Today is the Chinese new year, the year of the snake. On this occasion, the topic will be skin care concerns in Chinese and other East Asian skin. Asian skin is categorized as Fitzpatrick skin types III, IV, and V because the skin contains a high amount of pigment. Because of this pigment, the skin has a natural tendency to produce discolorations such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma. There are various measures taken to prevent such complications when doing cosmetic procedures. First it is recommended to start a good skin care regimen using sunscreen, brightening agents, exfoliants, antioxidants, and moisturizers several weeks prior to the procedure. The darker the skin, the more important this is and the longer the regimen should go prior to the procedure. The second measure is using more conservative parameters when doing the procedures. For example, in the case of chemical peels, lighter strength peeling agents are used. When undergoing laser procedures more conservative parameters are used relative to when doing procedures for fair-skinned individuals. When such conservative parameters are used, the risk for complications is minimized. At the same time, the effects are not as strong; so more treatments are required and it will take longer to achieve the desired effect. Patience is key for those with darker skin types. It is important to discuss your skin type with your doctor so that appropriate procedures are selected for you.
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