The Skin Type Solution
By Leslie Baumann, M.D.
The Skin Type Solution
ISBN-10: 0553383302
Book Review
Reviewed by Caitlin O’Brien
How many of you have asked your dermatologist a question about pores, oily skin, fine wrinkles or a related concern only to get a curt unhelpful answer? This is a complex issue that your skin doctor may not be expert in or may be too busy to spend much time on. Those few cosmetic dermatologists out there (usually in a major metro center) are booked months in advance and often charge $500 for a consultation.
Dr. Leslie Baumann, a Professor of Dermatology at the University of Miami School of Medicine and an internationally respected researcher, has written a book that many people will find invaluable. The thesis of this NY Times Bestseller is that there are 16 different skin types and each one has unique maintenance and therapeutic requirements. Once you take the questionnaire in Chapter 3 of the book and find out your skin type, you will learn all about your skin’s unique needs and what ingredients to look for in products. In fact, Baumann lists over 2000 skin care products of about 300 different brands that are right for your skin type. In addition, you can visit the corresponding web site SkinTypesSlutions.com which allows you to discuss your skin issues with other people of the same skin type!
The problem with the marketing of skin care products is that very few of us know their skin type. Each lotion, face wash, cream, gel is geared towards a different skin type, but people are usually unaware of which product is best suited for them. So when you go into a store to buy a skin care product, you could potentially be harming, not helping, your skin if you purchase an inappropriate product.
People waste thousands of dollars on skin care products that either don’t work, or may even damage their skin. Leslie Baumann’s book The Skin Type Solution helps you determine your own skin type, formulate a skin care plan and find the right products to buy. You only have to read chapter 3 to find out your type and then read the chapter that corresponds with your “Baumann Skin Type”- there is no need to read the entire book- just these 2 important chapters.
The book begins by briefly explaining what constitutes different types of skin. The first major category that defines your skin type is skin hydration, oily or dry skin. Once this is determined your skin is broken down into three other major categories. The first is your skin sensitivity, sensitive vs. resistant; the second is your pigmentation, non vs. pigmented, and the last is wrinkled skin vs. tight. Each factor is combined to make one definite skin type, for example someone with oily, resistant, pigmented, and tight skin would be an ORPT. There are sixteen possible skin types, so you don’t have to worry about your skin type not being included. She covers every type of skin, and gives the tools to take care of your skin. It does not take a trip to the dermatologist to figure out what skin type you have. Baumann includes a 63-point questionnaire that helps you to classify your own skin type. Once you determine what type of skin you have, your turn to the chapter that pertains to your skin type.
Each chapter begins with a brief explanation of your skin type. Baumann explains many common symptoms or problems that are unique to each skin type, and some risks you may run into if you do not take proper care of your skin. She looks at all the factors that could affect your skin’s health and then offers solutions based on her extensive experience as a world-recognized cosmetic dermatologist.
Each ‘About your Skin’ section is followed by the ‘Everyday Care’ suggestions tailored to particular skin types. Here Baumann offers daily morning and night skin care regimens. For example, for someone with oily, sensitive, pigmented, and wrinkled (OSWP) skin recommends this morning regimen:
1) Wash with a cleanser
2) Apply a skin lightener
3) Apply eye cream (optional)
4) Apply SPF facial lotion or sunscreen regimen
5) Apply a foundation with SPF
6) Apply oil-absorbing powder
The pm regimen has a similar skin care plan. After telling you what you need to do, Baumann provides list of products that she recommends.
These products are broken down into categories, and she includes affordable ones and well as expensive options. The point of her book is not to induce you to spend thousands of dollars on skin care products, but to offer reasonable options. She also underscores her professional preferences, which more often than not are affordable. The best thing about The Skin Type Solution is that she gives you many choices. You aren’t limited to one brand, or just pricey products. The book also includes charts of ingredients that are compatible with each skin type and those, which you should not use. Dr. Baumann explains those choices which are appropriate and those that are not recommended, She wants you to be able take care of your skin without having to go through all the trouble of searching in shops for the right product.
This book is not intended solely for people who are having problems with their skin. It gives everyone the tools to take better care of her or his skin. It will help prevent many consumers from naively buying inappropriate and expensive products that may be a waste of money for them; Baumann provides the tools to find the right products. The Skin Type Solution is about offering answers to your skin care questions. Dr. Baumann makes it easy for anyone to classify their skin type, follow a simple skin care plan, and essentially take the best possible care of one’s skin.
So the next time you visit your dermatologist, take The Skin Type Solution along with you. Instead of receiving a blank stare from your doctor when you mention the “T-zone”, you may help her or him to learn how to guide you better and to be of assistance to other patients.
Dr. Baumann maintains the the SkinTypeSolution website and TheSkinGuru blog. Please visit them for more information or specific questions. Her book can be ordered directly through Amazon or through one of Dr. Baumann's web sites.