What cosmetics should I use depending on my skin type?
When we choose cosmetics, we broadly categorize them into dry, oily, sensitive, and neutral skin types.
Normal skin is often considered the most enviable skin type because you don’t have to worry about using any cosmetics.
I used to have extremely dry skin, but now that I’m in my 30s, my oils naturally increase, so I’m less dry than before.
(But it’s still dry)
But did you know that there are 16 skin types, not 4, that we should consider when choosing cosmetics?
American dermatologist Leslie Bauman’s book “Skin type solution” categorized skin types into 16 types and suggested the selection of cosmetics and skin care methods according to each characteristic.
If you google it, it’s commonly called MBTI for skin, and it actually uses a similar method.
This is because your skin is judged in 4 steps and your initials are combined to determine one of 16 types.
Leslie Bauman’s 16 skin types
- Dry vs Oily This is to check how dry your skin is, simply by looking at the condition after 2-3 hours without applying anything after washing your face.
If it feels dry or tight, you have dry skin. - Sensitive vs Resistant Have you ever had an allergic reaction to a specific ingredient? If you feel a burning sensation on your skin when applying cosmetics, you are said to be sensitive.
On the other hand, if you don’t get burned easily by the sun and rarely experience redness or acne, you have resistant skin. - Pigmented vs Non-Pigmented If you have a noticeable number of spots or freckles on your face or if acne marks remain for a long time, you are said to have a tinted type.
(Excluding congenital nevi, moles, age spots, etc.) - Wrinkle vs Tight This includes cases where fine lines and wrinkles are visible around the eyes, mouth, and forehead, and the skin texture lacks firmness and elasticity.
I think the standard for wrinkles can be considered average skin for one’s age.
There are quite a few factors that affect the skin, but I don’t think it’s easy to classify them so simply.
However, I think it is much more useful in choosing the right cosmetics for me than simply dividing it into four factors.
If I apply Leslie Bauman’s skin type to me,
I am DSNT.
- D (Dry)
I can’t stand it even for 2-3 hours after washing my face. You need to apply basic products quickly. In particular, I have dry skin that lacks oil. - S (Sensitive)
It is resistant to ultraviolet rays and acne, but when I use cosmetics with ‘rose’ ingredients, I strangely get acne.
The type may have changed now, but I haven’t been able to use it since because I’m scared. - N (Non-Pigmented)
I have some freckles under my eyes, but I have been diagnosed with them as being okay by related expert. - T (Tight)
Compared to my age, my skin texture and wrinkles are good.
In this case, it is said that you can use non-irritating moisturizing products.
What if your skin type is similar to mine but has freckles and wrinkles?
It becomes DSPW.
In this case, you can use cosmetics with moisturizing + whitening + anti-aging functions.
These days, most products are made with double or triple functionality, so you can find them without difficulty.
Skin type changes depending on the environment, such as season and age, so just because you have identified one type, you should not stick to that type.
If my environment has changed, I may need to check again accordingly.