10 Reasons to Diagnose Your Skin Type: A Game-Changer for Your Skincare Routine

10 Reasons to Diagnose Your Skin Type: A Game-Changer for Your Skincare Routine

As a 33-year-old British woman, I’ve had my fair share of skincare trials and tribulations. For years, I was convinced I had dry skin, leading me to invest in high-end products from Dr. Lipp and Aesop, courtesy of Space NK, hoping for a miracle. Despite the splurge, my skin remained far from flawless.  Each menstrual cycle brought with it dreaded acne spots, and my forehead was constantly adorned with sandpaper-like bumps. It was deeply frustrating and, frankly, embarrassing. The horror of discovering a pimple that seemed fit for a Dr. Pimple Popper episode was a frequent occurrence.  It was a frustrating journey, to say the least. That is until I discovered the importance of diagnosing my skin type accurately.

The revelation came when I took the Skin Type Solutions quiz, which identified me as a Baumann Skin Type 8 (OSNW). I did not even know there were 16 different skin types! This was a lightbulb moment; all this time, I was using products ill-suited for my skin’s actual needs that were clogging my pores and causing havoc. The dermatologist’s advice I received after taking the quiz suggested a regimen overhaul that included Nolio Salicylic Acid Cleanser, La Roche Posay Mattifying Moisturizer, and a SkinMedica Retinol. Six weeks into this new routine, I experienced no breakouts during my period, and those bothersome forehead bumps had cleared up. It was nothing short of a skincare miracle.

This journey made me want to enlighten others about the transformative power of understanding different skin types.  Here are the insights I’ve gained about why you need to know what skin type you are:

1. To Ensure the Products You Are Using Are Right for You: Using the wrong products, as I learned, can do more harm than good, regardless of their price tag.
2. To Build a Skincare Routine with Products in the Correct Step Order: Knowing your skin type helps you structure your skincare routine more effectively, ensuring each product complements the next.
3. To Read Reviews from Others with Your Same Baumann Skin Type: This has been invaluable, as it’s easier to trust reviews from those who share your skin concerns and type.
4. So When You Read Reviews, Others Will Know If You Are the Same Skin Type: This adds context to your feedback, making your reviews more helpful for others navigating their skincare journey.
5. It Makes It Easier to Learn About Your Skin Issues: Understanding your skin type unlocks a wealth of targeted information to address your specific concerns effectively.
6. So You Can Shop by Your Skin Type: This has simplified shopping for skincare products, allowing me to filter options that are suitable for my OSNW skin type.
7. To Avoid Wasting Money on Ineffective Products: Knowing your skin type helps you invest wisely in products that are likely to work for you.
8. To Achieve Faster and More Effective Results: Tailored skincare routines mean you can see improvements much sooner.
9. To Prevent Potential Skin Damage: Using unsuitable products can damage your skin barrier, leading to more problems. Knowing your skin type helps avoid this.
10. To Gain Confidence in Your Skincare Choices: Understanding your skin type equips you with the knowledge to make informed decisions, boosting your confidence in your skincare routine.

Realizing I was a Baumann Skin Type 8 (OSNW) and not dry as I had assumed, dramatically transformed my skincare routine and, subsequently, my skin’s health. I hope sharing my experience encourages you to take the Skin Type Solutions quiz and discover your true skin type so you can also find the best path to your skin’s wellbeing. Remember, skincare is not one-size-fits-all, and your journey to radiant skin begins with knowing your unique skin type.