One of the biggest skin care mistakes we make is not knowing how to properly assess our skin types and as a result using products that are not compatible with our skin types.
While most of us are familiar with traditional classifications (Normal, Dry, Oily and Combination), they are rather too simple to provide much information about our skin.
So, let us introduce you to Baumann Skin Type that categorises the skin according to 16 unique skin types.
Each skin type is a combination of four different components
1. DRY (D) vs. OILY (O)
Influenced by...
· Sebum: Fat-based film on the skin
· Stratum Corneum: Barrier to help hold in moisture
· Natural levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin
2. SENSITIVE (S) vs. RESISTANT (R)
Influenced by...
· Stratum Corneum: Barrier to keep irritants out where strong stratum corneum is associated with resistant skin due to less absorption
3. PIGMENTED (P) vs. NON-PIGMENTED (N)
Influenced by...
· Sun-induced: Examples include melasma, solar lentigos and freckles
· Injury in the Form of Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
· Skin Colour: The darker your skin colour is, the more at risk you are for hyperpigmentation
4. WRINKLE-PRONE (W) vs. TIGHT (T)
Influenced by...
· Sun exposure: Primary cause due to its destructive effect on essential skin proteins like collagen and elastin
· Age
· Ethnicity
· Genes
Now, let's look into key identifiers and suitable products for each skin type.
| Dry | Oily |
Key Identifiers | - Rough texture - Dull colour - Tightness esp. after cleansing | - Shine - Acne - Visible pores |
Suitable Products | Good for dehydration - Non-foaming cleanser - Moisturiser Good for acne - Retinol product at a low strength to prevent skin irritation | Good for excess oil - Foaming cleanser - Oil-free moisturiser - Powder sunscreen - Retinoids - Hydroxy acids Good for skin break out - OTC products with benzoyl peroxide |
| Sensitive | Resistent |
Key Identifiers | Reaction to skin care products with redness, burning or acne | Rarely experiences negative side effects |
Suitable Products | Good - Licorice root extract - Vitamin E - Tea tree oil - Other soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients Avoid - Retinoids - Glycolic acid - Benzoyl peroxide - Fragrance. | Good - Stronger and higher concentrations of active ingredients |
| Pigmented | Non-Pigmented |
Key Identifiers | - Dark spots - Uneven skin tone | - Even skin tone |
Suitable Products | Good - Kojic acid - Vitamin C - Arbutin - Lignin peroxidase - Hydroquinone for those who have not had side effects - Other lightening ingredients | Good - Sunscreen |
| Wrikle-Prone | Tight |
Key Identifiers | - Lines - Wrinkles and - Sagging | - Smooth - Taut complexion |
Suitable Products | Good - Retinol - Other anti-aging ingredients that stimulate collagen production | Good - Sunscreen |
Lastly, one thing we would like to highlight is the importance of applying sunscreen despite your skin types. Please follow the link to find out more.
Hope this helps and answers some of your questions. For any further questions, please leave us any comments!
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