Baumann Skin Type Indicator (BSTI)

[Guide]

Baumann Skin Types Bingo Card image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The Baumann Skin Type Indicator (BSTI) is a phenotype "classification system [that] has been adopted by estheticians, dermatologists, consumers and retailers to match cosmeceutical ingredients and skin care products to specific skin types." [1]

"By evaluating skin according to these parameters--dry or oily, sensitive or resistant, pigmented or nonpigmented, and wrinkled or unwrinkled--and thus differentiating among the 16 permutations of possible skin types, consumers can more easily identify the most suitable topical treatments for their skin." [2] So instead of Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination or Sensitive Skin which most people are familiar with, Dr. Baumann came up with what has been used "to subdivide research participants into specific phenotypes. She assigns binary values to four characteristics, so defining 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." [1]

“Properly identifying skin type is key for positive skin care outcomes,” says Dr. Baumann. “But the problem with the traditional classifications (normal, dry, oily and combination) is that they provide very little information about the skin.” [3]

Dr Leslie Baumann goes into details for all 16 Baumann Skin Types on her website. [4] 

Dr. Baumann is recognized for her research into cosmetics and dermatology and has written a world class book on the subject, Cosmetic Dermatology, as well as her book, The Skin Type Solution. [5] Dr. Baumann practices at the Baumann Cosmetic and Research Institute in Miami, Florida. 

 

End Notes 

[1] Baumann Skin Types, Wikipedia

here

[3] The Baumann Skin Type: What It Is and How Do You Determine Yours?, Marilyn Oliveira, Dermstore

[4] What are the 16 Baumann Skin Types?

[5]