Yahoo Lifestyle Beauty Solutions For Every Skin Type
Asian
The good news: "Generally, Asian skin has a slower visible ageing process," says Dr Diana Howard, vice-president of research and development for Dermalogica. Dr Veronique Delvigne, scientific director at Lancome, adds that forehead wrinkling generally appears on Asian skin around 37 years of age, while frown lines usually occur around 42.
Be mindful: Asian skin can be sensitive due to a weak barrier lipid function. "It also has less natural moisturising factor, which could account for a higher incidence of dryness and reduced exfoliation, both of which can lead to an ashen appearance," explains Dr Howard. Skin is also susceptible to "pigmentation and stubborn redness that stays around for anywhere from a couple of months to a few years", says Dr Delvigne.
What to do: Regularly exfoliate with a gentle product, keep skin hydrated with hyaluronic acid, and boost the skin barrier with silicones and lightweight lipids. "If you have sensitive skin, look for a physical sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) instead of chemical ones," advises Dr Howard.
Your skin set: Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, $125; Natio Ageless Gentle Cleansing Milk, $16.95; Olay Regenerist Revitalising Eye Serum, $32.49; Dermalogica UltraCalming Super Sensitive Shield SPF 30, $62; Estee Lauder Nutritious Radiant Vitality 2-Step Treatment, $92.
Dark
The good news: "This skin type has mostly positive attributes and ages very, very slowly," says Dr Delvigne. "A recent study found that 32 is when Caucasian skin shows the first signs of crow's-feet and eye bags, while for African Americans it's 47 and 62, respectively." The reason? Thicker skin has greater resistance to movement (particularly important in terms of wrinkles), while more melanin offers natural UV protection, so photoageing is less apparent.
Be mindful: Pigmentation and uneven texture are problematic, as are "pores, blackheads and large zones of darker marks", explains Dr Delvigne.
What to do: Regular exfoliation, refining serums and masks help keep pores and blackheads under control and smooth the skin's surface, but don't overdo it. "African-American skin is also sensitive, so doing too much can lead to inflammatory pigmentation," warns Dr Delvigne.
Your skin set: Lancome DreamTone Ultimate Dark Spot Corrector, $105; Chanel Precision Purifying Cream Mask, $74; Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser, $10.99; Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Retinoid Eye Repair, $60; Rationale DNA Reactivating Night Cream, $180.
Olive
The good news: Pigmented skin's thicker outer layer offers greater protection against external aggressors, and although the skin may be oilier, "the benefit is a tendency to age at a slower rate than your dry skin counterparts", says Dr Howard. If you've been diligent with skin health, you can expect to see the first signs of ageing "around the mid to late 20s, firstly with uneven skin tone and then visible fine lines", she adds.
Be mindful: More melanin means increased risk of pigmentation, which can become apparent as early as 25, and hyperpigmentation. "There is also concern over the skin colour itself, which can appear greyish over time," adds Dr Delvigne.
What to do: Clay-based cleansers and kaolin masks help with oiliness, while hyaluronic acid and oil-free moisturisers keep skin comfortably hydrated. Regular exfoliation stimulates natural cell turnover to reduce congestion and, of course, daily SPF is essential.
Your skin set: Neutrogena Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser, $13.99; SkinCeuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector, $129; Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel, $48; Dior Prestige Satin Revitalizing Eye Creme, $210; Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Moisture Cushion Oil-Free Moisturizer, $90.
Caucasian
The good news: This skin often appears fresher for longer. "Without the barrier of melanin, we can see the different skin layers," explains Dr Delvigne. "Light reacts with these layers and is reflected."
Be mindful: Dr Delvigne is blunt: "When compared to Asian or dark skin, this skin type shows the signs of ageing earliest." Ageing signs are often more prominent, and less pigment means an increased likelihood of premature and greater skin wrinkling, sagging and sun damage. Skin also tends to get drier as it thins over time.
What to do: SPF is important, but don't overlook other issues like "skin firmness and shadow areas that can appear around the eyes and nose, colour variation and redness, and general modification of the skin colour and darkness. All of these are significant and will transform the global aspect of the face," notes Dr Delvigne.
Your skin set: La Mer The Intensive Revitalizing Mask, $210; Boots Laboratories Serum7 Lift Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream, $28; Clarins Double Serum, $90; Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Hydrating Milk Cleanser, $69; Origins Plantscription Powerful Lifting Cream, $86.
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