Here at L&P Aesthetics, we often talk about skin types 1 through 6, so if you’re not familiar with the Fitzpatrick Skin Scale, this categorization may be confusing. We’re here to break it all down.
The Fitzpatrick Skin Scale is a classification system was developed by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick in 1975 in an attempt to categorize human skin tones based on their response to ultraviolet (UV) light.
In a clinical setting, the Fitzpatrick Skin Scale can be a very useful for providers when evaluating the efficacy and safety for certain laser treatments and topical medications on different skin tones. It is also a tool dermatologists use to assess the risk of skin cancer by looking at two things:
1. The amount of pigment in the skin
2. How skin reacts to the sun.
While each skin type on the Fitzpatrick Sale has unique characteristics, one thing is true – using a SPF every day is essential for protecting it!
How are the Six Fitzpatrick Skin Types Defined?
Type 1 – Type 1 skin is characterized by a fair or pale complexion, often accompanied by light-colored eyes and red or blonde hair. Individuals with Type 1 skin burn easily and seldom tan.
Rigorous sun protection is crucial for people with skin types 1. At The iO Clinic, we always recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. A potent Vitamin C serum, like SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic will also aid in protection from sun exposure.
Type 2 – Type 2 skin tones are still fair, but with slightly more tolerance to sun exposure compared to Type 1. People with type 2 skin may have light eyes and hair but may tan minimally and often burn.
Sun protection remains vital with regular application of sunscreen and limited sun exposure during peak hours. People with skin type 2 who notice early signs of wrinkles or pigmentation may be candidates for non-surgical skin tightening and other medspa services which can even-out pigmentation and wrinkles.
Type 3 – Individuals with skin type 3 typically have a fair to beige complexion, but they have an ability to tan gradually and will occasionally experience sunburns. People with skin type 3 probably have a golden undertone to their skin, hazel or brown eyes and light to medium brown hair.
Type 3 skin may tan more easily due to more melanin in the skin, but these people are at a risk of hyperpigmentation spots. These spots can be treated by evening out the skin tone and texture with medspa treatments such as BroadBand Light or UltraClear.
Type 4 – Type 4 skin tones often include olive or light brown complexions, and people with this skin type are usually from Mediterranean or Hispanic heritage. These skin types tan easily and burn minimally.
If you have type 4 skin, you may have more natural protection against sun damage, but sunscreen and sun protection are still essential for maintaining skin health. There are anti-aging treatments that are ideal for type 4 skin such as microneedling, radiofrequency treatments, and the UltraClear laser.
Type 5 – Type 5 skin is characterized by darker brown complexions, commonly found in individuals of Middle Eastern, Indian, or Hispanic descent. These skin types tan easily and rarely burn. With this skin type, you are at a high risk for sunspots, darkened areas and uneven skin tone.
An individual with type 5 skin may require less frequent application of sunscreen compared to lighter skin types. If you have type 5 skin you should seek medical advice about skin treatments and products to ensure they won’t impact your skin’s health.
Type 6 – Type 6 skin tones are deeply pigmented, typically found in individuals of African or African-American descent. These skin types rarely burn and have a high tolerance to UV exposure.
While people with type 6 skin may have natural protection against sun damage, sunscreen and sun protection are recommended because you can still be susceptible to sun damage even without burning.
Understanding the Fitzpatrick Skin Scale empowers individuals to make informed decisions about skincare, sun protection, and even cosmetic procedures. To better understand your skin and the appropriate skin care treatment and product regimen, schedule a consultation with a medical provider at L&P Aesthetics or The iO Clinic.
What Is Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type?
If you’d like to self-evaluate your skin type based on the Fitzpatrick Scale, you can take this self-assessment test to find out. Read each question and choose the number that best describes your skin. Then add up your numbers and check your score at the end of the test. Please note that a medical provider such as the skin experts at L&P Aesthetics should properly evaluate you and determine your actual Fitzpatrick Skin Type.
- What color are your eyes?
0 – Light blue, gray or green
1 – Blue, gray, or green
2 – Blue
3 – Dark Brown
4 – Brownish black
- What is the natural color of your hair?
0 – Sandy red
1 – Blonde
2 – Chestnut/ dark blonde
3 – Dark brown
4 – Black
- What color is your skin in places where it is not exposed to the sun?
0 – Reddish
1 – Very pale
2 – Pale with a beige tint
3 – Light brown
4 – Dark brown
- Do you have freckles on unexposed areas?
0 – Many
1 – Several
2 – Few
3 – Incidental
4 – None
- What happens when you stay too long in the sun?
0 – Painful redness, blistering, peeling
1 – Blistering followed by peeling
2 – Burns sometimes followed by peeling
3 – Rare burns
4 – Never had burns
- To what degree do you turn brown?
0 – Hardly or not at all
1 – Light color tan
2 – Reasonable tan
3 – Tan very easily
4 – Turn dark brown quickly
- Do you turn brown after several hours of sun exposure?
0 – Never
1 – Seldom
2 – Sometimes
3 – Often
4 – Always
- How does your face react to the sun?
0 – Very sensitive
1 – Sensitive
2 – Normal
3 – Very resistant
4 – Never had a problem
- When did you last expose your body to the sun?
1 – More than 3 months ago
2 – 2-3 months ago
3 – 12 months ago
4 – Less than a month ago
5 – Less than 2 weeks ago
- Do you expose your face, or the area to be treated, to the sun?
1 – Never
2 – Hardly ever
3 – Sometimes
4 – Often
5 – Always
Quiz Scores For The Fitzpatrick Skin Scale Self-Evaluation
0-7 = Type 1
8-16 + Type 2
17-25 = Type 3
25-30 = Type 4
Over 30 = Type 5 or 6
If you’d like a more accurate determination of your Fitzpatrick Skin Type or if you have questions about the classification system, please get in touch with us at The iO Clinic or L&P Aesthetics!
