Solutions for Dry Skin, Wrinkles and More

March 10, 2006— -- Americans spend $50 million a year on skin products. However, in her new book, "The Skin Type Solution," leading dermatologist Leslie Baumann says most people -- 80 percent -- don't know what type of skin type they have or how to care for it.

Baumann offers advice for care of the 16 distinct skin types. You can find some of her tips below:

Know Your Skin Type
For more than 100 years, people have used four categories to describe skin type: oily, normal, dry and combination. In fact, most people's skin is more complicated, and you have to be much more specific to properly maintain healthy skin. Baumann provides a quiz in her book to determine skin type.

For Dry Skin
It's important not to further dry out dry skin. Use nonfoaming cleansers that help skin keep the protective layer of fat that keeps the skin moisturized.

For Redness
Sensitive skin often gets red and inflamed, so use a moisturizer with an anti-inflammatory.

To Prevent Wrinkles
Antioxidants and sunscreen are key to preventing wrinkles. Baumann says it is essential for everyone -- light-skinned and dark-skinned individuals -- to wear sunscreen.

For Adult Acne
More people are suffering from adult acne, and experts are unsure why. Baumann believes it may be because women are using the wrong antiaging product, which is making their skin too oily. Benzoil peroxide will dry out excess oil and clean bacteria in the skin. Products for teens also work well for adults, and are often less expensive.