Baumann Skin Type 7: OSPW

The OSPW Skin Type is Oily, Sensitive, Pigmented, and Wrinkled, with three barriers to skin health: inflammation, pigmentation, and aging. Together, inflammation and pigmentation problems can be a challenge for OSPWs, often leading to acne, melasma, rosacea, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

However, by using the proper skincare regimen and treatment options for your skin, you can achieve a clear, healthy complexion!

OSPW types do not have to worry about dryness or dehydration, as your skin produces adequate sebum (oil) to maintain a healthy skin barrier that is able to retain moisture and keep irritants out. Because of this, OSPWs can usually skip using a moisturizer in the morning, using only a daily sunscreen.

With three barriers to skin health, OSPWs tend to struggle with inflammation and redness, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, and conditions such as acne, rosacea, melasma or post-inflammatory pigment alteration (PIPA).

Inflammation and pigmentation problems go hand-in-hand. Inflammation that causes acne, for example, can lead to dark spots where acne lesions healed. Your skin is also prone to signs of accelerated aging due to sun exposure and photoaging.

The specifics of your skincare regimen will depend on which skin conditions are a concern for you. OSPWs tend to fit into one of five phenotypes, and the best treatment advice will vary for each:

1. A younger person with acne who has increased sun exposure
2. An adult with acne and photoaging
3. An adult with facial redness and melasma
4. An adult with acne, resulting in PIPA
5. An adult with rosacea and photoaging

The best skincare ingredients for OSPW skin will calm inflammation, brighten dark spots, smooth lines and wrinkles, and prevent future sun damage. Look for ingredients like:

• Ascorbic acid
• Azelaic acid
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)
• Defensins
• Feverfew
• Green tea
• Heparan sulfate
• Hexylresorcinol
• Hyaluronic acid
• Licorice extract
• Methyl dihydroxybenzoate
• Niacinamide
• Phloretin
• Retinol
• Salicylic acid
• Silver
• Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
• Tranexamic acid

You can find a much more in depth list of anti-inflammatory ingredients here. 

OSPW skin types should avoid skincare ingredients that can cause irritation and inflammation or clog pores. Ingredients to avoid include:

• Avocado oil
• Bergamot oil
• Coconut oil
• Evening primrose oil
• Olive oil
• Isopropyl myristate

Foaming cleansers or those with salicylic acid are good choices for oily skin types like OSPW. Salicylic acid removes excess oil from the face and also helps eliminate acne causing bacteria from the skin.

Retinoids are an excellent treatment option for this type, as these ingredients can treat many of the skin problems that OSPWs struggle with, including acne, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. Retinoids should be started slowly and gradually in OSPWs with rosacea, as they can otherwise cause redness and irritation.

As a pigmented skin type, it is crucial to include skin lightening ingredients in your custom regimen. There are different types of skin lighteners like tyrosinase inhibitors, PAR-2 blockers, and even exfoliators help lighten skin to a small degree. Exfoliators help your body's natural desquamation process.

Using a combination of skin lightening ingredients is great for treating dark spots.

All Baumann Skin Types, including OSPW, should use a daily sunscreen of SPF15 or higher or SPF30 or higher when outside. Remember to reapply your sunscreen regularly, especially when in direct sunlight for long periods.

OSPW skin types should generally avoid products that contain comedogenic ingredients that can clog pores, as well as ingredients that can trigger inflammation and redness. Choose light moisturizers rather than heavy ones if your skin is very oily. A good way to know if an ingredient is comedogenic is by checking our reference guide here. Thick, creamy oils rich in saturated fats are a common culprit for clogging pores on this skin type. Make sure to read ingredient labels carefully when buying moisturizers.

Salicylic acid peels, facial extractions, and HydraFacials are good options for OSPW skin types, especially those with acne. Avoid blue light therapy, as this can make pigmentation issues worse.

OSPW skin types with rosacea may benefit from red light or laser treatments to treat visible blood vessels and redness.

OSPW skin types concerned about wrinkles and other signs of aging may benefit from neuromodulator injections such as BOTOX or Dysport, as well as dermal fillers and skin-tightening treatments. Microneedling should be used with caution or avoided, especially in Fitzpatrick Skin Types III or higher, as this may result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Inflammatory skin conditions like acne and rosacea, combined with uneven skin tone and wrinkles, are the primary skin concerns that the OSPW skin type struggle with. However, a skincare regimen that consists of the proper treatment ingredients and in-office treatments can successfully address these concerns, helping you achieve the healthy, clear complexion you are looking for.

Now that you've found your Baumann Skin Type, check out our full online library! We post new blogs almost every day that cover skin care topics and ingredient science. Once you've tried out your recommended skin care routine, please leave a comment below and let us know how we did!