Asian skin?

[suzukigrrl]

I hope I can explain this without sounding racist, but I've been hearing women talk about how Asian skin is different from Caucasian skin. I have no idea how, but I hear people insist that they need a dermatologist and products specialized for Asian skin. Is this really the case? I know that Caucasian people tend to be concerned about large pores, and African-ancestry people tend to be concerned about looking ashy, and South Asian/Indian people concerned about dark eye circles. What about other Asian people? Essentially all our skin is the same right?? Different people might have different concerns, but cleanser and moisturizer works the same on everyone, right? Are there real differences in skin that require products specialized depending on your ancestry?

 

[eightthirty]

I don't think it's racist of you at all. I just think you're curious. And curiousity is by far better than ignorance or assuming. Bravo on wanting to learn more about others.

 

[suzukigrrl]

You know, I'm wondering if it is just that some products are marketed as specific for Asian skin, and so women think that they need something specific for Asian skin. The power of advertising!

 

[sweetface18]

I'm asian, and I don't think that your skin type is particularly SPECIAL just because you are of a certain ethnic group. There are many asian people with oily or dry skin just as are there in any other group.

I think that certain products are targeted towards Asian people because as a whole, that may be what MOST asians are looking for. I know a lot of asian people that like/want to use skin whitening products but so do any other group. Thats just like how they might market bronze/tanning products for white people because many of them want to achieve that all american glow.

 

[Liz]

hmmm... good question! i guess one of the things they would be concerned with that i can think of is color matching foundation. but a lot of people have that problem too.

 

[monniej]

tons of great info kim, thanks. i guess that there is a difference in how to treat skin for people of different ethnicities.

 

[suzukigrrl]

Hey Kim, thanks for posting that! May I ask where you found the info? I'm also a little confused. In the paragraph about Asian skin first it says that skin has fewer pores or poreless, but then a few sentences later says that pores are larger and exfoliating is important to reduce the appearance of pores. Could you clarify that for me? I'm a little confused.

 

[suzukigrrl]

Oh I'm still confused. Asian ladies, what do you have to say about pores??

 

[Leony]

I think there's nothing special about Asian skin, some of them has large pores, prone to acne and some of them have few pores/poreless and free from acne, like my mom and granny, never got any skin problems. I'm Asian, but I have mixtures blood(Indonesian/Dutch-Chinese/Arab and Iranian) and my skin tends to have few pores also.

I also think that, what makes the difference is what we consume/eat everyday.

 

[tann]

I'm sorry I don't know about the skin care issue, but I'm dying to do an Asian Makeover. I "heard" that they are sensitive about what colors they put on, just like AA's. I rarely hear about acne, pores, cleansers. This might be racist, but most seem to have beautiful skin...ALWAYS.

Tann

 

[BeneBaby]

I have also wondered this??? Thanks for clarifying Kim!

 

[katc0809]

I am Asian but I don't think my skin needs a specific Asian skincare brand to take care of. However, some US/Europe skincare products do contain BHA/Glycolic or heavy fragrance which I find, a lot of Asian don't really like.. at least my friends and I perfer something natural and fragrance-free.

I did try some US products which contain 8-10% Vitamin C but my skin just couldn't stand for it. I broke up fiercely but when I stopped using it, I got back to normal. Having said that, I am still using some US brands like Zia natural.

It seems that most Japanese/Korean brands emphasize the importance of hydrating and soothing so their products are mild and have less active ingredients. I can say that it takes longer to see the result so whenever I have acne, I will choose philosophy/DDF spot treatment. I also use philosophy "help me" to tighten my pores. I noticed that my skin became smoother but I couldn't use it everyday (I worry that it may trigger skin sensitive). And for everyday use, I stick to Kose Sekkisei, Shiseido and Zia natural.

After all, we use whatever we think good and effective but I know a lot of Asian, especially for Japanese and Korean, take 4-5 skincare steps in day/night.

 

[beaugael]

im asian and i agree with kat.. most of my friends also asian are allergic or get skin irritations when using some products with fragrance.. when it comes to makeup i use a foundation thats yellow based or ill look like a clown..

 

[Killah22]

All I have to say is that no matter what race or ethnicity group someone might be from, everybody's skin still have differents needs. A person and I could be from the same ethnic group, but a product that might work for him/her might not work for me. That's why there are so many different combinations of skin types. Think about it.....since everyone is different and is an individual, none of us look alike (except for twins), we don't look alike for a reason, so there is nothing wrong if our skin needs aren't alike as well.

 

[man]

There are many products created specifically for Asian skin, Caucausian skin and ... It all depends on where you purchase the products ( say if you buy it in Hong Kong, then its likely that the product is more suitable for Asian skin). People in general have different skin type than others, whether they are from the same ethnicity or not. But like what Naturally said, there are some major distinctions/ differences with Asian skin and Caucasian skin. Like smaller pores found in Asian people. Companies may sell certain products in N. America but not in Asia, all due to the different ppl they are targeting. For example, many Asians ( mostly Chinese and Japanese girls) are into white skin ( and the whiter the better because of our yellow undertone ), and Caucasian are into tanning. A company like Clinique may have products specifically made for whitening skin for Asians that may not be found in the states. No matter what ethnicity you are, it is just sometimes better to purchase Asian, Caucasian... products specialized since you know it is specifically targeted/ created for you. But the bottom line is no matter what ethnicity you are, just use a product that is right for you on something that you trust or is comfortable with.

 

[juhlinanoy]

I always have a tough time trying to find out what foundation shade I am! Drives me nuts. So I have to haul my butt to the professionals .. To find me that perfect shade .. Anyway this is really great information!

 

[ketsumefan]

hmm i know that there are also different trends in Asia. Like in East Asia they are very concerned with whitening, while in America the trend is to be tanned. Being East Asian myself, I tend to prefer my skin to be whiter. I guess this is just the main traditional trend there. A lot of it probably has to do with diet too. What you eat can affect your hormones etc. I mean its a stereotype to think that every Japanese person eats sashimi/sushi but the staple foods of fish/amino acids etc. will have different effects on your body.

 

[mabelwan]

I agree with you. I'm asian and have fair skin. I'm so proud of my skin when I was in my country cuz that's what a girl wants. But then, my friends here, esp guy, think my face is too fair as they think gals look prettier to have tanner skin.

 

[4getmeNot]

i honestly have no clue. not to be stereotypical, but i think asian skin is better looking with fewer pores and just a more even surface..myabe that is because my best friend is asian and she has perfect skin. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[jass]

I don't think theres much special about asian skin, but one of my friends from korea insists that all asian products are so much better than the ones here and that only asians know how to cut hair etc etc. It really irritates me. I can see her feeling that a white hair dresser might not take her high cheek bones into consideration but Canada is a very multi-cultural country, it's impossible that a hair dresser here would only have ever worked on white clients. Urgh. Sorry my little rant. Lol.

Anyway, I don't think theres very much different about asian skin, my mum has yellow skin and I don't see much difference between us other than colour.