The DSNT skin type is one of 16 unique skin types identified in the Baumann Skin Typing System, a dermatologist-developed skin typing system created by professor Leslie Baumann in 2005. If you have dry, sensitive, non-pigmented, and tight skin, your Baumann skin type is DSNT.
You don’t struggle with dark spots or signs of aging, but you may still want to prevent them. In order to achieve that goal, consider putting together an anti-fatigue routine using only gentle, hydrating products that won’t dry out your dry skin.
This post is part of a series on the Baumann Skin Typing System, a dermatologist-developed skin typing system with 16 different skin types. If you are a DSNT skin type, keep reading; if not, take our quiz to find your unique skin type!
On this post:
- What is the Baumann Skin Typing System?
- What are the 16 Baumann skin types?
- The DSNT skin type: How to identify it
- How to care for DSNT skin
What is the Baumann Skin Typing System?
The Baumann Skin Type Indicator, or Baumann Skin Typing System, is a skin type classification system created by dermatology professor Leslie Baumann. It was first unveiled in the book “The Skin Type Solution”, published in 2005, and it’s since taken the world of beauty by storm.
Rather than rely on the traditional skin types we’re all familiar with (think dry, normal, or oily skin), the Baumann system is based around skin characteristics. According to Leslie Baumann, each person can be placed on either side of these four parameters, resulting in a unique skin type:
- Oily (O) versus Dry (D)
- Sensitive (S) versus Resistant (R)
- Pigmented (P) versus Nonpigmented (N)
- Wrinkled (W) versus Tight or Unwrinkled (T)
What are the 16 Baumann skin types?
In the table below, you will be able to find the 16 Baumann skin types, divided by the two characteristics that are often easier to identify: Oily (O) versus Dry (D) skin, and Sensitive (S) versus Resistant (R) skin:
| Dry | Oily | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitive | DSNT → you are here DSNW DSPT DSPW |
OSNT OSNW OSPT OSPW |
| Resistant | DRNT DRNW DRPT DRPW |
ORNT ORNW ORPT ORPW |
The DSNT skin type: How to identify it
The DSNT skin type is dry, sensitive, non-pigmented, and tight (unwrinkled). Let’s dive a little deeper into what that means:
Dry
According to Leslie Baumann’s system, dry skin has low sebum production and a moisture imbalance; for this reason, it needs a little more help than oily skin. Among the concerns associated with dry skin, are decreased sebum production, of course, but also rough texture, tightness, and a dull appearance that doesn’t quite reflect the light.
Sensitive
There are four unique subtypes of sensitive skin in the Baumann system: acne, rosacea, stinging, and allergic. The four subtypes can be useful when building pathology-centric skincare routines (especially for the acne and rosacea subtypes), but you don’t have to go that deep if you don’t want to.
The important thing to keep in mind is that inflammation is the common trait among the four subtypes of sensitive skin. Because of this, sensitive skin will typically require more complex care to tackle the source of inflammation without triggering further reactions.
Non-Pigmented
This skin type doesn’t have any concerns associated with unwanted pigmentation–think dark spots and patches, melasma, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This is a great situation to be in, and you may want to put some effort into maintaining it. A good way to prevent the development of dark spots is to use sunscreen every day–even when it’s cloudy!
Tight
“Tight” skin doesn’t have any visible signs of aging–yet. If you have a “tight” skin type, you have two possible options when building your skincare routine: you can keep things simple and make sure your skin stays healthy and hydrated, or you can turn it up a notch and focus on preventing the first signs of aging. The choice is yours, and it’ll depend on a lot of factors: your age, your lifestyle, the environmental aggressions you’re exposed to, and so much more.
How to care for DSNT skin
If your skin type is DSNT, you have dry, sensitive, non-pigmented, and tight skin. You don’t struggle with dark spots or signs of aging, but you may still want to prevent them. If that’s what you’re after, then you should consider putting together a DSNT routine that focuses on preventing damage and fatigue.
Here are some of the products you can use:
- A gentle cleanser that won’t trigger your sensitive skin;
- A comforting toner to rebalance your skin after cleansing;
- An antioxidant product to prevent environmental aggressions in the daytime;
- A very high protection sunscreen for daily wear. Keep this one close to prevent the appearance of dark spots!
Discover your DSNT skincare routine now:
To help you start your skincare journey, we’ve got two DSNT skincare routines for you to try. They are both very gentle, very hydrating, and very suitable for dry sensitive skin. Feel free to pick the option that suits your lifestyle the best:
The Baumann Skin Typing System may seem a little complicated at first, but it’s a simple, intuitive way to classify skin types based on 4 characteristics that everyone can understand. If you are a DSNT skin type, you know your skin is dry, sensitive, non-pigmented, and tight; following the routines above, you will be able to care for your skin according to its specific needs. Still need a little help? Then don’t hesitate to contact our beauty experts; we’ll be glad to help!
