Characteristics and management of Asian skin

Abstract

Color differences in skin are due to the amount and distribution of epidermal melanin. The number of melanocytes is almost the same in all skin types, but higher phototypes exhibit more melanocytes, which produce more melanin and melanosomes that are individually distributed throughout the keratinocyte layers. This characteristic ensures a natural, significant photoprotection in darker skins. Asians are a population with various skin phototypes, ranging from type III to IV Fitzpatrick's classification in Chinese and Japanese to type IV and V in Indian and Pakistani people. Asian skin tends to present postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, lentigines and freckles, nevus of Ota, and Hori nevus. The main skin diseases reported in Asians are acne, atopic dermatitis, and viral infections. Wrinkles and skin thickness, early signs of aging in Caucasians, are less evident in Asian skin. However, pigmentary changes occur earlier. Additionally, this ethnic population is increasing worldwide. The aim of this study is to show the importance of studying the characteristics of Asian skin for the better management of skin diseases in this population, which are being increasingly observed in doctor's offices. Based on a broad review of the medical literature, we report the characteristics of Asian skin, as well as some dyschromias and common skin disorders in this ethnic group. The objective of the article is to study the characteristics of Asian skin and differences in relation to oth…