Whether an individual is of Asian descent or just wants to learn about Asian-inspired skincare, this new article from Skincare-News.com will enlighten readers about the many benefits that Eastern skin care traditions can offer.

Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) July 8, 2009 — Architecture, dècor, haute cuisine and fashion are no strangers to the fusion of East and West, and skincare is no exception. Today, many skin types and ethnicities can benefit from the technology and tradition behind Asian-inspired skincare. Skincare-News.com’s latest article, “East Meets: West_Asian-Inspired Skincare” explains how people can put an eastern twist on their skincare routine.

http://www.skincare-news.com/a-6304-East_Meets_West_AsianInspired_Skincare.aspx

When creating a skincare routine, it’s important to remember that the basics transcend race. All skin types require cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection. And anyone can tailor these important skincare steps to fit his or her skin’s unique needs. For normal, dry or sensitive skin, wash the face daily using a gentle cleanser. For sensitive skin, select a scent- and fragrance-free formula that won’t irritate skin or cause dryness. For oily and acne-prone skin, cleanse twice a day with a face wash designed to address blemishes. Discovery Health advises against using acne treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide, which can aggravate sensitive skin and, unlike when used on Caucasian skin, can cause brown spots to appear. To keep skin soft and supple, a daily moisturizer is a must for every skin type. For dry skin, try a rich cream formula. For oily skin, select a lightweight lotion to soothe skin and minimize shine.
  
Sun protection: Though individuals with darker skin naturally have some sun protection — about SPF 4 for typical Asian coloring — this doesn’t guarantee protection from UV rays. They’re still at risk for sun damage. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which blocks both UVA and UVB rays, to prevent environmental aging and skin cancer. Also, avoid excess sun exposure, tanning beds and sunbathing — leading culprits of premature aging and skin cancer.

Anti-aging agenda: Due to its texture and color, Asian skin has unique aging concerns. Asians tend to have fewer wrinkles than Caucasians and wrinkles typically happen later than people with Caucasian skin. When they do appear, they tend to follow facial expressions and aren’t as apparent when the face is in a neutral position. Try a night cream which diminishes expression lines and wrinkles.

Although less prone to wrinkles, Asian skin is more vulnerable to pigment changes. Hyperpigmentation may start to appear as early as the 30s, and become more noticeable by middle age. Asian women are more likely than men to have dark spots. To correct these issues, look for a spot treatment to target pigment changes.

Seborrheic keratosis: These wart-like growths are associated with sun exposure and are often seen on people over the age of 60, especially on Asian skin. Unlike wrinkles and pigment changes, seborrheic keratoses occur more often in men than women. The only option for treating seborrheic keratoses is to have them professionally removed with cryotherapy (the use of extreme cold) or a laser.

Under-eye puffiness: Because of the unique bone structure of Asian individuals, under-eye puffiness may be especially noticeable. Inflammation and water retention are culprits. Try a topical alpha lipoic acid to combat under-eye puffiness.
Asian-inspired treatments. A hallmark of Asian health and beauty treatments is natural ingredients, harvested from plants, herbs and flowers unique to the Asian landscape. In particular, these include:

Ginseng: This age-old remedy contains phyto-chemicals and antioxidants to fight damage and support tissue growth. Boiled ginseng root can be easily made into a tea. Or, try a body lotion or other skincare product that utilizes this potent ingredient to stimulate the senses while promoting healthy skin.

Pearls: Not only do they make beautiful jewelry, but pearls are also an Asian secret. One Chinese empress used to crush pearls (using jade to apply it) to keep her skin looking luminous. Ground pearl powder can be found in topical skin care products, and contains high levels of vital amino acids to restore the skin.

Papaya enzymes: Rich with anti-aging properties, papaya enzymes may promote softer, smoother skin. Look for weekly treatment masks containing papaya juice to create a radiant, soft complexion.

Skincare-News.com covers all skincare and beauty topics from head to toe. Check out these latest articles:

Cutting through the Myths of Plastic Surgery
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With cosmetic surgery becoming a household topic, it’s spawned many a myth and rumor. Is plastic surgery only for rich people? Do all people use plastic surgery to enhance their appearance, or are there other reasons one might choose to go under the knife? And, how often does a man seek out plastic surgery? Find the answers to these myths and more.

Makeup for Combination Skin: A Beautiful Duo
http://www.skincare-news.com/articles.php?ArtID=740

Choosing makeup can sometimes seem like an exercise in futility; so many formulas and so many colors. For someone with combination skin, this process can be all the more difficult when dry cheeks and an oily T-zone make choosing the proper products essential. For all skin types, flawless makeup application starts with basic skincare, and combination skin is no exception. It’s essential to balance the oily and dry areas before applying makeup, to avoid uneven coverage. Find out how to both care for combination skin and properly apply makeup.

The Skinny on Dry Skin
http://www.skincare-news.com/articles.php?ArtID=732

Dry skin is skin that has stopped producing the natural oil (sebum) which lubricates and keeps the skin soft and moist. For most people, especially as they age, dry skin is a very common problem. As the skin matures, the production of sebum typically tends to slow down, causing the skin to feel and look dry. Moisture is lost through the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis. This layer is made up of skin cells, oils and fats and it keeps the skin hydrated while also creating a barrier against harmful substances. First and foremost, dry skin needs moisture, however; there are several practical, everyday tweaks to your normal routine which will provide relief.

Does Mineral Makeup Provide Enough Sun Protection?
http://www.skincare-news.com/articles.php?ArtID=726

Although the two chief components of mineral makeup — titanium dioxide and zinc oxide — do protect the skin from sun damage to a certain degree, the amount is not as much as might be expected and the claims of ‘total’ sun protection are inaccurate. Expert opinion on mineral makeup is strongly divided. Proponents claim that the sun protection factor and the purity of the makeup are consistent. And even though the Skin Cancer Foundation endorses certain mineral makeup products with the Skin Cancer Foundation seal, industry experts insist that regardless of these labels, these products just don’t provide adequate protection. Why do many experts state that mineral makeup with an SPF doesn’t provide the same level of protection as a comparable sunscreen?
Improving Acne Scars and Discoloration
http://www.skincare-news.com/articles.php?ArtID=719

Long after acne outbreaks have vanished, unsightly marks and discoloration can still remain. For starters, it’s important to determine whether your scar really is a scar and not temporary redness — or macules, which can last as long as six months — or discoloration — known as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), lingering for up to 18 months. Scars feel different from the rest of the skin, with a base that is higher or lower than surrounding skin. If redness or discoloration persists after three months, it could be a scar – although not always. It can take six to 12 months for discoloration to fade with treatment. Learn about the various treatment options available, both at home or in a professional facility.