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Perfect Skin from Inside Out Module 12
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Module 12: Tips for Types – Skincare for Different Ethnicities
Table of Contents
Module 12: Tips for Types – Skincare for Different Ethnicities .............................................................................. 1
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 2
This module consists of the following things: .............................................................................................. 2
12.1. Skin Differences between Different Ethnicities ................................................................................... 3
12.2. Asian Skin .......................................................................................................................................... 4
12.3. Black Skin .......................................................................................................................................... 6
12.4. Caucasian Skin .................................................................................................................................. 7
12.5. Hispanic Skin ..................................................................................................................................... 8
12.6. Pacific Islander Skin......................................................................................................................... 10
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Introduction
Deep down we are all the same, but there are a few differences in the skin’s appearance and vulnerability
depending on where you hail from in the world.
This module consists of the following things:
12.1. Skin Differences between Different Ethnicities
12.2. Asian Skin
12.3. Black Skin
12.4. Caucasian Skin
12.5. Hispanic Skin
12.6. Pacific Islander Skin
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12.1. Skin Differences between Different Ethnicities
The ethnic origins of a person greatly influence the structure of their skin and its appearance. In the context of
skin, the word ‘ethnicity’ does not only refer to the colour of a person’s skin and where they are from, but it
also refers to the different cultural factors and their environment that impact the skin’s health and overall
appearance. Each ethnicity has a different skin structure and naturally, this reflects in the way a person should
look after their skin.
A person’s skin colour and their pigmentation of the skin are determined by the distribution and density of
melanin, which is responsible for the skin’s pigmentation. Every ethnic group has a comparable amount of
melanocytes in their skin; however, what is different is their activity.
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12.2. Asian Skin
Asian skin is generally thicker than Caucasian skin and often can appear leathery in its appearance, which
means that Asian women should use richer deeper penetrating creams and beauty products. Typically, Asian
skin is slightly yellower in its appearance due to the presence of more melanin, however, skin tones vary
throughout Asia from light beige to fair. Generally, an Asian’s skin looks very smooth and flawless in its
appearance due to their skin’s pores being smaller. However, their smaller pores make them more prone to
acne breakouts and sun damage. It is recommended for Asians to wear a sun cream with a high SPF factor to
prevent their skin darkening.
It is not uncommon for younger Asian women to want their skin to appear blemish-free and lighter in colour.
Many Asian women are influenced by Western media and undergo a quest for a perfect ivory complexion.
Asian women also tend to have darker patches around the eyes, forehead and cheeks due to hormonal changes
during pregnancy and menopause. Again, many women try and get rid of them by resorting to harmful
chemical-laden products and cosmetic surgery.
Asian skin generally ages at a slower rate than other skin types. Unlike Caucasian skin, Asian skin has a
greater concentration of collagen with a thicker dermal layer, which is why the effects of ageing will take
longer to show. Because of the thicker dermal layer of Asian skin, the absorption levels are lower. Although
Asians become darker in the sun, they are less susceptible to sunburn making it less likely for them to develop
skin related diseases such as skin cancer.
Differences between Asian and Caucasian Skincare Routines
Asian philosophy states that beauty starts with having great skin, which is why the majority of Asian
women will spend more money on skincare products than make-up unlike the West where it is the exact
opposite.
Asians are more prone to UV damage and the darkening of the skin due to sun exposure, which is why
they take skin protection seriously.
Asian women have an obsession with skin whitening products as fair-skinned people are highly valued
in Asia – it is a cultural difference. These products do not actually turn a person’s skin white, instead
they are brightening products that are supposed to fade darker blemishes and even out the skin’s tone.
Typically, Asian women spend more time on their daily skincare routine following anywhere between 5-
10 steps, which include cleansing oils, foam cleansers, boosters, serums, emulsions, moisturisers, eye
creams, and sun cream.
Asian Skincare Routine
1. Use an oil cleanser or a cleansing balm to remove any traces of make-up. This is referred to as the pre-
cleansing stage.
2. Use a foam gel cleanser to thoroughly clean the skin after the removal of any make-up. Opt for a cleanser
with pH 7 or lower as higher pH level cleansers can damage the skin’s natural protective barrier making you
more susceptible to UV damage.
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3. Toners are fine on Asian skin because their skin is less sensitive. Opt for a toner with good astringent
properties that will add more moisture.
4. If you need to use eye cream, opt for a light eye cream and dab it around the eye’s problem areas.
5. If your skin is looking dull, try using a serum once a week which will assist in common Asian skin problems
such as hyperpigmentation, acne, and dullness.
6. Asians do not suffer from dry skin so much, so if you are looking for a light moisturising treatment opt for
an Emulsion. Emulsion helps give enough moisture to the skin and acts as a brightener.
7. Asians tend to be more prone to acne breakouts due to their skin’s pores being smaller and closer together,
which is why after you have moisturised you can also treat your spots if necessary. Use a retinoid product that
contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to reduce the skin’s redness and susceptibility to skin infection.
8. During your morning routine apply high SPF sun cream.
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12.3. Black Skin
African or darker skin is considerably different to lighter looking skin due to its higher concentration of
melanin. Dark-skinned people generally do not show signs of ageing until they are much older and have fewer
wrinkles.
