About Skin Type Solutions
The science of knowing your skin type.
For over 15 years we have worked with dermatologists around the world to research, build and validate the Baumann Skin Type® system, then match each of the 16 types to the skin care that actually works for it.
500,000+
quizzes taken around the world with our method
250+
US doctors using our software in their practices
230+
scientific publications in journals and textbooks
40,000+
routine combinations from 90+ brands
Published and recognized in
Trusted by dermatologists, textbooks and millions of readers
Medical textbook · McGraw Hill · 3rd edition, 2022
Baumann's Cosmetic Dermatology
The bestselling cosmetic dermatology textbook in the world, first published in 2002 as Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice. Students around the world use it as they train to become cosmetic dermatologists and estheticians.
8+languages
New York Times bestseller
The Skin Type Solution
Dr. Baumann first described the 16 Baumann Skin Types to the public in this book, published in many languages.
PBS special · 2010
Skin Type Solutions with Dr. Leslie Baumann
Followed six women as they changed their skin to a healthier skin type.
Medical textbook
Fitzpatrick's Dermatology
The Baumann Skin Type system appears in editions 7 through 9.
Medical textbook
Neligan's Plastic Surgery
Included in editions 2 and 3, a reference for plastic surgeons.
Medical textbook
Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Ingredients
Dr. Baumann’s textbook on matching ingredients to skin types.
Since 2017
Korean Society for Skin Type Research
More than 200 board-certified dermatologists researching the Baumann Skin Types.
Following influencers, friends, fashions or fads is a poor way to care for your skin. Your skin type deserves a successful, scientifically determined regimen for the lifetime of your skin.
Dr. Jonathan D. Richey, DO, MHA
STS Approved Doctor · Dermatology Specialists of McKinney, Texas
In dermatology offices since 2013
Tested by dermatologists, in their own practices
Skin Type Solutions started in doctors' offices. In 2013, Dr. Richard Hope in Lubbock, Texas became the first dermatologist to bring the Baumann Skin Type System into his practice, with a product wall organized by all 16 skin types.
More than 100 dermatologists followed as franchisees. Their patients took the questionnaire in the office, and their feedback shaped the routines you get here today.
100+dermatologist franchisees
2013first practice, Lubbock, TX
Our history
Two decades of research, one system
- 2005 Dermatologists at the University of Miami begin using the Baumann Skin Typing System as a diagnostic tool.
- 2006 The 16 Baumann Skin Types reach the public in The Skin Type Solution, a New York Times bestseller.
- 2007 The system is included in medical textbooks and training curriculums.
- 2010 PBS airs Skin Type Solutions with Dr. Leslie Baumann.
- 2013 Dr. Richard Hope in Lubbock, Texas becomes the first dermatologist to test Skin Type Solutions in his practice. A year later, “STS Approved” product guidelines are created.
- 2016 Software launches that lets physicians choose from more than 40 skin care brands.
- 2017 Dr. Baumann is awarded a U.S. patent for changing skin to a healthier skin type.
- 2022 More than 250 US doctors use the Skin Type Solutions software in their practices.
Backed by science
Validated with objective measurements
Dermatologists at the University of Miami validated the questionnaire using a sebometer, a spectrophotometer and the Canfield VISIA camera system. It correctly identifies the skin type even when the patient is not seen in person.
The Global Dermatology Alliance then tested it on patients worldwide. It is valid for ages 13 to 80, in all genders and in multiple ethnicities.
U.S. Patent · August 2017
“Optimized skincare regimens for changing the genetic skin type to the ideal skin type: oily, resistant, non-pigmented and tight skin.”
What makes a product STS Approved
These are the criteria Dr. Baumann considers when designing a personalized routine for each Baumann Skin Type.
- Ingredients each skin type should use
- Ingredients each skin type should avoid
- Formulations for those ingredients, alone and combined
- Adjustments for lifestyle and habits
- Adjustments for personal preferences
- Adjustments for pregnancy, breastfeeding, gluten sensitivity and allergies
- Adjustments for gender
- The step order products go on the skin
- Monthly adjustments based on how the skin responds
- Adjustments for in-office procedures
Our values
Savvy & scientific
We are lifelong learners. We research, test and expand our expertise every day so we can be the smart source for product information.
Ethical & unbiased
We are brand agnostic and test every product ourselves. Nothing enters the system unless it meets our scientific requirements.
Passionate & purposeful
We are driven by a love of the art and science of dermatology, and by helping patients reach their best skin.
Only companies that display the Skin Type Solutions logo have access to the Baumann Skin Typing questionnaire and recommendation software. There are imposters using the system incorrectly.
Know your skin type Your skin type:
Take the same questionnaire dermatologists use. It is free and takes about 5 minutes.
You are partway through the questionnaire dermatologists use. Pick up where you left off.
Your routine is built for your Baumann Skin Type. Retake the quiz every six months, since skin changes.
Take the quizFinish the quizSee my routineHave a medical practice?
Join the hundreds of providers using STS software to guide their patients.
Enroll in STS PRO (opens in a new tab)