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The traditional classification of dry, oily, combination, and sensitive skin is outdated.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