Treating acne in Asian skin

Overview: Acne is a very common issue for people of Asian descent both in Asia and around the world. Unfortunately, few studies have been performed on people with Asian skin. According to an article in the British Journal of Dermatology, "There are very few studies on the prevalence of acne vulgaris among Asian teenagers." The same is true of Asian adults who suffer with acne.¹

What is different about Asian skin: People with Asian skin tend to have a bigger issue with marks left behind after acne lesions heal.^2-5 These marks can stick around for a longer time in people with Asian skin and can be challenging to treat. Visit the hyperpigmentation tab at the top of this page for more on these marks. The best bet is to get your acne under complete control first, preventing future breakouts and future hyperpigmentation. Then, once you are clear, if you choose to do so, you can try one of the many treatments for hyperpigmentation. In addition to hyperpigmentation, people with Asian skin have a higher incidence of keloid scarring from acne. Lastly, Asians may respond differently to hormone therapy, but again, research is limited in this area.⁶

How to treat acne in Asian skin: Acne develops in the same way regardless of skin color, and acne is treated in the same way in people of every ethnicity. Acne can be effectively treated with topical medications such as benzoyl peroxide and oral medications like Accutane.^7-8 I outline a highly effective topical regimen here on Acne.org. Many people of Asian descent have had remarkable success with the Regimen.

The bottom line: Prevention is key. Get yourself completely cleared up so you are actively preventing future acne lesions, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. Then, if you so desire, you may try one of the various methods of treating hyperpigmentation.