Skin Bio-Diversity
With over 3,000 people from across the world becoming Irish citizens this year we are increasingly a multi-cultural nation. This has created not only a demand for more diverse skincare products that address different skin types, but it also means that we now possess a greater understanding of the differences in skin types from ethnic groups that aren’t just ‘celtic’.
Diverse History
Surprisingly we have always had a diverse population, it’s not a new thing! From Vikings, French Huguenots fleeing from persecution in the 16th century, Jewish people fleeing from pogroms and travellers from around the globe making Ireland their home over the centuries.
The idea that many Irish people are descended from the Spanish Armada, the skin type that’s unexplainable, doesn’t seem credible according to historians. A few years ago Diarmuid Gavin presented a documentary called ‘The Blood of the Irish’, which debunked the Armada idea and theorised that the ‘original gaels’ these dark-haired, dark-skinned Irish people came from the Basque region in the time after the ice-age. He highlighted footage of a pub in Galway and a cafe in Bermeo, and there was very little difference in how the locals looked!
Many Shades of Skin
The latest L’Oreal foundation ad has been excellent in highlighting the many shades needed to cover all types of skin colours and tones, but what about skincare?
There are the basic skincare conditions every ethnicity contends with: dry, oily, combination and (the very rare) normal skin type. There are also more specific skin characteristics that will guide a more tailored approach to a skin care regime to bring out the best in every skin.
Skin characteristics of people with Celtic background:
Have fair, dry / thin skin
Will show signs of ageing earlier
Freckled
Burn easily in the sun
Scars will heal well
Skin characteristics of people with African origins:
Don’t age rapidly, in fact the appearance of ageing can be very late
Very little fine wrinkling
Formation of keloids is possible
Pigmentation changes may occur, particularly inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Genetically, this skin type is less susceptible to damage from UV radiation, although the skin can still get burned
Pores can tend to be bigger and oilier
Skin characteristics of people with Southern Mediterranean origins
Oily, olive dark complexion
Signs of aging appear later
Cartilage tends to droop
Darker, thicker scars more common
Wrinkles appear later and in more localised areas
Skin cancer is rare
Skin characteristics of people with Asian origins
Signs of ageing appear late
Fine wrinkling does not usually occur
Pigmentation changes may occur
Eyelid surgery more difficult
Skin cancers very rare
ethnic skin tones
Different ethnic skin tone origins
Skin Characteristics of Middle Eastern Origins
Rarely sun sensitive
Age slowly fewer winkles
Prone to breakouts
High risk of hyper/hypo pigmentation
High Risk of scarring
This is, of course, very general but a basic guide to skin types. No one size fits all. Eminence Organic Skin Care has a wide range of products that help different skin issues. For example, Alicia Keys loves the Clear Skin Probiotic Masque and credits it as her way of maintaining her no-makeup look over the last few years.
Cosmeceutical brand Profound Skin Care tailors skin product consultations, peels and facials to suit all skin types.
Remember it’s dwnto bio-individuality and the best way to find out how to look after your skin is to have a skin consultation by a professional therapist who will be able to tailor your skin care. The Wicklow Street Clinic therapists are trained to care for all skin types.
