Fitzpatrick Skin Phototypes

What is it and which one am I?

What are Fitzpatrick skin phototypes

The Fitzpatrick skin phototype is a classification system that categorizes skin based on its reaction to sun exposure. It helps determine how likely skin is to burn or tan, and is used to assess individual risk of sun-related damage. The scale ranges from Type I (very light, always burns) to Type VI (very dark, never burns), with each type having distinct characteristics regarding sun sensitivity and tanning ability.

The Fitzpatrick skin phototypes explained

Type I – Pale white skin

Very light and ivory like skin with minimal melanin
  • extremely photosensitive skin
  • always develops burns
  • does not tan after UV exposure
  • usually accompanied by freckles, light eyes and red or light blonde hair and very light eyes

Type II – White skin

Fair skin with low melanin
  • very photosensitive skin with light eyes and hair features
  • usually burns easily
  • only tans poorly/slightly
  • often paired with freckles, light-colored hair and blue or green eyes

Type III – Light brown skin

Light to light brown skin
  • moderately photosensitive skin
  • burns sometimes
  • slowly tans to light brown
  • features becomming darker than with type I and II

Type IV – Moderate brown skin

Light brown to medium brown skin (beige/olive)
  • ‍low - but not absent - photosensitivity
  • burns minimally
  • usually tans to moderate brown
  • often dark hair and brown eyes

Type V – Dark brown skin

Brown to dark-brown skin
  • minimally photosensitive with resistant skin
  • rarely burns
  • tans well to dark brown
  • may show post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
  • cancers can be diagnosed later if not routinely checked

Type VI – Deeply pigmented dark brown to black skin

Deeply pigmented dark skin with high melanin
  • barely photosensitive with very resistant skin
  • almost never burns
  • deeply pigmented
  • still at risk of UV damage and acral/mucosal melanoma, which warrants regular total-body skin exams

What is your Fitzpatrick skin phototype

Not sure what your skin type is? This document might help you: Fitzpatrick Skin Types
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