Asian Skin Overview

Botox and dermal fillers to contour the face by Dr. Wu. Treatment creates more narrow jawline and improves facial contour.

Asian skin types exhibit remarkable diversity, reflecting the varied cultures and environments of the region. Japanese, Chinese, Filipina/Filipino, and South Asian skin each have their own unique characteristics. While beauty standards differ from one area to another, the common goal across these cultures is to achieve smooth, flawless skin, a widely regarded symbol of beauty and health.

Ethnic skin has its own set of concerns, issues, and goals. Knowing how to care for your skin properly, and investing in professional treatments that work best for your skin type and tone, are essential steps to healthier, more beautiful skin.

 

Tips for Caring for Asian Skin

Asian skin is unlike other skin types and tones. It requires a bit of extra TLC to keep it looking and feeling as good as possible. Here are some tips to help keep your skin in top condition:

  • Enjoy youthful skin – Because Asian skin types contain more collagen and a thicker dermal layer (the layer between the skin surface and the subcutaneous layer deep below), wrinkles don’t develop as quickly as they do in Caucasian skin. Enjoy that smooth, youthful look!
  • Layer on creams and lotions – Asian skin usually has a more compact outer layer (epidermis), so skincare products aren’t absorbed as readily. More can be more, in this case, so use your favorite skincare products liberally.
  • Protect your skin from the sun – Asian skin types usually tan rather than burn. Still, sun exposure can hasten or exacerbate the development of freckles, brown spots, and other pigment-related conditions. Sun protection is a must to prevent damage.
  • Be aware of skin trauma – People with Asian skin can trigger hyperpigmentation from skin trauma, even from injuries as minor as scratches or small insect bites. Be aware of these injuries and treat them promptly and thoroughly to lower your risk for pigmentation issues.

Contact our medical spa today to schedule your complete skin assessment.

Our board-certified dermatologists have vast experience and expertise in treating skin of color. We are currently accepting new patients. Trust your skin to the experts!

What to Expect

Your skin’s pigment composition and climate adaptability can directly influence why you develop certain dermatologic conditions. Asian skin tends to be oilier than other skin types. It is also more susceptible to hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.

 

Common Skin Conditions

Pigment Changes

Asian skin is more hydrated than other skin types, which may reduce your likelihood of developing wrinkles as you age.

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation, freckles, and inconsistent skin tone are common in Asian skin. Post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) and melasma are common skin disorders among darker-skinned Asians who originate from South or Southeast Asia.

Melasma

Melasma is a condition that causes tan or brown patches on your skin, primarily on your face. It is common in women who are pregnant or those with darker skin tones. In some cases, melasma will resolve on its own, but many individuals will battle it throughout their lives.

PIH

Skin injuries like bruising, scratching, and inflammation can lead to PIH. These dark spots or patches can develop anywhere on your body as a result of skin trauma. PIH can last for months or even years, affecting self-confidence and self-esteem.

Other pigment changes are frequent for many skin types, but it can be more challenging to treat Asian skin with these issues. Concerns might include solar lentigines, seborrheic keratosis, café-au-lait macules, and ephelides (freckles). It takes expertise and experience to know which laser devices will effectively eliminate these spots without damaging Asian skin.

Acne

Asian skin naturally produces excess oil, which can make you susceptible to acne outbreaks. Often, breakouts develop into keloids, which can cause permanent scarring if not treated quickly and correctly. Severe acne outbreaks can also lead to PIH.

Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego offers a variety of acne treatments for Asian skin. Your treatment will be based on your overall health, the severity of your acne, and other factors that your Oceanside doctor will determine at your initial assessment. Rest assured, your acne treatment will be tailored to your precise needs to ensure the best possible outcome.

Skin Cancer

Don’t let your darker skin tone lull you into a false sense of security about your risk for skin cancer.  While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does warn that Caucasians have higher rates of skin cancer, skin cancer rates are also on the rise for people with Asian skin. Tanning may be a significant factor in the increase in skin cancer within this population.

