Baumann Skin Types
The Baumann Skin Types system is a skin-type classification system defining 16 skin personalities. This skin-typing system was developed in 2004 by University of Miami dermatology professor Dr. Leslie Baumann, to subdivide research participants into specific phenotypes for research on skin types. She assigns binary values to four characteristics,[1] so she defines sixteen "skin personalities", or "skin types". These have been used in genetic research aimed at identifying the genes that contribute to skin characteristics such as dryness, oiliness, aging, pigmentation, and sensitivity. The survey-based typing system combines these individual skin attributes into 16 personalities that allow researchers to improve their ability to identify various skin phenotypes and use that knowledge for patient selection for clinical research trials to recommend proper skincare ingredients and products, and to build skincare routines. The classification system has been adopted by estheticians, dermatologists, consumers, and retailers to match cosmeceutical ingredients and skin care products to specific skin types.[2] The type assigned is determined by a self-completed questionnaire, marketed as the "Baumann Skin Type Indicator" (BSTI).[3][4]
The skin type assigned is determined by a validated digital self-completed questionnaire, Known scientifically as the "Baumann Skin Type Indicator" (BSTI).[2]
Parameters[edit]
The typing system identifies four key skin attributes (dry/oily, sensitive/resistant, pigmented/non-pigmented and wrinkle-prone/tight), represented as D/O, S/R, P/N, and W/T. Combining these results in 16 possible types. For example, one type is ORPW (oily, resistant, pigmented, wrinkle-prone) while another is DSPT (dry, sensitive, pigmented, tight). More than just combinations of skin attributes, each type experiences different dermatologic problems, which indicate preventative measures and treatment options.[5]
Dry vs oily[edit]
One factor that determines whether skin is dry or oily is the amount of sebum produced by the skin. Sebum creates a fat-based film on the skin, which may also have an effect on skin hydration.[6] The state of the skin’s stratum corneum plays a role in determining whether one is dry or oily as well, since this barrier layer also helps hold moisture in the skin.
Dry skin is often characterized by rough texture, dull color and tightness, especially after cleansing. Oily skin is characterized by increased sebum production, which often leads to acne.[7] The level of sebaceous gland production of sebum, which contains wax esters, triglycerides, and squalene, may also contribute to dry skin and skin protection.[8] Although diet, stress and hormones play a role in sebum production, there is a significant genetic link.[9]
Sensitive vs resistant[edit]
The presence of inflammation is the major determining factor for sensitive or resistant skin. An impaired stratum corneum layer can lead to sensitive skin because this layer of the skin serves as a barrier to keep allergens and irritants out.
Sensitive skin often reacts to skincare products with redness, stinging, burning or acne, while resistant skin rarely experiences negative side effects. The strong stratum corneum associated with resistant skin can make the skin resistant to the beneficial effects of skincare ingredients due to less absorption.
There are 4 unique subtypes of sensitive skin, and they are all different, all sensitive subtypes have inflammation in common. The skin type can be a combination of one or more of these sensitive skin subtypes.
- Acne subtype: Develops acne, whiteheads, or blackheads
- Rosacea subtype: Experiences recurring flushing, redness, and a hot sensation
- Stinging subtype: Develops stinging or burning of the skin
- Allergic subtype: Develops redness, itching, and flaking of the skin
Uneven hyper-pigmentation vs normal-pigmentation[edit]
P skin types have dark spots or hyperpigmentation while N types have no skin pigmentation issues. This measure is not a measure of ethnicity or base skin color but is a measure of the evenness of skin pigmentation. This skin attribute is measured by the skin’s tendency to develop hyperpigmentation. This can be sun-induced, as in melasma, solar lentigos, and freckles, or due to injury in the form of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Most pigment changes can be prevented and corrected through the use of proper skin-lightening ingredients.[10]
Wrinkle-prone vs tight[edit]
Age, ethnicity, and lifestyle habits influence whether the skin is wrinkle-prone or tight. There is still a genetic component to this parameter, but external factors that contribute to an aged appearance are controllable. Sun exposure and pollution are the primary cause of skin aging, destroying skin proteins like collagen and elastin.
Combinations of skin types[edit]
Each parameter is associated with particular skin conditions and challenges. Dry types have dehydration, sensitive types have inflammation, pigmented types have hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles types are at an increased risk of losing collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, and having an increased amount of cellular senescence.
The specific combinations of these issues result in particular tendencies that should be addressed in a skincare routine customized for the skin type. For example, DRPW types often have a history of sun exposure manifested by wrinkles and solar lentigos; DSNT, DSPT, DSPW, and DSNW are more prone to eczema; OSNT and OSPT types are more likely to suffer from acne; and OSNW and DSNW types more commonly experience rosacea.
The "Baumann Skin Type Indicator" (BSTI) questionnaire is the definitive method to determine the type. It can be used to shop for skin care by skin type. It is recommended by Dr. Baumann that the BSTI be repeated annually or any time the skincare routine stops working since the skin type can change with age, pregnancy, menopause, climate conditions, diet, and lifestyle.[5]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Dermatol, Ann (31 Dec 2019). "Baumann Skin Type in the Korean Male Population". Annals of Dermatology. 31 (6): 621–630. doi:10.5021/ad.2019.31.6.621. PMC 7992607. PMID 33911661.
- ^ a b Warren, Richard J.; Neligan, Peter C. (2013). Plastic surgery: Volume 2: Aesthetic surgery. Elsevier. ISBN 978-1-4557-1053-9. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
- ^ "Understanding and treating various skin types: the Baumann Skin Type Indicator". Dermatologic Clinics. 26 July 2008.
- ^ "The Importance of Skin Type: The Baumann Skin Type System". McGraw Hill Medical. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ^ a b Barel, Andre O.; Paye, Marc; Maibach, Howard I. (3 March 2009). Handbook of Cosmetic Science and Technology, Third Edition. CRC Press.
- ^ Orton, David I.; Wilkinson, John D. (2004). "Cosmetic allergy: incidence, diagnosis, and management". American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 5 (5): 327–337. doi:10.2165/00128071-200405050-00006. PMID 15554734. S2CID 12763643.
- ^ Chernosky, Marvin E. (1976). "Clinical aspects of dry skin". Journal of Cosmetic Science.
- ^ Clarys, Peter; Barel, Andre (1995). "Quantitative evaluation of skin surface lipids". Clinics in Dermatology. 13 (4): 307–321. doi:10.1016/0738-081x(95)00079-u. PMID 8665439.
- ^ Mehta, Surjit Singh; Reddy, Belum Siva Nagi (2003). "Cosmetic Dermatitis—Current Perspectives". International Journal of Dermatology. 42 (7): 533–542. doi:10.1046/j.1365-4362.2003.01786.x. PMID 12839603. S2CID 33624740.
- ^ Strum, Robert A. (September 2002). "Skin colour and skin cancer—MC1R, the genetic link". Melanoma Research. 12 (5): 405–416. doi:10.1097/00008390-200209000-00001. PMID 12394181.