Skin colouring & Characteristics

Remember this is just a guide of typical characteristics linked to skin colour and ethnicity. Also mixed ethnicity may have many traits linked across a variety of ethnicities.

Black skin

This skin has the most melanocytes– therefore has more protection from UV light and sun damage

Sebaceous activity gives good lubrication and moisture, resulting in a slower aging process
Cell renewal is fast, as the skin desquamates well
Collagen and elastin fibres are strong with good support preventing poor muscle tone
Keloid scarring can occur when skin is damaged
Although the epidermis is thicker, harsh products should be avoided.
Dermatosis apulose nigra occurs exclusively in black skins and more so in women. The condition forms brown to black lesions that resemble moles.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae hairs are susceptible to growing back into the follicle, due to the natural curls, this can cause an inflammatory reaction (PIH) which results in tender spots. These spots often become infected and filled with pus and can be mistaken for acne. Shaving is a main cause of this condition, waxing can also be a cause.

Mediterranean/Latino skin

Darker, olive skin tones – for people who live along the Mediterranean coast line – Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, France

Sebaceous glands produce more oil to lubricate skin in the heat and rarely suffers from blemishes
Hair tones are darker, which makes facial hair more visible
Skin is strong and robust with good protection from melanocytes and tans well in the sun

White/Caucasian skin

Relatively thin skin – blood capillaries visible – also prone to broken capillaries
Fewer and less sebaceous glands – therefore fine in texture
Prone to burning in the sun due to less melanocytes
Also ages and wrinkles prematurely
Blue / pink tones
Some skin tones can be darker, particularly if the parents have brown or black hair
Red haired and blonde haired people have quite sensitive skin

East Asian and Southeast Asian

Skin rarely shows blemishes, but can develop hyper-pigmentation, scarring and unevenness – therefore be careful if extracting blackheads.
Ages slower than white skin – good tolerance to UV light
Sebaceous glands are more active in the T-zone area, but not excessive
Yellow and olive undertones

South Asian and Middle Eastern

Melanin is quite high and skin tone can be yellow to dark
More sweat glands – which can give a sheen – not to be mistaken for oiliness
A strong skin, with supporting fibres – therefore ages well
Pigmentation problems – particularly around and under the eyes
Excess dark hair can be visible on the face and body