Take every precaution to limit your exposure to the sun so you can reduce your risk of skin cancer. When you do go outdoors, cover up with protective clothes and large hats and apply a minimum SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Treatment Options for Asian Skin

Depending on your specific concerns and goals, there is a variety of treatment options that are safe and effective for Asian skin. Some of the treatments offered at our San Diego medical spa include:

Injectable Treatments

Our dermatologists use neuromodulators and dermal fillers for anti-aging and facial contouring. Neuromodulators are effective wrinkle treatments that work by relaxing facial muscles that form certain lines and creases. Botox is also a popular treatment for masseter reduction. Our Asian patients, in particular, find that this nonsurgical treatment slims the jawline for enhanced facial contouring. Dermal fillers add support to the dermal structure to smooth away wrinkles, add subtle volume, and reduce discoloration under the eyes. These injectable treatments are highly effective and safe for use on all skin types and tones.

Picosecond Lasersdoctor treating the skin of an asian patient

These lasers feature rapid-pulse technology that is effective in treating hyperpigmentation and brown spots caused by sun damage on all skin types, including Asian skin. Picosecond lasers are also the top choice in tattoo removal. We offer three different picosecond lasers that allow us to customize all our treatments to achieve the best possible results.

Clear + Brilliant Permea Laser

The Clear + Brilliant laser is designed for skin rejuvenation and anti-aging. It is also a highly effective treatment for melasma, a common complaint among our Asian patients. This laser is safe and effective for all skin types and tones, including Asian skin.

Ultherapy

Ultherapy is a skin tightening device that uses targeted ultrasound energy to constrict underlying tissue and boost collagen production for skin that is firmer and more youthful. Because the ultrasound energy is delivered deep beneath the skin’s surface, it is both safe and effective for Asian skin types as well as other skin of color. Ultherapy can be used on any area of the face to address skin laxity and create a smoother, more radiant complexion.

Thermage

Thermage is another nonsurgical skin tightening treatment that reverses skin laxity. This device uses radiofrequency energy to constrict tissue and increase collagen levels. Like Ultherapy, this device works deep in the dermal layers, making it a safe and effective option for all skin types and tones.

RF Microneedling

Radiofrequency microneedling is a type of collagen induction therapy that creates tiny micro-injuries in the skin to promote healing and collagen production. As cell turnover occurs and collagen levels increase, the skin becomes smoother and healthier at a cellular level. RF microneedling is an effective method of treating both acne and acne scarring in our Asian patients and can be used for reducing pore size and improving skin texture as well.

Kybella

Kybella is an injectable treatment used to eliminate submental fat underneath the chin. The medication works to destroy fat cells in the treatment area so the body can safely remove them. Many patients require a series of sessions to achieve full results, which will develop gradually in the months following the treatment.

Body Contouring

While body contouring does not address skin issues directly, our Asian patients must know they have options here as well. CoolSculpting and CoolTone are two nonsurgical methods of fat reduction and body contouring that are safe for all our patients. CoolSculpting uses a technology known as cryolipolysis to freeze fat cells so the body can eliminate them. The treatment can be used on nearly any area of the body where stubborn pockets of fat have formed.

Keeping your skin in top condition requires an understanding of your skin tone and identifying the treatments that will be the safest and most effective for you. Dr. Douglas Wu is considered an expert in laser treatments for skin of color and has successfully treated hundreds of Asian patients at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology. He also speaks fluent Cantonese.

Schedule your consultation at our San Diego cosmetic dermatology center today for a complete assessment and customized treatment plan tailored to your precise needs.

 

 

