Acne Care For Asian Skin

Acne is a very common and distressing skin disorder. Also called pimples and zits, acne often forms in the neck, face, back, chest and shoulders. Almost anyone can get acne, however this disorder commonly affects young adults and teenagers. While it may be not too serious, the disorder can certainly cause scars and some changes in skin pigmentation in the affected areas.

Dermatologists stress that while there are a number of acne treatments available, you must first need to keep your ethnicity in mind, because some skin treatments may be able to do more harm than good. Here are a number of effective acne care tips.

What Exactly Causes Acne?

There have been a number of myths and false notion s about what exactly causes acne. Some believe that greasy food and chocolate causes it, while others believe that stress and dirty skin are among the major culprits. However, the exact cause of acne has not yet been fully determined. Some health experts also suggest that hormonal changes may also lead to the development of acne, The hormonal changes, especially during the teenage years and pregnancy, may play a key factor in the development of this skin disorder.

What Makes Asian Skin Different?

According to a number of veteran dermatologists, Asian skin is very much sensitive and quite prone to irritation, and some skin treatments may be unfit or unsuitable for this type of skin. These dermatologists also contend that Oriental skin has melanocytes or pigment-producing cells which react unpredictably to some harsh skin treatments, and may leave their skin looking dull or in bad condition. It is also known to have a thinner outer layer of skin as compared to other ethnic groups, making them extra sensitive

Acne Treatments And Procedures To Avoid

Because of the extra-sensitive nature of Asian skin, it requires gentle treatment. While chemical skin peels are very popular these days, they can cause damage to Asian skin. Chemical peels often use highly acidic chemical solutions to remove the damaged outer layer of skin; however even the mildest of chemical peels may wreak havoc on Asian skin. Asians should carefully choose a doctor who has experience in treating Asian skin.

Another skin procedure to avoid is laser resurfacing. In a laser-resurfacing procedure, lasers are used to remove many layers of skin, which often leave the face raw and pink. Because of the sensitivity of some peoples skin, the lasers may over-stimulate the pigment-producing cells, and instead lead to dull, hard to remove blotches.

For safe and effective acne care for Asian skin, it would be better to stick to the basics of acne care. Remember to wash your face with soap and warm water daily, and avoid using makeup which contain ingredients like wax, lanolin, butyl stearate and vegetable butters, which tend to clog pores, and cause uneven skin tone to Asian skin. Individuals belonging to this ethnic group must also choose a dermatologist who has extensive experience in treating Asian skin. A dermatologist may use a combination of treatments to help reduce skin oiliness, as well as clear pores or eradicate bacteria.

Stan Morse is a skin care expert and author, with a 21 year old son and a 15 year old daughter, both with that dreaded Teenage Acne problem. His website, Acne FAQs, provides more detailed information on acne-faq.net/articles Acne Care for Asian Skin. A complete 15-part email course is available, free of charge, at acne-faq.net Acne-Faq.net - the course covers not only treatments, but also several other unique tips & tricks for skin care.