YOUR SKIN TYPE RESULTS: DSNT

Dry, Sensitive, Non-Pigmented Skin Tone, Tight-Compact Skin

“I do not have any aging issues yet but my dry sensitive skin drives me crazy—especially in the winter. I am not sure why my skin is so sensitive and would like to try and crack the code.” 

 

Skin dryness is the predominant characteristic of this Skin Type that also suffers from episodes of inflammation. Your Skin Type enjoys an even skin tone and wrinkles are minimal or not present. 

SKIN CARE INGREDIENTS TO AVOID

Irritating Detergents:

• Dimethyl dodecyl amido
• Lauryl sulfates
• Sodium dodecyl betaine sulfate
• Sodium lauryl sulfate

If you have increasing acne or skin redness:

• Cinnamon oil
• Cocoa butter
• Cocos nucifera (coconut oil)
• Isopropyl isostearate
• Isopropyl myristate
• Peppermint oil
• Soy

Makeup irritants:

• D and C red dyes in blush and color makeup
• Xanthenes, mono-azoanilines, fluorans, and indigoids are the most problematic

Problematic preservatives:

• Benzalkonium chloride
• Bronopol Chloroacetamide
• Chlorocresol
• Chlorohexidine
• Chloroquinaldol
• Diazolidinyl urea
• Dibromodicyanobutane (phenoxyethanol)
• Dichlorophen
• DMDM hydantoin
• Formaldehyde
• Glutaraldehyde
• Imidazolidinyl urea
• Kathon CG
• Parabens
• Phenylmercuric acetate
• Quaternium-15
• Sorbic acid (not ascorbic acid)
• Thimerosal Triclosan

If you get skin rashes from sunscreen:

• Benzophenone
• Methoxycinnamate
• Padimate
• Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)

MOISTURIZERS FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE

Although your thirsty dry skin desperately needs moisturizer, the use of retinol- and retinoid-containing products aren’t necessary for you. Plus, despite their anti-aging benefits, they can be drying and should be used selectively by only some of the dry skin types. Oils that contain linoleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids should be added to the diet. 

REPAIRING YOUR SKIN BARRIER

The three main components of a well-functioning skin barrier are cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides, different types of fat molecules that must be present in the right ratio to form the correct three-dimensional structure to make the skin watertight. Anything that disrupts any of these three types of fats either internally or externally can therefore undermine the structure of the skin barrier. Taking drugs that lower cholesterol levels worsens dry skin. Detergents, like sodium lauryl sulfate, strip fatty acids, leading to dry skin and irritation, research reveals. Sun exposure inhibits enzymes that help to make ceramides, resulting in dry skin. While many skin care products contain one or more of the key fats needed for skin repair, the best products contain all three in the right ratio.

PATCH TESTING

Your Skin Type does not need any skin care procedures. However, for some problems, you may wish to consult a dermatologist. For example, if your skin reacts to multiple skin care products, your dermatologist can patch test you to find out whether you are indeed allergic and, if so, precisely what you are allergic to. Patch testing involves taping small samples of several types of allergens on your back. You return to the doctor twenty-four hours later to see if any of the areas have developed redness, which indicates an allergic reaction. Sometimes several tests, using different allergens, are needed before you can find out what is causing your allergy.

ONGOING CARE FOR YOUR SKIN

The goal of your skin care routine is to make your skin less dry and sensitive, using products that deliver ingredients that repair the skin barrier. In addition, your daily regimen will help to prevent and treat acne as well as eczema flare-ups. Avoid harsh chemicals, environmental extremes, and anything that could undermine your skin barrier. Moisturize continually and spray face water or mist before moisturizer use. Make sure to incorporate essential fats into your diet, because repairing and maintaining a healthy skin barrier is your first priority.

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Our skin diagnostic uses Baumann's (2004) science-based skin-type classification system comprised of 16 distinct Baumann Skin Types®.