In my series of blogs about getting to know your skin, I’m looking at different skin types, how they contrast with one another and some of the pros and cons of each of the skin types when it comes to our ethnicity. Last time I took a closer look at Caucasian skin and here, we’ll delve a little deeper into both South Asian and Middle Eastern skin types.
It’s very important to understand your skin type because it means choosing and using products that have been designed and made to exactly suit. I would always recommend a complete skin analysis with my clients, which allows us to look even deeper into your skin tone and texture to ensure you’re choosing the perfect products and treatments.
South Asian Skin Is More Prone to Acne
South Asian skin tends to have excess sebum levels which make it more likely to be prone to acne and breakouts. Alongside this, pigmentation and even hyperpigmentation can be common. Pigmentation or hyperpigmentation occurs when there is an overproduction of melanin in the skin and this presents on the surface with patches of darker colour and sometimes patches of redness.
There are many products and treatments that we can discuss at Rani Mirza Knightsbridge when it comes to pigmentation.
You’ll Probably Experience Irritation
Asian skin is one of the most likely to become irritated and inflamed from things such as light exposure, heat and using reactive products on the skin. From redness and pigmentation to more severe skin conditions, such as eczema, South Asian skin needs to be treated carefully and so having a professional skin analysis is highly recommended and more sensitive products will most likely work best.
South Asian Skin Looks Younger for Longer
South Asian skin is not as prone to wrinkles and fine lines as lighter skin types which helps maintain a more youthful look later in life. Lighter Asian skin can still be prone to age spots which is why it’s still very important to take care of your skin and use SPF at all times when exposed to sunlight.
Skincare for South Asian Skin
Due to the sensitivity of South Asian skin, gentle and sensitive-specific products should be high on the agenda. A mild cleanser should be used twice a day without the addition of oils. It is still important to exfoliate the skin even if you have sensitivity. Ensure you find the right gentle exfoliator and only use it around twice a week so as to not inflame or irritate the skin. Toner is important for oily skin as it will reduce any excess oil and also work to tighten the pores and make them less visible under your makeup. As with all skin types, add an SPF to your daily skincare routine every morning in the form of either a gentle moisturiser or your makeup.
Middle Eastern Olive Skin
Middle Eastern skin tones tend to be very olive-toned. This means deeper in colour and with a soft yellow undertone to your colouring. Having olive skin means you will react to sunlight better and be less likely to burn but always bear in mind that you still need to use SPF to protect your skin from forming brown patches and spots and, of course, to protect from skin cancer.
Choose Products for Oily Skin
Middle Eastern skin tends to be one of the oiliest naturally. This means it’s best to choose products created for more oily skin. Oil-free cleansers and moisturisers prevent you from adding excess oil to the top layer of your skin while allowing you to keep hydrated.
Skincare for Middle Eastern Skin
Alongside choosing oil-free skincare, it’s important to remember that if you have oily skin, cleansing and moisturising is more important than ever. Don’t think that because you have oily skin that moisturiser will make your skin greasy. It’s still important to hydrate your skin with the right products which is why it’s so important to choose wisely.
Add a gentle scrub to your skincare routine and use twice a week to keep your skin free of dead skin cells and help to clear excess oil build-up. However, don’t get into the habit of exfoliating your skin daily as this can encourage a faster build-up of oil in an adverse reaction to the scrub.
Becoming more educated on your skin type and tone is important when choosing just the right products for you. Although certain skin types suffer from things, such as larger pores and might be more prone to acne, there are many treatments and products at Rani Mirza Knightsbridge to combat these issues, allowing you to achieve the best possible complexion for your face and body.