Baumann Skin Type 4: DSNW

The DSNW Skin Type is Dry, Sensitive, Non-pigmented, and Wrinkled. The majority of people with this skin type fit into one of two categories:

1. an adult with rosacea and photoaging
2. a woman with acne.

Though this skin type can be challenging to manage because it has three of the four barriers to skin health (dehydration, inflammation, and aging), all hope is not lost!

With the proper skin care regimen and lifestyle habits, DSNW skin types can be well on their way to obtaining a healthier, clearer complexion.

The good news for DSNWs is that pigmentation problems such as uneven skin tone, dark spots, and melasma are not an issue. Wearing sunscreen and avoiding tanning will help you to maintain your even skin tone and texture.

Like other dry Baumann Skin Types, DSNW skin has an impaired barrier. Because of this, your skin has trouble holding onto moisture and preventing allergens and irritants from reaching the deeper layers of your skin. Use a barrier repair moisturizer that uses MLE technology to mimic your skin’s natural lipid structure and restore proper barrier function and hydration. The skin barrier is mainly made up of three lipid types:

1. Ceramides
2. Cholesterol
3. Free fatty acids

If you are vegan but need cholesterol in your skin care regimen, beta-sitosterol is a completely vegan compound used for the same general purposes in skin care.

A sensitive skin type, DSNW skin is also prone to inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea and acne.

Your skin might also burn or sting when using certain ingredients found in some skincare and personal care products like laundry detergent, shampoo, and conditioner.

Look for calming anti-inflammatory ingredients to help soothe your skin, and work with your dermatologist to find the proper acne or rosacea treatment products for your specific condition.

Lastly, signs of aging like lines and wrinkles are a concern for DSNW skin. Always wear SPF of at least 15, even when indoors, or SPF 30 or higher when outside to protect your skin from damaging UV rays. You can also incorporate a supplement such as Heliocare into your daily routine for added free radical protection.

The best skincare ingredients for DSNW skin provide much-needed hydration, restore barrier function, soothe inflammation, and protect against free radical damage caused by the sun and other environmental factors. Look for ingredients like:

Argan Oil

Beta-sitosterol

Borage seed oil

Caffeine

Ceramide

Chamomile

Cholesterol

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)

Cucumber

Dexpanthenol (pro-vitamin B5)

Ferulic acid

Feverfew

Glycerin

Grape seed extract

Green tea

Macadamia Oil

Myristoyl/Palmitoyl oxostearamide/arachamide mea

Resveratrol

Retinol

Stearic acid

DSNW skin types should avoid ingredients that will cause dryness, burning, stinging, redness, or other signs of inflammation. Ingredients to avoid include:

Alcohols

Anionic surfactants

Anything causing allergy

Cinnamon oil

Coconut oil

Hard water (increased calcium)

Isopropyl myristate

DSNW skin types should use moisturizing, non-foaming cleansers and may need to rinse with filtered or special cleansing water if stinging and burning is a concern.

When in the shower, rinse out shampoo and conditioner before washing your face. That way, your cleanser can remove any potential irritants from your hair products.

Use a barrier repair moisturizer with MLE technology to restore proper barrier function to your skin.

When using a retinoid, begin by applying it on top of your moisturizer to minimize side effects like dryness and flaking as your skin becomes accustomed to this ingredient.

Since this skin type doesn't have hyperpigmentation concerns, it doesn't need tyrosinase inhibitors or other skin lightening ingredients.

All Baumann Skin Types, including DSNW, should use a daily SPF, even when not outside. The sun’s UV rays can penetrate glass, so your skin can still be exposed when driving in your car or sitting next to a window.

Dry skin types like DSNW should avoid using foaming cleansers, especially those with anionic detergents because they strip away the natural oils from the skin.

Avoid any skincare or personal care products with known allergens or irritants that cause redness, stinging, or burning.

Like other sensitive skin types, DSNWs should avoid harsh physical exfoliation, which can make dryness, redness, rosacea, and acne worse.

The best cosmetic procedures for your DSNW skin will depend on which specific condition(s) are your primary concerns. DSNW skin with acne, for example, can benefit from glycolic acid chemical peels to gently exfoliate the skin and remove dirt, debris, and dead skin cells from clogged pores.

DSNWs with rosacea can benefit from red light therapy, IPL, or vascular lasers to treat redness and visible blood vessels.

If wrinkles, volume loss, and other signs of aging are concerns for your DSNW skin, anti-aging treatments like BOTOX, dermal fillers, microneedling, and skin tightening can be beneficial.

Dryness, inflammation, and aging are the main concerns for DSNW skin. However, the proper skin care and cosmetic treatment regimens combined with healthy lifestyle habits can help you resolve each of these issues, leaving you with a healthy, clear, and comfortable complexion.