So, first, some back story on this post.
The amazing dermatologist and creator of The Skin Type Solutions, Dr. Leslie Baumann, M.D. once published a textbook called Cosmetic Dermatology, which I read during medical school. This book had so much scientific, yet practical, information about skin care that it inspired me to start FutureDerm.com in 2007.
Owning a popular skincare blog for the past nine years has allowed for me to talk to some of the biggest and brightest names in my industry. And when I was honored to meet Dr. Baumann eight years after starting my blog, I found that she was as brilliant and inspiring, warm and bubbly, and creative and dynamic as I had hoped. (If not more so!)
Meeting Dr. Baumann earlier this year also helped me finally accept my place in the skin care world. I often went back and forth about whether or not my current career path is the right one. Her career (and office!) was much like the one I once dreamed of having someday, but actually being there made me realize that I would not have been nearly as successful in her shoes. Things had finally come full circle. The experience helped me to realize my true purpose: My place is not as a dermatologist as I had once thought, but it is teaching people information from great dermatologists, skin care scientists, aestheticians, and other professionals.
And, to that end, the most poignant skin care system I have encountered is The Skin Type Solutions system. Known to physicians as the Baumann Skin Typing System (BSTS) and to the public mostly as a New York Times bestselling book, the Skin Type Solutions is translating the hundreds of thousands of dermatological research studies into material that the average consumer could actually understand. It helps people through writing, researching, and learning from the best in the business.
Why I Think The Skin Type Solutions Should Be Necessary for Physicians
I have also met with some less-than-enthralling interactions in interviewing some experts in skin care. You would think that all MDs, PhDs, and masters of science degree holders would be on the same page. After all, in their studies, they are taught the same principles of medicine and/or biology. You would think this would lead to similar conclusions.
But once you get past residency or post-doctoral training — and might I mention in neither of these are the myriad of tens of thousands of available OTC skin care products routinely or extensively taught — you start to get some professionals who move in all kinds of directions. I’ve interviewed a derm who told me Cerave was the only moisturizer that does anything. I’ve met a physician who said OTC moisturizers do absolutely nothing except hydrate. I’ve spoken to scientists who earnestly believe that parabens, which are found naturally in blueberries, bananas, and many other fruits and naturally-occurring food products, will do great harm to you in the concentrations they are found in skin care.
Add to that the complexity of various skin types and conditions, such as oily, dry, acne-prone, rosacea-prone, dyschromia, and photoaged — and how each of these affects the interaction and efficacy of cosmeceutical ingredients — and you have a dire need for a system to be created to teach dermatologists updated information about OTC skin care.
How the Skin Type Solutions System Works
Like all good partners, the Skin Type Solutions system starts off by asking questions about you first. The questionnaire is scientifically-validated and was developed by Dr. Baumann in 2004 to take into account multiple concurrent skin conditions and characteristics, as well as historical data.
Unlike a lot of skin care questionnaires out there, the Skin Type Solutions questionnaire will combine products from different skin care brands. This is quite unlike, say, the Clinique “computer,” which only selects from one brand, or even the Sephora skin care test, which quite frankly I don’t find to be all that medically sound or scientifically-accurate.
After taking the quiz with a licensed Skin Type Solutions physician, the user will be provided with knowledge of the basic science of different skin issues and will obtain a scientific perspective on how to design skin care regimens. Physicians additionally receive information on how to combine cosmeceuticals with prescription medications, educate staff and patients on their proper use, and ethically prescribe skin care products using this standardized methodology.
About the 16 Skin Types
OSPW
This skin type can be identified as oily, pigmented, sensitive, and wrinkled. You’ll find that the skin is characterized by having acne breakouts, facial redness or flushing, or even susceptible to skin rashes and irritation. Darkening of the skin in the areas are a result of the inflammatory problems. In some cases dark patches such as melasma and freckles occur. This type has a tendency to wrinkle due to a lifestyle that may include sun exposure and/or cigarette smoking.
OSPT
Oily, sensitive, pigmented and tight (non-wrinkled) skin is characterized by facial redness and/or flushing, Â acne breakouts, or frequent skin rashes and irritation. The inflammatory problems associated with this type are often followed by a darkening of the skin areas that were affected by the pimples or skin irritation. Like the OSPW, dark patches such as melasma and freckles occur often. However, this skin type has a lower tendency to wrinkle than other types because of increased skin pigmentation that protects the skin from aging and if you find you are this skin type it will benefit you to lead good lifestyle habits like avoiding sun exposure and smoking cigarettes.
OSNW
Oily, sensitive, non-pigmented and wrinkled skin often has acne breakouts or facial redness and flushing, as well as frequent skin rashes and irritation. Unfortunately this skin type has less protective skin pigmentation and because of that has a tendency to wrinkle due to current or past lifestyle habits that may include sun exposure or smoking cigarettes.
OSNT
Oily, sensitive, non-pigmented and tight (non-wrinkled) skin is characterized by acne breakouts or facial redness and flushing, or frequent skin rashes and irritation. The good news is that this skin type will probably get easier as you get older if you continue to practice good habits.  This is a result of the skin type having a lower tendency to wrinkle, just avoid sun exposure and smoking cigarettes and you’ll be fine!
ORPW
Oily, resistant, pigmented and wrinkled skin rarely suffers from sensitivity such as acne breakouts, or facial redness, or skin rashes. However, dark patches such as melasma and freckles frequently occur. This type has a tendency to wrinkle due so watch sun exposure or cigarette smoking.
ORPT
Oily, resistant, pigmented and tight (non-wrinkled) skin rarely suffers from sensitivity such as acne breakouts, facial redness, or skin rashes, rejoice! However, dark patches such as melasma and freckles frequently occur. This skin type has a lower tendency to wrinkle than other types because of increased skin pigmentation which is great and helped further by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
ORNW
Oily, resistant, non-pigmented and wrinkled skin rarely suffers from sensitivity such as acne breakouts, facial redness, or skin rashes. This skin type has less protective skin pigmentation and therefore has a tendency to wrinkle due to current or past lifestyle habits such as sun exposure or cigarette smoking. Your skin has a strong protective barrier so look for products with higher concentrations of active ingredients.
ORNT
Oily, resistant, non-pigmented and tight (non-wrinkled) skin rarely suffers from sensitivity such as acne breakouts, or facial redness. This skin type also has a lower tendency to wrinkle if a healthy lifestyle is maintained. This skin type will most likely get easier as you get older if you continue a healthy lifestyle.
DSPW
Dry, sensitive, pigmented and wrinkled skin is characterized by acne breakouts and/or facial redness and flushing. These inflammatory problems are often followed by a darkening of the skin where the pimples or skin irritation occured. Your skin’s protective barrier is weak and this makes it more susceptible to skin rashes and dehydration which also means you’ll be more likely to get dark spots. It’s important to note that you also have a tendency to wrinkle.
DSPT
Dry, sensitive, pigmented and tight (non-wrinkled) skin generally has acne breakouts, and frequent skin rashes and irritation. Your skin’s protective barrier is unfortunately weak and the result is that it makes it more susceptible to skin rashes and dehydration. Dark patches may develop on the face from sun exposure. This skin type has a lower tendency to wrinkle than other types because of increased skin pigmentation and that helps the protect the skin.
DSNW
Dry, sensitive, non-pigmented and wrinkled skin is characterized by acne breakouts or facial redness and flushing, or frequent skin rashes and irritation. Your skin’s protective barrier is weak and this makes it more susceptible to skin rashes and dehydration. This skin type has less protective skin pigmentation and results in wrinkles especially if you take on a lot of sun exposure.
DSNT
Dry, sensitive, non-pigmented and tight (non-wrinkled) skin is characterized by acne breakouts or facial redness and flushing, or frequent skin rashes and irritation. Your skin’s protective barrier is weak beware because this makes it more susceptible to skin rashes and dehydration. However, it does have a lower tendency to wrinkle.
DRPW
Dry, resistant, pigmented and wrinkled skin rarely suffers from sensitivity such as acne breakouts, facial redness, or skin rashes. However, dark patches such as melasma and freckles often occur. While this skin type has a strong protective barrier it does have a tendency to wrinkle so be careful with sun exposure and bad habits.
DRPT
Dry, resistant, pigmented and tight (non-wrinkled) skin rarely suffers from sensitivity issues such as acne breakouts, facial redness, or skin rashes. Luckily, this skin type has a lower tendency to wrinkle than other types because of increased skin pigmentation and the strong protective barrier.
DRNW
Dry, resistant, non-pigmented and wrinkled skin rarely suffers from sensitivity such as acne breakouts, facial redness, or skin rashes. This skin type has less protective skin pigmentation and therefore has a tendency to wrinkle due to current bad habits, so stay clear of excessive sun exposure.
DRNT
Dry, resistant, non-pigmented and tight (non-wrinkled) skin rarely suffers from sensitivity issues like acne, facial redness, or skin rashes. Your skin has a strong protective barrier so look for products with higher concentrations of active ingredients.
Bottom Line
Of all the skin care quizzes and recommendation engines out there, I still highly recommend the Skin Type Solutions system over them all. I recommend finding a physician that is licensed to provide the Skin Type Solutions system, which will allow the physician to accurately determine your skin type and prescribe a customized skincare regimen for your type. You can find a list at STS.com!