Skin Care Routines and Treatments Module 03

1

3. Module 03- Skin Care for Various Ethnicities

Table of Contents 3. Module 03- Skin Care for Various Ethnicities .............................................................................................. 1

3.1 Caring for Asian Skin .............................................................................................................................. 3

3.2 Caring for Black Skin .............................................................................................................................. 6

3.3 Caring for Caucasian Skin ....................................................................................................................... 7

3.4 Caring for Hispanic Skin ......................................................................................................................... 9

3.5 Caring for Pacific Islander Skin ............................................................................................................. 11

2

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. As you learned in the previous module where we covered

skin types, there is no “one size fits all” approach to skin care, and so it’s important to find a routine,

products, and treatments that work for your specific skin.

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 color 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 color 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.

In this module, we will cover tips and treatments for:

3.1 Caring for Asian Skin

3.2. Caring for Black Skin

3.3. Caring for Caucasian Skin

3.4 Caring for Hispanic Skin

3.5 Caring for Pacific Islander Skin

3

3.1 Caring for 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 color.

Many Asian women are influenced by Western media and undergo a quest for a perfect ivory complexion.

In Asian countries, it is popular to buy whitening products to “bleach” the skin and achieve a paler

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.

4

Differences between Asian and Caucasian Skincare Routines

A Sian 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, moisturizers, eye

creams, and sun cream.

5

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.

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 moisturizing 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 moisturized 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.

6

3.2 Caring for 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, as well as dark spots on the skin. This hyperpigmentation is the

result of the melanocytes that are in the infected area becoming more stimulated by the sun’s exposure.

Black skin also tends to dry out easily, and requires daily moisturizing to keep a radiant glow.

Black Skin Care Tips

1. Sunscreen: The saying “black don’t crack” is only partially true. Daily application of sunscreen if you

live in a warm climate or one with seasonal changes will prevent melanoma or skin from aging

prematurely.

2. Glycolic acid works wonder to even out hyperpigmentation in the skin, and can be used as a mask or

spot treatment in your daily beauty regimen.

3. Daily exfoliation will remove dead skin cells and keep dark skin from looking dull or “ashy”, and

instead give the skin a healthy glow.

4. Moisturize your skin right after a shower – your open pores will absorb the moisture and keep skin

from looking dry or ashy during the day.

5. Use gel cleansers or body washes instead of soap, as bars of soap will cause dryness on the face and

body. Look for ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid for the best results.

6. Use products that fit to your specific skin type – gels and serums for oily skin, and cream based lotions

for dry skin.

7. Look for products made specifically for Black or African American skin – they will include ingredients

to address specific problems such as sebum buildup, or dark spots.

7

3.3 Caring for Caucasian Skin

When it comes to Caucasian ethnicities there are a variety of different skin tones that range in color 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 colored skin.

Caucasian Skin and the Sun

Caucasians are more vulnerable to the sun and burn much quicker than other ethnicities. Additionally, there

are 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 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.

8

Caucasians and Ageing

Caucasians age faster 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

Caucasian skin is often used as the ‘default’ for makeup products and tips, and is therefore the easiest to

shop for and research. If you have Caucasian skin, the best way to determine your daily makeup regime and

specific skincare products, is to go by your skin type. The most important consideration for Caucasian skin

is sunscreen, which should always be included in a daily routine if you live in a climate that has sunny days,

and you have a fair or ivory complexion.

9

3.4 Caring for 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.

Main Skin Concerns for Hispanics and Latina People

Hyperpigmentation is 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 color. 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 moisturizer 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 moisturize daily to prevent premature wrinkles.

10

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 moisturizer every day, look for a moisturizer 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.

11

3.5 Caring for 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.

12

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, soothes the skin and offers the skin a deep skin moisturizing,

which is necessary with thicker Pacific Islander skin.

2. Vitamin C Serum moisturizes 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% salicylic acid works best as opposed to acne treatments with alpha hydroxyl

acids. Salicylic acid will penetrate deep within the skins pores and help control oilier skin which is

prominent in the Pacific Island group.