Asian skin comes from a variety of countries and cultures, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Indian and many more.

Asian skin tones vary according to an individual’s ancestry or region of origin, but most Asian skin can be characterized by elevated levels of melanin which contributes to golden and beige tones common along the Pacific Rim, China and Japan, as well as tan and bronze tones seen in Indian and Filipino skin descent. Similarly, while individual skin tones are unique from one region or country to another, Asian women do share some common skin concerns.

Asian women often find that skincare products created for Caucasian skin are not only ineffective for reducing their skin concerns, but can actually make problems worse by irritating their skin. This is because most skincare brands are formulated for the characteristics of Caucasian skin, which has a different pH balance, thickness and composition. What works for white women won’t always work well for Asian women.

To help you care for your skin, it helps to understand the issues Asian women face.

Asian Skin Concerns

Oily Asian Skin/Dry Asian Skin

Temperature variations and changes in weather affect Asian skin. For example, high temperatures lead to oily Asian skin. This is because, as temperatures rise, your adrenal glands seek to protect your skin from the heat, so they encourage the production of additional skin oils. During colder months, on the other hand, oil secretion decreases. This dries the skin. These changes in weather and oil production can lead to skin irritation for Asian Women.

Skin Pigmentation & Dark Spots

Whereas Caucasian women worry most about wrinkles as they age, Asian women worry more about darkening and discoloration of the skin. Aging does not show up as wrinkles in Asians but rather as hyper pigmentation, dark spots, uneven skin tones and freckles. However, discoloration is not just an aging concern for Asian women. Dark spots can appear on Asian skin at any age and especially an issue for dark-complexioned Indian skin and other women of South Asian descent. Exposure to sunlight can trigger hyper pigmentation and cause or worsen discoloration.

Asian Acne

Because most Asian trace their ancestry to warm-weather countries, their skin tends to produce more oil. Oily Asian skin traps dirt, clogs the pores and make Asian women more prone to acne. The best form of prevention is regular skin exfoliation. Use cleansers and moisturizers made specifically for the needs and chemistry of darker-toned skin to ensure your skin retains its moisture and oil balance.