Due to having a darker skin tone, black people are more likely to have visible scarring especially acne and
surface wound scars. This hyperpigmentation is the result of the melanocytes that are in the infected area
becoming more stimulated by the sun’s exposure.
Looking after Black Skin
The more melanin you have in your body, the darker your skin tone is. It is true that darker-skinned people
have a greater tolerance to the sun than those who have lighter skin tones; however, there is also a
misconception that darker skinned people do not burn. This is very untrue, and if you have black skin, you
still need to take proper care of it and take measures against the sun to ensure your skin looks its best for a
longer period of time.
1. It is important to moisturise your skin on a daily basis. Darker and black skin tones tend to be dryer than
other skin tones, and when they become too dry, they appear ashy looking. Experts recommend using a
lubricating facial moisturiser that has humectants. These humectants attract water and moisture, which will
help keep your skin feeling and looking soft and supple. If you suffer from oily skin, it is better for you to opt
for an oil-free cleanser that is not going to clog your pores up.
2. Wash your skin every day using a moisturising body wash. If you have darker skin, you should look out for
ingredients such as urea, glycerin, dimethicone, and hyaluronic acid.
3. It is also necessary for you to exfoliate your skin often. Those with darker skin tones are prone to rougher
skin and bumps, which are caused by dead skin cells building up. If you suffer from either dry or thin skin,
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exfoliate once a week. If you have either oily or combination skin, you need to exfoliate between two to three
times per week.
4. If you have darker skin, you ought to include using a toner into your skincare regime. Toners do not work
well on sensitive skin types, but they do have some benefits, such as helping to restore your skin’s natural pH
balance. If you have oily skin, a toner would be ideal as it reduces oil secretions and at the same time it gets
rid of those dead skin cells which are responsible for the rough and bumpy skin.
5. Just because you have darker skin, it does not mean the sun cannot harm you. It is necessary for you to
protect your skin from the sun by wearing daily sun cream with an SPF 15 or higher.
Using a moisturiser daily is essential to achieve a balanced black skincare regime. Again you need to look for
products that contain humectants or other products that will draw more water to the skin. Look for alcohol
free and scent free moisturisers as those that contain these ingredients will only dry the skin out more. Since
you are trying add more moisture to the face, avoid products that contain vitamin A or retinol as these will
just rob your skin of its moisture.
12.4. Caucasian Skin
When it comes to Caucasian ethnicities there are a variety of different skin tones that range in colour such as
fair, ivory, beige, golden, and olive. Fair-skinned people come from all over the world and the skin tone is
usually regional with those coming from the northern and eastern parts of Europe having fairer complexions
and those coming from the Mediterranean regions having more of an olive-skinned complexion.
Fair skin is usually thinner and reacts easily to the elements. It is vulnerable to UV damage. Fairer skin
burns quicker and when irritated, it is noticeably red.
Beige and olive skin usually is thicker than fair skin. These skin tones can withstand the sun’s rays
more, however, just because they have darker skin it does not mean they are protected. Beige and olive
skin complexions are more prone to having oily skin with occasional breakouts of acne and blackheads.
Scarring in people with these skin tones is more prominent than people with a lighter coloured skin.
Caucasian Skin and the Sun
Caucasians are more vulnerable to the sun and burn much quicker than other ethnicities. Additionally, there
is a higher percentage of skin cancer sufferers in the Caucasian block. Caucasian skin can be divided into three
categories regarding sun exposure and the effects on its skin.
1. Always burns, but never tans
2. Always burns and tans sometimes
3. Sometimes burns and always tans
In the equatorial regions of the world like South Africa and Australia there are even higher rates of skin cancer
amongst Caucasians due to the higher intensity of UV rays. To protect your skin from melanoma and prevent
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premature ageing, people with Caucasian skin must wear a sun block with at least an SPF15 on daily basis
regardless of whether it is sunny or not.
Caucasians and Ageing
Caucasians age quicker in their looks compared to Asian and African ethnicities that have higher levels of
concentrated melanin in their skin. Premature wrinkling and a loss of the skin’s firmness and elasticity are
especially problematic for Caucasians. Caucasians should take extra precautions against the sun, treat the skin
well and follow a diet rich in antioxidants. Look for skincare products that include the following to combat
premature ageing.
Vitamin C
Glycolic acid
Alpha-hydroxyl acid
12.5. Hispanic Skin
Hispanic or Latino ethnicities from South America originally come from Spain or Portugal therefore they
typically share some of the same skin characteristics as Caucasian people from the Mediterranean. Hispanic
communities in the Caribbean tend to have darker skin due to their African ancestry and as a result they share
many of the same skin characteristics with black people, and this is why there is not a one-solution fits all for
those from a Hispanic or Latino background when it comes to their skin. Lighter skinned Hispanics have less
melanin than darker-skinned people of the same ethnicity; however, they do share some similar skin care
problems that are typical in the Hispanic race.
