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The Journey to 256 Unique Skin Types

Updated: Mar 5

About the author: Dr V.P.S Ghotra

Dr Ghotra received his MD degree from Maastricht University and a PhD from Leiden University. Complementing his substantial academic credentials, he acquired a Master's degree in Ageing and Aesthetics from the prestigious University of Manchester. Leading his clinic in the vicinity of Amsterdam, Dr. Ghotra specializes in an array of minimally invasive aesthetic procedures. His expertise encompasses a wide range of treatments, from the precision of Botulinum toxin applications to the innovative techniques involved in thread lifts, fillers, and the latest advancements in laser therapies, providing his patients with cutting-edge solutions in the field of aesthetic medicine.



In the world of skincare, one size does not fit all. Each individual's skin tells a unique story, requiring a personalized approach to care and treatment.


The genesis of a Dermidentity Code

The general skin classification systems, while comprehensive, didn't account for the intricate variations revealed by advanced deep skin analysis technologies like Visia. Dr. Ghotra envisioned a system that combined the best of both worlds – the thoroughness of superficial and the precision of deep skin analysis. The journey from the established Superficial Skin Analysis System(Baumann's) to the pioneering 256 skin types, developed by Dr Veerander Ghotra, marks a significant leap in personalized skincare. Let's delve into this transformative process, step by step.





Navigating Your Skin's Unique Journey

Embark on a fascinating journey to discover your unique skin type. This guide will lead you through a simple, step-by-step process to identify your skin's characteristics, helping you understand your skin better and make informed choices about your skincare.

Let's guide you through a simple, step-by-step adventure to uncover your DermIdentity code. Demystifying your DermIdentity Code involves both superficial and deep skin analysis.


Superficial Skin Analysis

Your journey begins with understanding the four pillars of the basic skin type system: Dehydration (D), inflammation (I), pigmentation (P), and wrinkle formation (W). Each of these pillars has two paths - one leading to one characteristic (e.g., oily or dry) and the other to its opposite.


Step 1: Assessing Dehydration (D)

  • Dry Skin(D): After cleansing, does your skin feel tight or flaky? This indicates a lack of sebum and characterizes dry skin.

  • Oily Skin(O): Does your skin appear shiny, especially in the T-zone? This suggests excess sebum production, typical of oily skin.

Step 2: Evaluating Inflammation (I)

  • Sensitive Skin(S): Does your skin react to new products or environmental changes with redness or irritation? This sensitivity indicates a more reactive skin type.

  • Resistant Skin(R): Can your skin tolerate a variety of products without adverse reactions? This resilience is characteristic of resistant skin.

Step 3: Determining Pigmentation (P)

  • Pigmented Skin(P): Do you have freckles, age spots, or an uneven skin tone? This suggests a pigmented skin type.

  • Non-Pigmented Skin(N): Is your skin tone mostly even without such marks? This indicates a non-pigmented skin type.

Step 4: Identifying Wrinkle Formation (W)

  • Wrinkle-Prone Skin(W): Do you notice fine lines or wrinkles, especially around the eyes and mouth? This is typical of wrinkle-prone skin.

  • Tight Skin(T): Is your skin relatively free from wrinkles and lines? This suggests a tight skin type.


Step 5: Identifying Your Basic Skin Type

Now, combine the paths you've taken in each step. For example, if you have oily, sensitive, pigmented, wrinkle-prone skin, your basic skin type might be OSPW.



Deep Skin Analysis

The next chapter in our story introduces the Visia Quantitative Skin Analysis system. This advanced technology provides in-depth skin assessments, revealing characteristics that are not visible to the naked eye. Visia's comprehensive analysis adds depth to the existing superficial basic skin categories, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of each skin type.



Texture Analysis (T) 

Evaluating whether the skin is Smooth(s) or Rough(r), this parameter considers the overall texture and its implications for skin care.


Pore Visibility (P)

Distinguishing between Prominent(p) and Refined(r) pores focuses on pore size and visibility, which can impact both aesthetic appearance and skin health.


UV Damage Assessment (UV)

Assessing the level of UV damage as Severe(s) or Minimal(m), this factor is crucial for understanding underlying sun damage and its long-term effects.


