Dr. Leslie Baumann on Acne Causes, Myths, and Treatment Mistakes

Dr. Leslie Baumann is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist, New York Times best-selling author, media personality and lecturer, and CEO of Baumann Cosmetic & Research Institute in Miami, Florida. I got the opportunity to ask her a few questions about acne and her skin typing system. 


What causes acne?
Increased Oil Production, Clogged pores and Bacteria. Oil causes dead skin cells to stick together which creates a clogged pore . If bacteria is present it can cause that clogged pore to inflame with pus.

What are some acne myths or common misconceptions people have about acne?

1. Only teenagers get acne 
2. Sun Exposure Helps Acne ( it’s actually the opposite ) 
3. Putting toothpaste on a pimple dries it up – NOT TRUE

4. Popping pimples make them heal faster – popping pimples can cause scarring and further inflammation. 

What are some common mistakes that people make when trying to treat their acne?

They over exfoliate. If you are using a scrub over and over, chances are you also spreading the bacteria back into open pores. Not washing your face last when you bath or shower. People often wash the face and then apply hair conditioner to their hair.  The hair conditioner can make the face break out so the face should be washed AFTER the hair is.

What is the Skin Type Solution?

Skin Type Solutions is a skin typing system that helps accurately and precisely define your skin type using 4 main skin factors

Dry or Oily

Sensitive or Resistant

Pigmented or Non Pigmented

Wrinkled or Tight

Using all D, O, S, R, W and T you come up with 16 different skin types . Once you know your skintype it becomes MUCH easier to use skin care products that are best suited for you .

Here is a video that describes Dr. Baumann's skin typing system:

You can find more information about Dr. Baumann's skin typing system and take the questionnaire to find out what skin type you are at http://www.skintypesolutions.com. After taking the questionnaire you'll be given a list of products that work best for your unique skin type. 

* Adult acne is a reality! It's estimated that adult acne affects 25% of all men and 50% of all women at some point in lives. It can occur in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and even later in life. 

About Dr. Baumann

Dr. Leslie Baumann is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist, New York Times best-selling author, media personality and lecturer, and CEO of Baumann Cosmetic & Research Institute. She authored Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice (McGraw-Hill, 2002), the world's best-selling cosmetic dermatology textbook, as well as the New York Times best-selling book, The Skin Type Solution (Bantam Dell, 2006), which focuses on her revolutionary and proprietary skin typing system. You can find her on Facebook and Twitter.