Acne is a common problem for people of every ethnicity, but the way it’s treated can differ. We take a closer look at the most effective ways of treating and preventing acne in Asian skin, and provide some long-term solutions.
So what are the most common problems affecting people of Asian heritage? One of the main concerns is that the melanin in Asian skin can leave dark patches once damaged, even after blemishes have healed - this is often referred to by dermatologists as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These scars and blemishes can be hard to treat, which is why preventing acne breakouts is extremely important.
First of all, you need to ensure your diet is providing all of the necessary vitamins to nourish the skin’s individual needs. Vitamins A and E can both really benefit Asian skin.
Vitamin A is an important vitamin, as it’s extremely beneficial in tackling dark spots and acne. It’s found in lots of dairy, meat and fish products, so should be really easy to introduce to your diet.
Vitamin E, found in nuts, green vegetables, sunflower seeds and almonds, fights against the free-radicals that cause blemishes. It’s also essential in repairing skin and producing more tissue in the body.
Now you’ve set about nourishing and defending the skin from the inside, it’s time to treat it from the outside. By implementing a three-step routine, morning and night, the skin will be better equipped to fight breakouts. We recommend speaking to a dermatologist or skincare expert first to ensure you know your skin type, such as oily or sensitive.
Prevent breakouts with a three-step routine
Cleanse
Ensure you’re cleansing the skin morning and evening as this will eliminate the dirt and oil that creates breakouts, while regulating sebum production. Cleanse using either a purifying foaming gel with water, or a micellar water with a soaked cotton pad. Take care to pay a little extra attention to congested or oily patches.
Tone
Use a toner after cleansing to help remove any small traces of makeup or dirt, and unclog and reduce pores. Look for a toning astringent that contains micro-exfoliant LHA, as this will unblock pores, remove dead skin cells and restart the healing process.
A spray-on toning mist is advisable if you’re trying to decrease the amount of times you want to touch the skin while cleansing. This step will instantly tighten and refresh the face and neck, but can also be used on hard-to-reach, acne-prone areas such as the back.
Use a toner morning and night for best results.
Correct and hydrate
Once cleansed and toned, your skin requires protection against the day ahead. A thin layer of moisturiser will help to keep the skin hydrated and prevent excess oil production
As Asian skin is easily damaged after a breakout, it’s important to use an anti-inflammatory daily moisturiser with Procerad, Niacinamide and LHA. These ingredients work together to stop future breakouts from developing to a damaging size and also unclog congested pores.
Treat
If your skin has already been affected by scarring and hyper-pigmentation, your dermatologist will recommend a targeted treatment such as a serum or corrector. This should help to reduce dark spots, while preventing further uneven patches from developing.
By making a few small changes to your skincare routine and diet, you should be able to minimise acne breakouts and scarring. A healthy, glowing complexion is within reach!
This article is intended as general information only. You should seek advice from a professional before altering your diet, changing your exercise regime or starting any new course of conduct.