Save Money: Know Your Skin Type on Yahoo! Health

I have treated and researched thousands of patients in my dermatology practice at the University of Miami since I opened the University of Miami Cosmetic Center in 1997. The most astonishing finding is that 80% of people incorrectly assess their skin type. Incorrectly identifying your skin type causes you to use the wrong skin care products.

Here are some examples:

One study from Korea showed that many people underestimate how oily their skin is. I have found that many people with oily skin think that they have dry skin, and they use unnecessary moisturizers that are making their skin oilier. This can lead to acne, large pores and blackheads. Those with oily skin should stick to serums rather than using moisturizing creams and lotions.

Acne is worsened by friction. Therefore those with acne should avoid facial scrubs and microdermabrasion. Facials should only be done by experienced aestheticians. Anti-aging creams, especially the expensive ones, often lead to adult acne due to the ingredients that they contain. If you have acne, look for products with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid. Avoid products with the natural ingredients coconut oil and avocado, and the chemical ingredients socetyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl palmitate, and isopropyl myristate. (These can be found in hair conditioners so avoid hair products with these ingredients as well!)

Many of the patients that I have seen do not realize that they have early rosacea. Symptoms include facial flushing and pimples. Those that have rosacea should avoid glycolic acid, menthol, camphor and facial scrubs. Facials may worsen rosacea if the proper anti-inflammatory ingredients are not used.

Dry skin can lead to aging so it is crucial to diagnose it and treat it properly. Dry skin types should avoid foaming cleansers, prolonged exposure to hot water, and should moisturize with barrier repair ingredients such as ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol. Facial scrubs, toners, and microdermabrasion can worsen dry skin.

I cannot stress enough how crucial it is to know your skin type. The only validated way to determine your skin type is to see a dermatologist or take the questionnaire found in Chapter 3 of the book "The Skin Type Solution." In the future, aestheticians will be trained to type the skin as well. Please do not skip this important step -- it will save you hundreds of dollars and will give you the healthiest skin possible.

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Dr. Baumann is author of the best-selling book, " The Skin Type Solution." To learn more about her revolutionary skin typing system, visit her Web site, SkinTypeSolutions.com.

All of Dr. Baumann's recommended skin care products are available online, and a portion of proceeds goes to The Dermatology Foundation.