The new "genetico-racial" skin classification: maximizing the safety of skin treatments for Asians

Abstract

Racial genetics play a significant role in determining a patient's response to any skin treatment. Contrary to traditional skin classifications, the new genetico-racial classification takes into consideration the racial origins of patients, as manifested in both their skin color and their feature contour characteristics, rather than their skin color alone. According to this new classification, patients may belong to 1 of 6 categories, originating from the 3 ancient continents: Africa, Europe, and Asia. In this article the Asian category, as well as its subcategories, are approached in a radically different way. This new geneticoracial classification ushers in a "paradigm shift" in the way Asian patients are perceived before, during, and after skin treatments. The new geneticoracial classification advances that Asians are excellent candidates to most peels and laser treatments, as long as their genetic disposition and their anticipated responses to those treatments are understood and respected.