Diverse Skin, Diverse Needs
By Seattle Esthetician Patty Huang
Summer 2021- Sun- and masks- are out!
Summer care for diverse skin
BLACK SKIN
...is type 6- does not tan or burn easily, but skin prone to skin cancer. Black skin is heavily melanated- which makes the color dark- but it is not immune to UV rays.
Choose a serum that focuses on hydration;
Clogged pores from oils and sunscreens- use a toner in the morning again labeled for hydration. Summer can bring dark circles for darker skin, as melanin content around eyes is emphasized.
Sunscreen: No heavy oils
Moisturize in shower- the heat helps the moisture absorb
A Black-owned company, Black Girl Cosmetics’ Sunscreen cream is under $20 and focuses on protecting but also moisturizing skin.
Patty’s tips: Exfoliate in the AM shower at least once a week and use oils only at night; your skin recharges while sleeping and will at this time best absorb and soaks up the oils. Remember wet skin needs maybe half the oil or dry skin. And Choose almond or jojoba oils for darker skin tones- (DNA determines a person’s skin tone) which are lightweight and therefore more easily- at night- to absorb.
ASIAN SKIN
..is more sensitive than other skin types. During summer especially do not use cleansers or serums with a strong element like salicylic acid- instead opt for a gentler Lactic Acid ingredient.
Asian skin is type 4, it tans and burns, both easily. The outside layer of Asian skin to prone to acne scarring, scars and hard-to-banish age spots. (Products with licorice root help naturally with scarring.) Skin loses hydration quicker and must be replaced with chemical-free hydrating products.
Age spots became more visible on delicate skin in summer- so watch the use of any harsh chemicals. Trade up for water-based (emulsion) products for gentleness. Look for products that include Glow-boosting and scar-reducing Vitamin C.
Patty’s tips: Extra SPF is needed to protect Asian skin. Mix a dollop into daily foundation as well as a layer alone on skin to double protect Asian’s triple-threat natural beauty.
HISPANIC SKIN
“Less is more” is a good motto to care for this already-lovely Hispanic skin. Yet large amounts of water are needed to keep it supple and glowing throughout summer, as water eliminates damaging toxins and plumps the epidermis. This skin type is not immune to UVA/UVB rays and skin cancers, so lots of SPF creams, por favor!
Hispanic skin is well toned by nature, but summer tips include diluting cleansers with water to dilute them in summer months to not clog pores. Use a lighter moisturizer.
Homemade skin recipes compliment this naturally toned skin. (Harsh chemicals can turn this skin type #5 blotchy). Patty suggests making a summer homemade moisturizer using honey and unflavored Greek yogurt. The honey hydrates while the yogurt acts as a gentle and natural exfoliant.
Mix just a few drops of pure cedarwood essential oil or geranium oil to steam to open and cleanse pores, or add to cold water and spray as a summer refresher on-the-go. Massage brown toned skins with natural oils for a lit-from-within summer glow. Be sure not to apply to much pressure as to not break capillaries.
Patty’s tips: add lemon and lime to your daily water to naturally alkalize and assist with hydration and balancing the body's PH level. Add some of the vitamin-enriched water to a spray bottle to refresh skin through the day.