Why the Baumann Skin Type System is Perfect for Skincare

The Best Skin Type System for Everyday Skin Care

Do you want to know how to best determine your skin type? To do this, you need a validated skin type test. We use the same skin type diagnostic tool that dermatologists use.

I developed and validated it at the University of Miami. It is now included in all major dermatology textbooks and used by physicians.

The latest version of the gold standard skin type test used by physicians, the Bowman Skin Type Indicator (BSTI), can be found at the following link.

The 16-type skin type system is perfect for developing a personalized skin care routine and choosing the right products.

The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Test is essential for determining the appropriate laser and UV treatment settings.

The traditional classification of dry, oily, combination, and sensitive skin is outdated.

How do I know my skin type?

If you want to determine your skin type, first ask yourself why you want to know it. How to find the best skin type test for your needs.

For example, if you want to buy skin care products based on your skin type, you need to know your Bowman skin type. You also need to recommend makeup colors based on your skin tone.

If you want to determine your risk of sunburn, or if your doctor needs laser or light treatment and determine the appropriate amount of light, then the Fitzpatrick skin type is the best choice.

Each skin typing system is designed for a different purpose.

Fitzpatrick Skin Type Test

The Fitzpatrick skin type test is not the best way to determine your skin type and find the best skin care products for your skin type.

The Fitzpatrick skin type scale was developed to improve the treatment of psoriasis. The Fitzpatrick skin type corresponds to the skin’s tanning response to UV rays and light exposure.

He was appointed by Dr. Fitzpatrick at Harvard University to determine the correct dose of UV rays to treat psoriasis. 1

The original version included only fairer skin types, and was later expanded to include darker skin types. It is now used to select laser settings.

A patient’s current skin color may not match the Fitzpatrick skin type.

For example, if a person has a Fitzpatrick skin type III and avoids the sun and always wears sun-protective clothing and sunscreen, their skin type may appear to be a Fitzpatrick skin type II.

A questionnaire on skin response to sun exposure using the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Questionnaire is a more effective method for selecting laser settings than considering skin color alone.

The Fitzpatrick Skin Typing System is often misused to recommend skin care products, but it was never intended for that purpose;

It only provides information about melanocyte response to light, but not about potential disorders of skin health such as inflammation and dehydration.

The higher the Fitzpatrick Skin Type value, the more intense the melanin production response to light.

A higher Fitzpatrick Skin Type indicates a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and a lower risk of sun-related skin cancer.

The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Questionnaire, when administered by a dermatologist, is more accurate than a self-administered questionnaire.

2 This skin typing system may not be accurate for Asians and has been shown to be unreliable for Korean skin.

4 Fitzpatrick skin type is inherited and does not change over time unless the patient is exposed to photosensitizers.

Fitzpatrick Skin Type:

What is the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Test used for?

Developed by Harvard Medical School, the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Test offers several benefits and specific uses:

Measurement of Melanogenesis: It measures the skin’s ability to produce melanin when exposed to UV light.

This is essential for understanding how the skin responds to sunlight.

Requires Professional Assessment: To ensure accuracy, this test must be performed by a trained physician and cannot be done on your own.

Limitations for Certain Ethnic Groups: The test may not be accurate for many Asian ethnic groups, highlighting the need for professional assessment.

UV and Light Therapy Guidelines: It helps determine the appropriate UV or light dose to effectively treat skin conditions.

Laser Therapy Settings: The test helps select the correct laser settings when treating hair or pigmentary issues.

Pigment Change Prediction: It helps predict post-inflammatory pigmentary changes (PIPA) after laser, light therapy, and other cosmetic procedures.

Predicts Skin Cancer Risk: The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Test can predict your risk of skin cancer based on how your skin responds to UV light.

Static Classification: Unlike other skin typing systems, the Fitzpatrick Skin Type does not change over time.

Whole body application: This classification applies to the skin of the entire body and provides a comprehensive assessment of your skin’s UV response.

The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Test is not consistent with skin care routines or product claims, but is essential for medical and cosmetic procedures involving UV and light exposure.

Baumann Skin Type®

The Baumann Skin Type (BST) is used to develop a facial care regimen.

It describes the presence or absence of four factors that affect skin health: dehydration, inflammation, pigmentation, and age-related lifestyle factors.

These four parameters are combined in different ways to form 16 different Baumann Skin Types.

Baumann Skin Types are identified by a four-digit name and a skin type octagon with a color and number to help you identify your skin type. Your skin type refers only to the skin on your face.

There are eight types of sensitive skin that are prone to inflammation. These are further divided into four subtypes of sensitive skin. Sensitive skin can be divided into several subtypes.

For example, sensitive skin may experience acne, facial redness (rosacea), and skin burning.

Baumann Skin Type shows you the basic questions you should consider in your daily skincare routine to improve your skin health.

Knowing your personal skin type allows you to develop a highly personalized and effective skincare routine based on your unique skin barrier, sensitivities, preferences, and lifestyle habits.

By sharing your Baumann Skin Type with other skin type enthusiasts, you can exchange experiences with skincare products, offer advice, and gain insights from others with the same skin type.

This exchange of experiences deepens your understanding of how different products work on different skin types and can help you make more informed decisions about your skincare.

Joining a community of like-minded people who understand the importance of personalized skincare will enrich your skincare journey.

By sharing your experiences and learning from others, you can optimize your skincare routine and help others do the same.

Take the Baumann Skin Type Test today to realize the full potential of your skincare routine and become part of a supportive community of skin type enthusiasts.

Skin Type Solution System

When determining your skin type, first ask yourself why you want to know it. This way you can find the best skin type test for your needs.

Dermatologists use the Baumann Skin Type Test to develop effective skincare routines, rather than relying on the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Test.

The Skin Type Solutions System (STS) uses advanced software to diagnose your Baumann skin type and create a personalized skincare routine based on your specific type, preferences, budget, and lifestyle habits.

The software uses a validated self-administered questionnaire that has been extensively tested across all genders (9, 10), ethnicities (11, 12), and climate zones (13).

Hundreds of dermatologists around the world use the system to diagnose skin type (14, 15), prescribe skin care regimens (16, 17, 18), and conduct research (19, 20).

The STS software is available to all brands that meet its strict standards.

It creates a skincare routine that includes only ingredients that are appropriate for your skin type and avoids those that should be omitted.

The system also takes into account various factors so that products are applied in the correct order step by step, increasing the effectiveness of the entire routine.

Now that you understand the difference between the two most common skin typing systems, be sure to take our quiz to determine your Baumann skin type:

The most effective and proven skin typing system to find the right products for your skincare needs.

Your skin type may change

If you live in an area with a fluctuating climate, your skin type may change. It also changes due to:

Puberty

Pregnancy

Menopause

Stress

Seasonal differences

Eating habits

Aging

Therefore, I recommend that you repeat your skin type test every year.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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