Why Is Asian Skin Pigmentation Different?

With an SPF of around 3 to 5, Asians have twice as much natural UV protection from the sun than Caucasians. For racial and cultural groups with darker skin tones, SPF protection can range from 9 to 13.5. This suggests that Asians and other ethnic skin types have a significantly lower risk of sunburn and skin cancer because they create more melanin.

Unfortunately, this increased melanin production might cause us to have a variety of pigmentary issues as we get closer to our mid-30s. Yes, I am referring to freckles, melasma, and moles, among other things. Some women may have an early onset of pigmentation during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, as melanocytes produce more melanin. I've talked to people who believe that using oral contraceptives caused them to become pigmented.

Pigmentation problems in Singapore

Singapore has year-round sunlight, which greatly increases our chances of being pigmented. Not many people know that frequent exposure to UV rays actually sensitizes our melanocytes to produce more melanin, leading to increased pigmentation and black patches. This is also the case for the many people who go outside without wearing adequate sun protection. Melasma, a blotchy-looking pigmentation that can cover the entire face, chin, forehead, or nose, is one way that this might appear on individuals.

Melasma is a common condition in pregnant women, and depending on how much unprotected sunlight they were exposed to throughout their pregnancy, it can either worsen or remain.

I'd also want to point out that certain medications, which contribute 10–20% to hyperpigmentation, are another frequently disregarded source of pigmentation. While medicines may not directly cause pigmentation, they do make your skin more sensitive to the sun. NSAIDs, antidepressants, certain antibiotics, and antihistamines are examples of them. Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking.

Why are pigmentation problems more common in Asians?

It's noteworthy to note that everyone's body typically has the same number of melanocytes. What differs is how the distribution of melanosomes, or cells responsible for color and photoprotection, in our skin cells and the amount of melanin generated, depend on our ethnicity and genetic make-up. The fundamental concept is that many Asians with Fitzpatrick 3 skin type prefer to tan more than burn after prolonged exposure to UV rays. I've prepared an article on how genetics affect the way we form pigmentation.

Although it might seem like excellent news, Fitzpatrick 3 skin types, or Asian skin, are among the trickiest and hardest to treat for pigmentation disorders because of sensitized melanocytes. Sadly, many people resort to using lasers for therapy without fully comprehending the causes of their pigmentation or give in to sales methods used to promote specific cosmetics or laser procedures. As every incidence of pigmentation is different, there is no one treatment that works for all skin issues like pigmentation or acne. Some people might only need topical creams, but others might benefit most from laser treatment.

Ineffective laser treatments have the potential to aggravate skin further and exacerbate pigmentation problems. I'll go through some of the greatest methods for treating pigmentation on Asian skin, but as of now, I've discovered that any laser that uses picosecond technology works well for Asian skin.

Asian skin pigmentation treatment: my method

I prefer lasers for the treatment of pigmentation. While it is possible to reduce pigmentation without the use of lasers, the majority of pigmentation drugs function by reducing the formation of pigment and helping the skin to eliminate the pigment on its own. It takes forever to do this. On the other side, lasers work quickly and safely by specifically destroying built-up pigmentation. I treat Asian skin pigmentation with the Discovery Pico Plus and Fractional Thulium Laser, and so far, the results are quite positive.

However, I must note that there is presently no laser or pigmentation treatment singapore that will permanently eliminate problems like melasma in order to limit patient expectations. To treat melasma, a combination of lasers and medication are necessary to significantly lighten or clear the melasma – medication to reduce melanin activity, lasers to lessen the pigmentation.

It can be difficult to treat pigmentation, especially on Asian skin. But, it is not impossible, especially in the hands of a skilled medical professional.