Photos

Actual un-retouched patient before and after RF microneedling treatment for acne by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after RF radiofrequency treatment for acne by Dr. Wu
Thermage for skin tightening by Leysin Fletcher, PA-C. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Thermage for skin tightening by Leysin Fletcher, PA-C
Thermage for skin tightening by Leysin Fletcher, PA-C. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Thermage for skin tightening by Leysin Fletcher, PA-C
Clear & Brilliant to treat sun damage by Dr. Boen. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Clear + Brilliant to treat sun damage by Dr. Boen
Clear & Brilliant to treat sun damage by Dr. Boen. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Clear + Brilliant to treat sun damage by Dr. Boen
Clear & Brilliant to treat sun damage by Dr. Boen. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Clear + Brilliant to treat sun damage by Dr. Boen
PicoSure to treat Nevus of Ota by Dr. Goldman. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. PicoSure to treat Nevus of Ota by Dr. Goldman
PicoSure to treat Nevus of Ota by Dr. Goldman. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. PicoSure to treat Nevus of Ota by Dr. Goldman
PicoSure laser to treat birthmark around the eye by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. PicoSure laser to remove birthmark from around the eye by Dr. Wu
PicoSure laser to treat birthmark around the eye by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. PicoSure laser to remove birthmark from around the eye by Dr. Wu
Picoway laser used to remove cafe au lait macule by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Picoway laser to treat cafe au lait macule by Dr. Wu
Picoway laser used to remove cafe au lait macule by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Picoway laser to treat cafe au lait macule by Dr. Wu
Picoway laser used to remove cafe au lait macule by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Picoway laser to treat cafe au lait macule by Dr. Wu
PicoWay laser to treat cheek discoloration by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. PicoWay laser to treat cheek discoloration by Dr. Wu
PicoWay laser to treat cheek discoloration by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. PicoWay laser to treat cheek discoloration by Dr. Wu
ThermiRF and Fraxel Dual for full skin rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. ThermiRF and Fraxel Dual for full skin rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi
ThermiRF and Fraxel Dual for full skin rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. ThermiRF and Fraxel Dual for full skin rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi
ThermiRF and Fraxel Dual for full skin rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. ThermiRF and Fraxel Dual for full skin rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi
PicoWay laser to remove brown spots and hyperpigmentation by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. PicoWay for Removing Brown Spots by Dr. Wu
PicoWay Laser to Treat Brown Spot by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. PicoWay laser to Remove Brown Spot by Dr. Wu
PicoWay Laser to Treat Brown Spot by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. PicoWay laser to Remove Brown Spot by Dr. Wu
PicoWay Laser to Treat Brown Spot by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. PicoWay laser to Remove Brown Spot by Dr. Wu
PicoWay laser to remove brown spots on a female patient by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. PicoWay to Remove Brown Spots by Dr. Wu
PicoWay laser used to treat sun damage and sun spots by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. PicoWay Laser to Treat Sun Damage and Brown Spots by Dr. Wu
PicoWay Laser to Treat Sun Damage and Brown Spots by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. PicoWay Laser to Remove Brown Spots by Dr. Wu
Vbeam, Alexandrite, and Clear+Brilliant lasers for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Boen. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Vbeam, Alexandrite, and Clear + Brilliant Lasers for Skin Rejuvenation by Dr. Boen
Vbeam, Alexandrite, and Clear+Brilliant lasers for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Boen. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Vbeam, Alexandrite, and Clear + Brilliant Lasers for Skin Rejuvenation by Dr. Boen
Vbeam, Alexandrite, and Clear+Brilliant lasers for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Boen. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Vbeam, Alexandrite, and Clear + Brilliant Lasers for Skin Rejuvenation by Dr. Boen
Vbeam, Alexandrite and Clear+Brilliant lasers for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Boen. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Vbeam, Alexandrite, and Clear + Brilliant Laser for Skin Rejuvenation by Dr. Boen
Vbeam, Clear+Brilliant and Alexandrite lasers for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Boen. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Vbeam, Clear + Brilliant, and Alexandrite Lasers for Skin Rejuvenation by Dr. Boen
ThermiTight for jawline contouring by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. ThermiTight to Contour the Jawline and Neck by Dr. Wu
ThermiTight for jawline contouring by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. ThermiTight to Contour the Jawline by Dr. Wu
RF microneedling to treat acne and acne scars by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. RF Microneedling to Treat Acne by Dr. Wu
PicoWay laser used to treat sun damage and sun spots by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. PicoWay Laser Treatment for Brown Spots by Dr. Wu
PicoWay laser used to treat brown spots and sun damage by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. PicoWay to Remove Brown Spots by Dr. Wu
Botox and dermal fillers for facial contouring by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Botox and Dermal Fillers for Facial Contouring by Dr. Wu
Botox and dermal fillers for facial contouring by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Botox and Dermal Fillers for Facial Contouring by Dr. Wu
Botox and dermal filler injections to contour the face by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Botox and Dermal Fillers to Contour the Face by Dr. Wu
ThermiTight for jawline contouring by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. ThermiTight to Contour the Jawline by Dr. Wu
Laser resurfacing to treat melasma by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Laser Resurfacing to Treat Melasma by Dr. Wu
Laser resurfacing to treat melasma by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Laser Resurfacing to Treat Melasma by Dr. Wu
Laser resurfacing to treat melasma by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Laser Resurfacing to Treat Melasma by Dr. Wu
Laser resurfacing to treat melasma by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Laser Treatment for Melasma by Dr. Wu
Laser treatment to remove scar from patient's leg by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Laser Treatment to Remove Scar from Leg by Dr. Wu
Laser treatment to revise scars on male patient's leg by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Laser Treatment to Remove Scars from Leg by Dr. Wu
PicoWay and Clear & Brilliant lasers for treatment of hyperpigmentation by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. PicoWay with Clear + Brilliant lasers for treatment of brown spots by Dr. Wu
PicoWay with Clear & Brilliant for treatment of hyperpigmentation by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. PicoWay with Clear + Brilliant laser to treat brown spots by Dr. Wu
PicoWay and Clear & Brilliant lasers for treatment of hyperpigmentation by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. PicoWay with Clear + Brilliant laser treatment for hyperpigmentation by Dr. Wu
Actual unretouched patient before and 4 months after Fraxel Dual and Alexandrite laser for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Groff. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Fraxel Dual and Alexandrite lasers to repair sun damage and rejuvenate the skin by Dr. Groff
Actual un-retouched patient before and after Fraxel Dual and Alexandrite laser treatment for hyperpigmentation with Dr. Groff. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Fraxel Dual and Alexandrite laser treatment by Dr. Groff
Actual un-retouched patient before and after of Fraxel Dual and Alexandrite laser treatment to address skin pigmentation with Dr. Groff. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Fraxel Dual and Alexandrite laser to treat skin pigmentation with Dr. Groff
Actual un-retouched patient before and after Fraxel treatment for brown spots by Dr. Groff. Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Fraxel treatment to address hyperpigmentation by Dr. Groff
Actual un-retouched patient before and after of Fraxel Dua and Alexandrite laser treatment for pigmentation by Dr. Groff. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Fraxel Dual and Alexandrite laser treatment for pigmentation by Dr. Groff
Actual un-retouched patient before and after Botox injections to the masseter muscle to slim the jawline by Dr. Fabi. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and Botox injections in the masseter muscle to slim the jawline by Dr. Fabi
Actual un-retouched patient before and after Botox injections into the masseter muscle to slim the jawline by Dr. Fabi. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Botox injections into the masseter muscle to slim the jawline by Dr. Fabi
Actual un-retouched patient before and after Botox injections to the masseter muscle to slim the jawline by Dr. Fabi. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Botox injections to the masseter muscle to slim the jawline by Dr. Fabi
Actual un-retouched patient before and after Botox injections in the masseter muscles to slim the jawline by Dr. Fabi. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Botox injections in the masseter muscles to slim the jawline by Dr. Fabi
Actual un-retouched patient before and after Botox injections to the masseter muscles to slim the jawline by Dr. Fabi. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Botox injections to the masseter muscles to slim the jawline by Dr. Fabi
Actual un-retouched patient before and after IPL and Picoway laser treatment for brown spots by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after IPL and Picoway laser to treat brown spots by Dr. Wu
Actual un-retouched patient before and after ResurFX laser treatment for chickenpox scars by Dr. Goldman. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and After ResurFX laser to treat chickenpox scars by Dr. Goldman
Actual un-retouched patient before and after Fraxel laser to treat sun damage and pigmentation by Dr. Groff. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Fraxel Dual to treat sun damage and pigmentation by Dr. Groff

