The DSPW Skin Type is Dry, Sensitive, Pigmented, and Wrinkled. DSPW is one of the most complex and challenging skin types to manage, as all four barriers to skin health are present: dehydration, inflammation, pigmentation, and aging. Many DSPW skin types also struggle with acne or rosacea. However, all of these skin concerns can be remedied with the proper skincare ingredients and regimen.

To get the best advice for treating your DSPW skin type, read below and level up your skin care knowledge!

Because there are so many variables that can be a challenge for DSPW skin, this type is one of the most difficult to manage. But don’t lose hope! Your skin can be healthy, clear, and smooth with the help of a consistent regimen designed specifically for your dry, sensitive skin.

DSPW and other dry Baumann Skin Types have an impaired skin barrier, which means their skin has trouble holding onto water and keeping irritants and allergens from penetrating into deeper layers. Use a high-quality barrier repair moisturizer like Zerafite that uses MLE technology to repair a damaged skin barrier and restore its proper functioning.

DSPW skin is also sensitive and therefore prone to inflammation. People with this skin type tend to fall into one of three categories:

1. Over the age of 30 with rosacea,
2. Younger than 30 with acne,
3. Adult women with acne.

Acne and rosacea are both caused by underlying inflammation, a hallmark of DSPW skin. The right treatment products will depend on whether you suffer from acne or rosacea, though generally speaking, anti-inflammatory ingredients can calm redness and soothe the skin.

Inflammation can also lead to hyperpigmentation, causing dark spots and uneven skin tone. Sun exposure exacerbates pigmentation problems, as the sun’s UV rays trigger your skin to produce more and more melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. Skin-brightening ingredients like vitamin C and kojic acid, or perhaps a tyrosinase inhibitor, paired with good sun protection habits, can address uneven skin tone and other concerns related to pigmentation.

Finally, DSPW skin is also prone to wrinkles and other signs of aging, as well as an increased risk of skin cancer due to sun exposure. Daily sunscreen is a must for this skin type, and be sure to maintain regular skin screening appointments with your dermatologist.

The best skincare ingredients for DSPW offer hydration, anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties, and antioxidants to protect against free radical damage. Look for ingredients like these:

• Arbutin
• Argan oil
• Beta-sitosterol
• Ceramides
• Cholesterol
• Coenzyme Q10
• Feverfew
• Grape seed extract
• Green tea
• Hexylresorcinol
• Licorice extract
• Macadamia oil
• Methyl dihydroxybenzoate
• Mulberry extract
• Myristoyl/Palmitoyl oxostearamide/arachamide mea
• Niacinamide
• Phloretin
• Resveratrol
• Retinol
• Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate

DSPW skin types should avoid ingredients that will cause dryness, redness, other signs of irritation, or clogged pores. Ingredients to avoid for this skin type include:

• Alcohol
• Anionic surfactants
• Avocado oil
• Coconut oil
• Foaming cleanser
• Hard water (increased calcium)
• Isopropyl myristate
• Lanolin
• Mechanical exfoliation (scrubs)
• Myristyl propionate
• Peppermint oil
• Propylene glycol-2 (PPG-2)

The best skincare products for DSPW skin include:

• A creamy, lipid-rich cleanser that does not foam, 
• A barrier repair moisturizer that uses MLE technology, and treatment products specific to unique skin concerns such as acne, rosacea, or melasma.

If your skin tends to burn and sting when washing your face, try using filtered water or special facial cleansing water to rinse your face instead of tap water. Hard tap water contains high levels of calcium and other minerals that can cause burning, stinging, and redness, especially in sensitive skin like yours.

All DSPW skin types can benefit from using a retinoid, though retinoids must be slowly and gradually introduced to your skincare regimen. Begin by applying a retinoid every three days, gradually increasing the frequency with which you apply as your skin becomes accustomed to this ingredient. If you start to experience dryness, flaking, redness, or stinging, use less frequently.

All Baumann Skin Types, including DSPW, should wear sunscreen with at least SPF 15 every day. Dry, sensitive skin types like DSPW generally do well with a moisturizing physical sunscreen.

Like other dry skin types, DSPWs should avoid using foaming cleansers, which strip away the natural oils from your skin. DSPW types should also avoid using physical exfoliants, such as harsh facial scrubs, as the friction caused by these products can worsen dryness and irritation, especially when also struggling with acne or rosacea.

Fortunately, there are a variety of cosmetic procedures that can help DSPW skin types manage symptoms and obtain clear, healthy skin.

DSPWs with acne and/or dark spots and uneven skin tone can benefit from a chemical peel that contains glycolic acid and skin-brightening ingredients. These peels can treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can cause dark spots on the skin following acne breakouts.

DSPWs with rosacea can benefit from vascular laser treatments or red light therapy to address visible blood vessels and other signs of redness on the skin.

DSPWs with visible lines and wrinkles may benefit from injectable wrinkle treatments like BOTOX, dermal fillers, and/or nonsurgical skin-tightening treatments.

DSPWs with dark spots, uneven skin tone, and other pigmentation concerns may benefit from skin-lightening treatment products and/or microneedling to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Though many variables can affect DSPW skin types, common issues such as dryness, inflammation, dark spots, and wrinkles can be resolved with consistent use of the proper skin care regimen, treatment products and procedures, and healthy lifestyle habits like sun avoidance, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress.