Remember to apply s good sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays.
This prevents tanning and the formation of fine lines, dark spots, wrinkles etc. Make sure that you use sunscreen with SPF 30.
Key takeaways
Following is a quick summary on the tips that Asian men need to follow considering their skin type:
- Hydrate more.
- Thoroughly cleanse your face in the morning and at night.
- Use a men’s moisturiser suitable for your skin type.
- Use sunscreen whenever you go outside.
- Use protective clothing to protect yourself from the sun.
Speak to our team of medical experts to create a skincare routine that works for you.