Vascular Conditions (VC)

Identifying whether vascular conditions are Pronounced(p) or Minimal(m), this parameter looks at visible capillaries, redness, and other vascular issues.



The Emergence of 256 Skin Types: DermIdentity Codes

Combining parameters of the superficial skin analysis with the deep skin analysis utilizing Visia-enhanced parameters significantly increases the number of possible skin types. With the integration of all these superficial and deep skin analysis parameters, the 256 skin types are derived that offer an unprecedented level of personalization in skincare. Each type provides a detailed blueprint for customized treatment plans, addressing specific needs and concerns more accurately than ever before.


Listing all 256 combinations would be extensive and may not be practical for this format. However, to illustrate, here are a few examples of how these combinations might look:

  1.  DSPW-TsPpUsVp: Dry(D), Sensitive(S), Pigmented(P), Wrinkle-Prone(W), Smooth -Texture(Ts), Prominent Pores(Pp), Severe UV(Us), Pronounced Vascular(Vp)

  2. ORNT-TrPrUmVm: Oily(O), Resistant(R), Non-Pigmented(N), Tight(T), Rough-Texture(Tr), Refined Pores(Pr), Minimal UV(Um), Minimal Vascular(Vm)

  3. DSNW-TsPpUmVp: Dry(D), Sensitive(S), Non-Pigmented(N), Wrinkle-Prone(W), Smooth-Texture(Ts), Prominent Pores(Pp), Minimal UV(Ul), Pronounced Vascular(Vp)

  4. OSPT-TrPrUsVm: Oily(O), Sensitive(S), Pigmented(P), Tight(T), Rough-Texture(Tr), Refined Pores(Pr), Severe UV(Us), Minimal Vascular(Vm)

  5. ... (and so on for 256 combinations)


Each combination provides a highly detailed skin profile, allowing for extremely personalized skincare and treatment plans. This comprehensive approach can significantly enhance the effectiveness of skincare regimens and treatments offered in your clinic



The Tale of Two Patients

Anna's Story

Classified as DSPW (Dry, Sensitive, Pigmented, Wrinkle-Prone) under the superficial skin analysis system, Anna's skin journey seemed straightforward. However, the 256 skin types system unveiled a more complex narrative – her skin showed signs of severe UV damage and prominent pores (DSPW-TsPpUsVm). This revelation led to a tailored treatment plan, focusing not just on hydration and anti-ageing but also on sun protection and pore refinement.


John's Story

John's skin, initially typed as ORNT (Oily, Resistant, Non-Pigmented, Tight), revealed additional layers under the new system. His skin was oily but with a rough texture and severe UV damage (ORNT-TrPrUhVm). His personalized regimen included oil-control measures, texture-smoothing treatments, and UV protection strategies.



The Impact of Personalization

It isn't just a classification; it's a paradigm shift in skincare. Patients like Anna and John are no longer just 'dry' or 'oily' skin types; they are individuals with unique skin stories. This personalized approach has led to more effective treatments, higher patient satisfaction, and a new standard in skincare.


Conclusion: Identifying Your Unique Skin Code

The development of the 256 skin types by Dr Veerander Ghotra is a testament to the evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine. It isn't just a classification; it's a paradigm shift in skincare. Patients like Anna and John are no longer just 'dry' or 'oily' skin types; they are individuals with unique skin stories. This personalized approach has led to more effective treatments, higher patient satisfaction, and a new standard in skincare.

In this new era of skincare, every individual's skin story is unique, and Dr Ghotra's 256 skin types are the key to unlocking these personal narratives.



Ready to Uncover Your DermIdentity Code?

Embark on a personalized skincare journey with us! Discover your DermIdentity Code and explore the comprehensive world of our 256 unique skin types. Our expert team, led by Dr Veerander Ghotra, is dedicated to providing tailored skincare solutions that cater specifically to your skin's needs.


Book Your Personalized Skin Analysis Today!

Experience the precision of Visia Skin Analysis at our clinic and let us guide you towards the perfect skincare regimen. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to a healthier, more radiant you.



Embrace the journey to flawless skin. Your personalized skincare story starts here!

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