Videos

Your Guide On Skin Treatment Tips for Skin of All Colors | Cosmetic Laser Dermatology Webinar

Other Options

In addition to our cosmetic and medical treatments appropriate for Asian skin, our experts at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego can help create a skincare regimen you can use daily at home. We offer medical grade skin care products, such as SkinMedica®, EltaMD®, and Alastin, that feature the highest concentrations of proven active ingredients designed to maintain the health of your skin. Let us help you create a customized treatment plan that will keep your skin in top form throughout the year.

Contact our skin care office today to learn more about treatments for ethnic skin.

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For more information about the monthly specials offered at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego, visit our Promotions page.

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Book a consultation online

From March 25th to March 29th, you can take advantage of these exclusive offers at our exciting in-person event:

• Enjoy $100 off Juvéderm + Botox treatments (limited supply available) AND earn double Allē points when you combine Botox with Juvéderm fillers.
• Spend $1,000 on Juvéderm, Botox, or Coolsculpting and be automatically entered into a skincare raffle for a chance to win a luxurious SkinMedica basket (value $750).
• Receive up to $2,400 off CoolSculpting packages with our best pricing of the year.

Remember, you must be a member of Allē to participate. Schedule your appointment in advance to secure your spot and take advantage of these limited-time offers and rebates!