How to Care for South Asian Skin, According to a Beauty Expert

The skincare market may be saturated with information, but I’m increasingly seeing brands, creators, and educators focus only on one particular skin type – and one in particular that needs more attention in the beauty world: South Asian skin.

As explained to me Award-winning makeup artists and beauty experts South Asian Beauty Collective Artie PSouth Asian skin has specific needs that are often under-addressed in both product formulations and brand marketing, and as a beauty editor, I wanted to know more about how to care for South Asian skin and address common skincare concerns within the South Asian community, so I posed all my questions to Aarti P. Scroll on to see all her best tips and insights.

(Image source: Provided by Aarti P)

Aarti P shared all her tips and tricks with me.

What are the most common skin care concerns for South Asian skin?

Firstly, we wanted to know more about common skincare concerns. According to Aarti, there are four main concerns when it comes to South Asian skin, one of which is pigmentation. “Due to higher melanin levels, South Asian skin is prone to pigmentation and blemishes,” Aarti explains. “Using products with ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide and licorice extract can help. [can help to] It also helps to lighten dark spots. To prevent hyperpigmentation, it is also important to use sunscreen regularly.

Speaking of sun protection, Aarti explains that sun sensitivity is also a concern: “While melanin does offer some natural protection, South Asian skin can burn more easily, which can exacerbate pigmentation issues. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 every day is essential to protect skin from UV damage, regardless of the weather.”

South Asian skin is not only sensitive to sunlight, but also to harsh ingredients that can cause irritation and inflammation. “Opt for products that contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and centella asiatica. It’s also important to patch test new products to avoid reactions,” says Aarti.

Finally, Aarti shares that South Asian skin is prone to oily and acne-prone skin. “Many people experience excess sebum production, which can lead to acne. Include salicylic acid to control oiliness and prevent breakouts. A gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer will hydrate the skin without clogging pores.”

South Asian skin care tips

Now that you know a bit about common skincare concerns, it’s important to know how to look after your skin. “For South Asian skin, it’s important to focus on sun protection, moisturisation and gentle exfoliation,” says Aarti. “Regular use of sunscreen can help prevent pigmentation issues, while keeping the skin balanced with a hydrating serum or moisturizer, especially if you have oily skin. Gentle exfoliation with products such as AHAs and BHAs can help reduce pigmentation and uneven skin tone without causing irritation. It’s also good to incorporate antioxidant-rich products to combat environmental stressors and keep skin healthy.”

What brands can do for South Asian skin

We were keen to hear Aarti’s thoughts on what brands can do next to address South Asian skin concerns. “We would like to see more inclusive marketing and product development that addresses the specific needs of South Asian skin,” she says. “This includes formulations that take into account concerns such as hyperpigmentation, sensitivity and oiliness. Additionally, brands should offer a wider range of shades in their makeup products, such as foundations and concealers, to cater to the diverse skin tones within the South Asian community.”

“It would also be beneficial to see more education and representation in campaigns, showcasing diverse models and providing information on how to care for different skin types. Finally, we need products that contain natural, culturally significant ingredients such as turmeric, neem and sandalwood, which have long been used in traditional skincare routines.”

Expert-Approved Skin Care Routine for South Asian Skin

I asked Artie what her favorite skincare routine is, including her favorite products, and she had a ton of great recommendations.

1. Cleanser

First, start with your cleanser. Artie recommends a “gentle cleanser that removes impurities without damaging the skin.”

Shop Aarti’s recommended products:

2. Toner

Then apply the toner.”[I recommend] “I recommend an alcohol-free toner to balance skin’s pH and refresh it,” says Aarti. You can also incorporate a gentle exfoliant that contains an AHA or BHA to improve skin texture and pigmentation. Be sure to follow the instructions on how often to use this product to avoid skin irritation.

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3. Serum

There are many different serums available, but Aarti recommends using a vitamin C serum in the morning (for an antioxidant boost) and a niacinamide serum in the evening to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of pores.

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4. Moisturizer

Moisturizer is always important.”[Opt for] It’s a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that leaves skin feeling hydrated.”

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5. Sunscreen

Finally, always finish off your day with an SPF.”[I apply] Apply a broad spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen every morning.”

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6. Night cream/oil

Finish off your evening routine with a nourishing night cream or facial oil to help skin repair itself overnight — Artie loves Sarah Chapman’s Skinesis Overnight Facial, which can be used before your night cream for extra benefits.

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