BRTC Blog

4 Unique Problems w Ethnic & Asian Skin

Support K - Sunday, July 03, 2011


1) Acne is one of the most common skin conditions that affects Asians, and this population tends to experience inflammatory acne. By its very nature, Asian skin has an increased amount of melanin (the pigment in skin), and the cells that make melanin tend to be more sensitive to any type of inflammation or injury. Because Asian skin becomes more inflamed with deeper acne pustules and papules, patients are often left with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which refers to increased pigmentation or dark spots at the sites of inflammation.  Asian acne patients often are much more concerned with the after-effects of acne and how their skin may be affected by the resulting discoloration or scarring rather than the acne itself.   Which is one factor that leads to problem #2. 

Solution: Treat and prevent acne before it becomes acne.  Have a holistic 360 preventative care of your skin.  Cleanse well, Remove dirt, and Tighten Pores.  Treat the acne with less abrasive products that promote healing with natural ingredients and especially before you have to deal with scars and pigmentation issues. 

2) Asians are susceptible to hyperpigmentation.   Ie age spots, blemishes, sun spots, acne scares etc.  This is caused by many factors such as

  • aggressive dermatological procedures like acne spot treatments/laser treatments and acne. 
  • Also many women are susceptible to freckles. Those cute spots exacerbated by the sun, are a nuisance to some women.
  • Melasma.  AKA pregnancy brown spots/lines on the skin caused by genetic, hormones, and UV.  Common in Hispanics/Asians.

Solution:  Use gentle treatments and products.  Use exfoliants but not too frequently.  The natural oils on the face keep the skin lubricated.  Protect skin from the sun. Apply brightening/vitamin masks or serums that boosts vitamin to your skin (especially Vitamin C).  

3. Due to the yellow undertones in our skin, Asians tend to have higher melanin content (natural pigments in our skin that gives our skin its color) compared to the average Caucasian.  The Asian skin tans more easily (rather than burn) and have a stronger natural defence against harmful UV rays.  However, they still need to religiously apply SPF and make smart skincare choices to properly protect the skin.  Although this sounds like an advantage,  getting dark very easily is a negative for many who see the glass half empty. 

Solution: Apply SPF30 every time you leave you house 15 min prior.

4. The Asian skin is very reactive to sudden changes climate (temperature/winds).  Skin protection is therefore a necessity. 

Solution:  Investing in a moisturizer or even a tinted moisturizer or BB Cream will help fight against these environmental changes that lead to dry skin, premature aging, freckles/blotches, blemishes and act as a natural barrier.  A minimum of SPF 30 is recommended 15 min applied liberally before going out in the sun.    Asians who live in Asia have to adapt to excessive heat and humidity. Avoid heavy creams during the summer and always apply sun protection.  For those American/Canadian Asians, the harsh winters and nasty winds make your skin dry out and can wrinkle extremely easily. Make sure to apply moisturizer and sometimes even collagen based creams can add resilience.  Some is better than none.

Product Promotions expires July 8 2011:

Vitalizer C10: Special online promotion $31. Expires July 8th.

Blemish Bundle Set Special online promotion $69. Expires July 8th.

Free Vitamin Mask Set with $100+

Why is Your Skin So Radiant? Secrets from Asia

Support K - Saturday, August 21, 2010
Asian beauty secrets are really no secret. Their beauty is intricately connected to the healthy lifestyles they lead. Their beauty is not just skin-deep. It goes deep down into the cells and the tissues. For a long time, Asian women have used
natural products to enhance their beauty. Here are some observations and tips to maintaining healthy skin.

1 . Hydration & Diet

A nutritious diet, along with 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, is recommended. It’s also recommended to include plenty of fruits and vegetables that are high in anti-oxidants. Also, carrots, sweet potatoes, and broccoli contain a lot of vitamin A which is essential for healthy skin. Drinking orange juice or eating strawberries can supply you with a lot of vitamin C, which helps build collagen. A lack of vitamin C can cause loss of skin strength and elasticity, bruising, and poor healing of cuts and other damage.

Also, many people in Asia in general do not consume as much junk food as the Western counterparts. Their food is always fresh, nothing out of a can or shrink wrap, and nothing processed. (Not always, but not nearly as much as in the Western diet).

2. Green tea

Many women in Asia drink Green Tea during the day or after meals. The antioxidant content alone is enough to make it a desirable ingredient for skincare. There are other reasons to look for Green Tea ingredients in skincare. Some consumers
simply want to avoid harmful chemicals and use natural plants to help improve their skin.

3 . Sauna / Massage

After a trip to Seoul, I realized how much of the daily culture revolves around going to the local Bathhouses aka “Jimjilbangs” similar to olden Roman days. Many women pay a daily visit through membership or spending $5-10 a visit and lounge around in multiple baths and steam rooms in the nude as if it looks like a cult in a medieval torture chamber.

The different whirlpools will have varying levels of temperature. The different dry sauna has different themes such as charcoal, amethyst, dry herbs, and other therapeutic plants/smells for improving the overall health. The steam sauna is very popular and is very good for the skin. The heat circulates the blood resulting in rosy cheeks and the heated steam smoothens out your imperfections such as scars/ blemishes.

Some baths will have services to scrub your entire body down and offer a quick mini massage. Great during the summer when you’ve walked in the heat and accumulated dirt :). I must say, never before have I seen so much dead skin come off the body. The ajumas laugh with delight as the grey matter rolls off your skin. Massages are a great way to circulate blood flow and release tension in the muscles. A mini facial massage will create a radiant glow on your face.

For some Korean women, this is a way of life, a social community where there is a sense of belonging for those who stay at home. Every visit, you feel like a dull coin going in and squeaky clean coming out.

Stay tuned for more... Skin Care Tips

Lisa Lee
BRTC
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