Skin Type Chart
Skin Type Charts have been used in dermatological research for years to separate people into different phenotypes.
There are 3 main skin type charts used by dermatologists and found in dermatology textbooks:
- Fitzpatrick Skin Type Chart with 6 skin types
- Baumann Skin Type Chart with 16 skin types
- Loreal Chromosphere Skin Color Chart
These skin type charts use numbers to designate the skin type. The LOreal Skin Color Chart uses a number and a letter to name different skin tones and hues.
First lets discuss the Baumann Skin Type Chart and then we will look at the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Chart and the LOreal Skin Color Chart
Baumann Skin Type Chart
There are 16 Baumann Skin Types based on the presence or absence of 4 barriers to skin health.
Each skin type has a different combination of skin concerns.
The Baumann Skin Type is diagnosed using a validated scientific quiz.
Click below to learn more about each skin type on the skin type chart:
What do the 4 Letters in the Baumann Skin Typing System Mean?
The 4 letters when used together are known as the Baumann Skin Type Indicator. (1-4)
These 4 skin type letters are used by dermatologists to divide patients (5-9) into 16 unique skin type phenotypes using a validated questionnaire (10-11) in order to prescribe skin care regimens. (12-13)
There are multiple medical publications about this that can be found below in the references. (14)
This is the skin type system used by dermatologists to prescribe skin care routines.
Fitzpatrick Skin Type Chart
The Fitzpatrick Skin Type is based upon how your skin responds in the sun? Does it tan? Does it burn?
The Fitzpatrick skin type is a not a measure of ethnicity- but rather how easily your skin makes melanin.
The Fitzpatrick Skin Typing System in no way determines what skin care products are right for you.
It was developed as a way for dermatologists to decide what dose of ultraviolet rays to use to treat psoriasis and vitiligo with phototherapy.
You determine your Fitzpatrick skin type by answering a set of questions.
The LOreal Skin Color Chart
L'Oréal has conducted an in-depth dermatological study aiming to understand the nuances and variations of skin types on a biological level. (12) This research was designed not only to elucidate the factors influencing aging and photodamage but also to cater to the specific dermatological needs presented by diverse skin tones. A pivotal aspect of the study concentrated on distinguishing between the intrinsic and perceived colors of the skin. By involving a global cohort of female participants, the researchers utilized a dual-method approach: initially allowing participants to correlate their skin tones with a detailed colorimetric chart consisting of 66 distinct shades, and subsequently employing the "chromasphere®", a proprietary instrument devised by L'Oréal, for precise chromatic measurements. Through rigorous data collection and analysis, the team delineated a comprehensive topographical representation of skin chromatic variations across different global demographics. This objective classification serves as a foundational tool and Skin Type Color Chart for the development of specialized cosmetic formulations, from diversifying foundation palettes to evaluating the efficacy of dermatological products addressing skin luminosity and tone disparities.
Dr. Leslie Baumann MD, FAAD
Best References and Scientific Publications on Skin Type Charts:
- Baumann L. Baumann Skin Typing System in Ch.10 37 of Baumann's Cosmetic Dermatology Ed 3. (McGraw Hill 2022)
- Baumann, L. Ch. Cosmeceuticals and cosmetic Ingredients (McGraw Hill 2015)
Baumann, L. (2008). Understanding and treating various skin types: the Baumann Skin Type Indicator. Dermatologic clinics, 26(3), 359-373.
Baumann, L. (2009). The Baumann skin-type indicator: a novel approach to understanding skin type. Handbook of Cosmetic Science and Technology, 3rd Edition, Informa Healthcare, New York, 29-40.
Baumann, L. (2008, 2012, 2019). Cosmetics and Skin Care in Dermatology. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 7t, 8th and 9th eds. New York: McGraw Hill.
Baumann, Leslie S. “The Baumann Skin Typing System” in Farage MA, et al. Textbook of Aging Skin Skin. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg (2017): 1579-1594.
Ahn, S. K., Jun, M., Bak, H., Park, B. D., Hong, S. P., Lee, S. H., ... & Park, K. (2017). Baumann skin type in the Korean female population. Annals of dermatology, 29(5), 586-596.
Choi, J. Y., Choi, Y. J., Nam, J. H., Jung, H. J., Lee, G. Y., & Kim, W. S. (2016). Identifying skin type using the Baumann skin type questionnaire in Korean women who visited a dermatologic clinic. Korean Journal of Dermatology, 54(6), 422-437.
Lee, Y. B., Park, S. M., Bae, J. M., Yu, D. S., Kim, H. J., & Kim, J. W. (2017). Which Skin Type Is Prevalent in Korean Post-Adolescent Acne Patients?: A Pilot Study Using the Baumann Skin Type Indicator. Annals of dermatology, 29(6), 817-819.
Park, J. W., Park, S. J., Park, K. Y., Ahn, G. Y., Seo, S. J., & Kim, M. N. (2019). P062: A study on the correlation of skin types with genetic factors and environmental factors in Koreans. 71(2), 354-354.
Baumann, Leslie S., et al. “A Validated Questionnaire for Quantifying Skin Oiliness” Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications 4 (2014): 78-84.
De Rigal, J., Abella, M. L., Giron, F., Caisey, L., & Lefebvre, M. A. (2007). Development and validation of a new Skin Color Chart®. Skin Research and Technology, 13(1), 101-109. https://www.loreal.com/en/articles/science-and-technology/expert-inskin/
Baumann, Leslie. “Validation of a Questionnaire to Diagnose the Baumann Skin Type in All Ethnicities and in Various Geographic Locations” Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications 6 (2016): 34-40.
Baumann, L. (2006). The skin type solution: a revolutionary guide to your best skin ever. Bantam.
Baumann, L. (2020). 14 A Scientific Approach to Cosmeceuticals. The Art of Aesthetic Surgery, Three Volume Set: Principles and Techniques.
Lee, Y. B., Ahn, S. K., Ahn, G. Y., Bak, H., Hong, S. P., Go, E. J., ... & Goo, J. W. (2019). Baumann Skin Type in the Korean Male Population. Annals of Dermatology, 31(6), 621-630.
Isa, Z. M., Shamsuddin, K., Bukhari, N. B. I., Lin, K. G., Mahdy, Z. A., Hassan, H., & Ghazi, H. F. (2016). The reliability of Fitzpatrick Skin Type Chart Comparing to Mexameter (Mx 18) in measuring skin color among first trimester pregnant mothers in Petaling District, Malaysia. Malays J Public Health Med, 16(3), 59-65.