Baumann Skin Types

About Us

Scientific Skin Typing

The Skin Type Solutions Skin Typing System (STS), is a skin-type classification system comprised of 16 distinct Baumann Skin Types®. This approach to categorizing skin type was developed in 2004 by dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D. to subdivide research participants to facilitate data collection and analysis in cosmeceutical research trials. The STS system is the gold standard of skin type analysis by doctors around the world.

Books and TV

In the US, the 16 Baumann Skin Types® have been the subject of the New York Times bestselling book The Skin Type Solution (Bantam 2005, 2010) and a public television PBS special Skin Type Solutions with Dr. Leslie Baumann (2010, 2011). The Skin Type Solution has also been published in other countries, including Australia, UK, Brazil, Turkey, China, Vietnam, and South Korea. The skin typing system was patented in 2004 (1).

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The 16 Baumann Skin Type Descriptions

DSPT

Dry, sensitive, uneven pigment and tight

This dry skin type is characterized by recurrent skin inflammation and an uneven skin tone. The DSPT skin care regimen should treat the dryness and inflammation first, and then proceed to treat the pigmentation.

DSNT

Dry, sensitive, no uneven pigment and tight

Skin dryness is the predominant characteristic of this skin type, which also suffers from episodes of inflammation. DSNTs enjoy even skin tone and wrinkles are minimal or not present. Oils rich in linoleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids should be added to the diet.

DSPW

Dry, sensitive, uneven pigment and wrinkle-prone

This dry skin type is exhibits recurrent skin inflammation, uneven skin tone and a propensity to wrinkle. DSPWs need a skincare regimen that treats the pigmentation and wrinkles without worsening the dryness and inflammation.

DSNW

Dry, sensitive, no uneven pigment and wrinkle-prone

Skin dryness and inflammation and are the predominant characteristics of this skin type. DSNWs enjoy even skin tone but are more prone to develop wrinkles. Regimens should include barrier repair moisturizers, a daily topical antioxidant, a nightly retinoid and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

OSPT

Oily, sensitive, uneven pigment and tight

This skin type suffers from bouts of inflammation and uneven skin tone. This skin type is less vulnerable to wrinkles than other types because of increased skin pigmentation that protects the skin from aging, and from the antioxidants naturally found in the skin’s oil (sebum).

OSNT

Oily, sensitive, no uneven pigment and tight

This skin type is characterized by oiliness and inflammation. OSNTs are less vulnerable to wrinkles because the antioxidant-rich sebum has a protective effect. This skin type will probably become more manageable with age if good lifestyle habits are practiced.

OSPW

Oily, sensitive, uneven pigment and wrinkle-prone

OSPWs have skin inflammation, uneven pigment and a tendency to wrinkle. The skin’s natural oil provides some antioxidant protection, but it is not enough to protect this vulnerable skin type. It is crucial that this skin type follow a consistent daily regimen for best results.

OSNW

Oily, sensitive, no uneven pigment and wrinkle-prone

OSNWs have inflammation and are vulnerable to skin aging. High levels of antioxidants in the skin’s natural oil may help prevent some of the skin’s aging, but a topical antioxidant, nightly retinoid and anti-inflammatory ingredients should be used in the daily skincare regimen.

ORPT

Oily, resistant, uneven pigment and tight

This skin type is less vulnerable to wrinkles and irritation than other types, but daily sunscreen is needed to promote even skin tone. ORPTs need products with higher concentrations of active ingredients to even skin tone.

ORNT

Oily, resistant, no uneven pigment and tight

This is the IDEAL SKIN TYPE! This skin type is produces an adequate or excessive amount of oil (sebum). Sebum contains high levels of vitamin E, which has a strong anti-aging component. ORNTs enjoy even skin tone and a lower risk of skin aging. ORNTs may not need a daily moisturizer

ORPW

Oily, resistant, uneven pigment and wrinkle-prone

This skin type is characterized by an uneven skin tone and a tendency to wrinkle. Although the skin’s natural oil (sebum) helps prevent aging, this skin type should add antioxidants to the diet and skincare regimen. ORPWs need products with higher concentrations of active ingredients.

ORNW

Oily, resistant, no uneven pigment and wrinkle-prone

Although this skin type has a tendency to wrinkle, it wrinkles less than dry skin types because of the protective sebum, which is rich in antioxidants. ORNWs need strong ingredients such as retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids to lessen the appearance of wrinkles.

DRPT

Dry, resistant, uneven pigment and tight

Skin dryness and uneven pigmentation are the predominant characteristics of the DRPT skin type, which rarely suffers from inflammation and has minimal wrinkling. The skincare regimen should include a daily SPF of 30+, moisturizers and skin-lightening ingredients.

DRNT

Dry, resistant, no uneven pigment and tight

Skin dryness is the predominant characteristic of this skin type that enjoys even skin tone and minimal wrinkling. Exfoliating ingredients, moisturizers and a daily SPF of 15+ are recommended. Foaming cleansers should be avoided.

DRPW

Dry, resistant, uneven pigment and wrinkle-prone

Skin dryness, uneven pigmentation and susceptibility to wrinkles are the predominant characteristics of the DRPW skin type. Skincare regimens should include daily SPF, topical antioxidants, a nightly retinoid, moisturizers, alpha hydroxy acids and ingredients to even skin tone.