Introduction:
In this world of cosmetics, people are now aware of choosing skin care products according to their skin type as the products have lots of adverse effects on the skin that do not suit them. So understanding the skin type is necessary before setting up a skincare regimen to enhance the esthetic and biological functions of the skin. Various scales are used to classify skin, and one such scale is the Baumann skin typing system.
What Are the Parameters Measured in Baumann Skin Typing System?
Four main parameters are measured in an individual to determine their skin type are,
-
Oil Versus Dry: Determines the skin’s oil production. Oily skin tends to produce more sebum, while dry skin lacks sufficient oil.
-
Sensitive Versus Resistant: Reflects the skin’s susceptibility to irritation or redness. Sensitive skin is more prone to reactions, while resistant skin is less reactive.
-
Pigmented Versus Non-pigmented: Considers the skin’s tendency to develop pigmentation issues, such as sunspots or freckles.
-
Wrinkled-Prone Versus Tight: Assesses the skin’s tendency to develop wrinkles. Wrinkle-prone skin is more likely to show signs of aging, while tight skin is less prone to wrinkles.
These parameters are not mutually exclusive, and sixteen formulations can be made by evaluating the skin based on these four parameters. An individual's skin type need not be the same all the time, so the skin type is assessed from a questionnaire at baseline and after an effective treatment or change in lifestyle habits.
What Are the Characteristics of Each Skin Type in the Baumann Skin Typing System?
DSPT (Dry, Sensitive, Pigmented, and Tight): They have dry skin with a weak protective layer that makes them dehydrated. However, they have less tendency to have wrinkles because of increased pigmentation that protects the skin.
DSNT (Dry, Sensitive, Non-pigmented, and Tight): Apart from dry skin and breakouts, they have less pigmentation and are wrinkle-free.
DSPW (Dry, Sensitive, Pigmented, and Wrinkled): They have dry skin as the protective barrier is weak and are also subjected to rashes, acne, flushing, and irritation. Darkening of the skin due to inflammation is also noticed.
OSPW (Oily, Sensitive, Pigmented, and Wrinkled): This skin type has facial redness with acne breakouts and irritation. In some individuals, there may be darkening of the skin due to inflammation. Due to lifestyle habits such as excessive sun exposure and smoking, the individual is prone to wrinkles as well.
OSPT (Oily, Sensitive, Pigmented, and Tight): The skin is characterized by skin rashes, acne breakouts, flushing, and irritation. Inflammatory problems like pimples or irritation follow the darkening of the skin. Dark patches such as freckles and melasma are also visible. However, individuals with this skin type have lower chances of wrinkles.
OSNW (Oily, Sensitive, Non-pigmented, and Wrinkled): The individuals have frequent acne breakouts, skin rashes, and irritation. They are hypopigmented and tend to form wrinkles on the skin due to poor lifestyle habits.
OSNT (Oily, Sensitive, Non-pigmented, and Tight): The skin of these types is characterized by acne breakouts, rashes, and irritation, but they are free from wrinkles if they continue practicing good lifestyle habits.
ORPW (Oily, Resistant, Pigmented, and Wrinkled): These skin types have frequently occurring dark patches such as freckles and melasma and are prone to wrinkles.
ORPT (Oily, Resistant, Pigmented, and Tight): They have skin breakouts, facial redness, and dark patches but are at low risk for wrinkles.
ORNW (Oily, Resistant, Non-pigmented, and Wrinkled): These skin types are prone to skin breakouts and facial redness but have well-protected barriers and can handle any product with active ingredients. However, they are wrinkles due to their current or past lifestyle habits.
ORNT (Oily, Resistant, Non-pigmented, and Tight): They tend to have acne breakouts and facial redness but have a well-protected skin barrier and are wrinkle-free.
DSNW (Dry, Sensitive, Non-pigmented, and Wrinkled): As they have sensitive skin, they are prone to skin rashes, acne breakouts, and dehydration, which finally leads to dry skin. They have less protective pigmentation and so have a high tendency to wrinkles.
DRPW (Dry, Resistant, Pigmented, and Wrinkled): Though these individuals have a resistant and protective barrier, they are subjected to dryness, pigmentation, and wrinkles. So care should be taken while exposed to sun and lifestyle habits.
DRPT (Dry, Resistant, Pigmented, and Tight): The skin is dry and pigmented but has a protective barrier that protects it from skin breakouts and wrinkles.
DRNW (Dry, Resistant, Non-pigmented, and Wrinkled): They rarely suffer from sensitivity as they have a protective barrier over the skin but have less protective pigmentation leading to wrinkles.
DRNT (Dry, Resistant, Non-pigmented, and Tight): These skin types are free from wrinkles, sensitivity, and pigmentation; however, the skin appears dry.
What Skin Type Is Most Prevalent According to Baumann’s Classification?
Baumann’s classification identifies four main skin types; oily, dry, combination, and sensitive. The most common skin type varies among individuals, but it is important to note that many people have a combination of characteristics from different skin types.
What Are the Suitable Products for Each Skin Type?
Oily Skin
-
Look for oil-free and non-comedogenic products.
-
Gel-based cleansers and water-based moisturizers work well.
-
Use products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for acne-prone skin.
Dry Skin
-
Choose moisturizing cleansers and hydrating-rich creams.
-
Products with hyaluronic acid and glycerin can help retain moisture.
-
Consider using gentle exfoliants to remove dry skin flakes.
Combination Skin
-
Use a mild cleanser and a balanced moisturizer.
-
Products with a combination of hydrating and oil-controlling ingredients may be suitable.
Sensitive Skin
-
Choose fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products.
-
Gentle soothing ingredients like chamomile and aloe vera can be beneficial.
-
Patch tests should be done for new products to avoid potential irritants.
Pigmented Skin
-
Consider using products that contain hydroquinone(a lightening ingredient)
What Are the Suitable Products for Each Skin Type?
Conclusion:
The biggest skincare mistake that every individual would have encountered is choosing a skin care product without knowing whether it is compatible with the skin type. To yield a positive outcome, the assessment of the skin type must be the key. Though many traditional classifications are available to classify skin, the Baumann skin typing system accurately diagnoses the skin type, as sixteen unique permutations are available.