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Main Skin Concerns for Hispanics and Latina People
Hyperpigmentationis when there are increased levels of concentrated melanin in the skin resulting in
darker patches and marks. Freckles and other blemishes caused by the sun are also prominent in
Hispanic people. Use a good broad spectrum sun cream with an SPF of at least 15 on a daily basis to
prevent new hyperpigmentation marks from appearing.
Hispanic people are more prone to a skin condition called vitiligo, which results in the skin’s loss of
melanin. There are a number of options used to treat vitiligo with the more extreme being the use of
topical creams to bleach the skin and even out the colour. However, it is better to take preventative
measures and use a high SPF sun block and cover up in the sun. Vitiligo is less common than
hyperpigmentation and it is more common in countries closer to the equator like Ecuador and Venezuela.
Acne is a common skin problem in the Hispanic community. Typically, Hispanic people have higher
levels of sebum oil in their skin leading to enlarged pores and acne breakouts. Due to the olive and
darker complexions of Hispanics there is more risk of acne scarring.
Stretch marks are common in all ethnicities, but darker Hispanics have more of a tendency to develop
them, especially during pregnancy. Stretch marks on Latina people are more prominent due to their
darker skin tones. To prevent developing stretch marks use a good moisturiser to make your skin more
pliant. Additionally, apply more sun cream to the areas where there are already stretch marks to prevent
them becoming darker.
Wrinkles are more prominent in olive-skinned Hispanics due to their Caucasian heritage. Protect your
skin from the sun and moisturise daily to prevent premature wrinkles.
Taking Care of Your Hispanic Skin
1. When cleansing your skin, it is better to opt for mild cleansers which have been designed for sensitive skin
types because chemical-laden products may interfere with your skin’s melanin pigmentation.
2. Latino women have more problems with acne due to their naturally oilier skin which results in frequent
acne and blackhead breakouts. Try using a clay mask once or twice a week to give your skin a deep cleanse,
restoring lost moisture and the skin’s oil balance. Clay is the perfect ingredient for face masks to fight acne as
they slowly draw out the skin’s dirt and toxins from deep within a person’s pores bringing them to the surface
so they can then be washed away.
3. It is a misconception that Latinos do not burn or are prone to the negative effects of the sun. It is quite the
contrary and since they are more prone to hypigmentation, it is essential to protect the skin. If you do not want
to apply a separate sun cream on top of your moisturiser every day, look for a moisturiser which is SPF 15. If
you already have prominent dark marks due to hyperpigmentation, you can try microdermabrasion, which is
a professional treatment carried out by dermatologists. This treatment will exfoliate the old layer of skin away
that has been affected by hyperpigmentation.
4. Hispanics are envied all around their world for their rich golden skin. To achieve this look it is essential to
cleanse daily, apply sun cream and nurture your skin from the inside out. To maintain that much coveted look,
it is essential to maintain a healthy weight and eat a well-balanced diet which includes a lot of vegetables,
fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains that are rich in antioxidants.
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12.6. Pacific Islander Skin
Pacific Islanders hail from the islands in the South-West Pacific in and around New Zealand and Australia.
Typically, Pacific Islanders carry more weight than other ethnicities due to their genetic makeup and diets.
Pacific Islanders typically eat a lot of fresh produce full of antioxidants which leaves their skin in good
condition. Islanders’ skin tone varies greatly from light olive complexions to darker complexions. The skin
of Pacific Islanders is thicker and has more of a leathery texture and appearance due to their adaptation to their
extreme heat and genetic makeup.
Due to diets, extra weight, and more melanin in their skin, Pacific Islanders are more prone to acne
breakouts. Due to the hot climate they live in, this is then worsened by hyperpigmentation.
Pacific Islanders have more natural SPF in their skin, which decreases their risk of developing skin
cancer.
Like African, Hispanic and Asian ethnicities, Pacific Islanders are prone to hypigmentation of the skin,
especially in the areas of the nose, forehead, cheeks, shoulders, chest, and hands.
In hotter climes, Pacific Islanders produce more oil than other ethnicities, which can be controlled by
using blotting papers.
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Products that work well on Pacific Islander Skin
1. Retinol Serum that is concentrated works well on Pacific Islander skin. Look for higher concentrations of
0.5%. Retinol serum helps reduce lines, smoothes the skin and offers the skin a deep skin moisturising, which
is necessary with thicker Pacific Islander skin.
2. Vitamin C Serummoisturises and protects the skin from environmental stressors due to its high antioxidant
content. Look for a serum that has a vitamin C concentrate of 15%.
3. Blotting papers are a must-have for pacific island women who tend to produce more oil and are more
exposed to heat and humidity. Blotting papers vary in their ability to absorb, but blotting papers made out of
natural ingredients such as banana leaves have the ability to absorb more oil.
4. Sun cream is necessary to prevent your skin from getting darker and developing hyperpigmentation. Opt
for sun creams with natural properties such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide rather than chemicals that tend
to be oilier.
5. Acne treatment with a 2% salicyclic acid works best as opposed to acne treatments with alpha hydroxyl
acids. Salicyclic acid will penetrate deep within the skins pores and help control oilier skin which is prominent
in the Pacific Island group.