The Fitzpatrick skin type 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 fair, 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 – Very Fair Skin
Very light skin with minimal melanin.
always develops burns and does not tan after UV exposure
often accompanied by freckles, light eyes and red/blonde hair;
extreme photosensitivity
Type II – Fair Skin
Pale white skin, often with freckles, red or light blonde hair, and blue or green eyes.
always burns, never tans
fair skin with low melanin
usually burns and tans poorly/slightly
photosensitive with light eyes/hair common.
Type III – Medium Skin
Light-to-medium (beige/olive) skin
sometimes burns and gradually tans to light brown
average UV sensitivity.
Type IV – Medium-to-brown Skin
Light-to-medium (beige/olive) skin
rarely burns and tans easily to moderate brown
lower - but not absent - photosensitivity.
Type V – Brown Skin
Brown to dark-brown skin
very rarely burns and tans readily to dark brown
may show post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
cancers can be diagnosed later if not routinely checked
Type VI – Dark Brown Skin
Deeply pigmented dark skin with high melanin
almost never burns and tans deeply
still at risk of UV damage and acral/mucosal melanoma, which warrants regular total-body skin exams.
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