The deeper Fitzpatrick skin types are more prone to hyperpigmentation and post procedure hyperpigmentation, along with a lesser chance of developing cancer.

Personal or family history of skin cancerįitzpatrick types IV-VI have more melanin in their skin, and the type of melanin is active – hence, treatments are not one suits all.

Overall, those at an increased risk of developing skin cancer are those who:

Wear protective clothing if you plan to be in direct sunlight for extended periods.

Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater.

Skin types III to VI, you have a lower risk of:ĭeveloping skin cancer than skin type I and II but, that does not mean you hold no risk of skin cancer from sun exposure

Have an annual skin checkup with a doctor.

Check your skin from head to toe each month.

Wear a hat with a wide brim to protect your head and face.

Limit your sun exposure, seek shade whenever you’re in the sun.

Wear protective clothing with a UPF rating of 30 or higher, if you plan to be in direct sunlight for extended periods.

Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater.

This is very different to other methods that classify skin based on what they look like. Skin types I and II, you have a high risk of: What is the Fitzpatrick Scale for Different Skin Types Designed in 1975, the numerical schema recognises the different skin types response to ultraviolet light. So, now that we understand how the scale determines your type – How can you use this to make your skin care regime safer and more effective for you? Developed in 1975 by a Harvard Medical School physician named Thomas Fitzpatrick, MD, the system classifies skin type according to the amount of skin pigment you have and your skin’s. Sun reaction: never freckles, never burns, and always tans quickly There are six types of skin, ranging from very fair (type 1) to very dark (type 6), according to the scientific classification known as Fitzpatrick skin typing. This skin type before sun exposure is deeply pigmented dark brown to darkest brown skin Sun reaction: rarely freckles, almost never burns, and always tans This skin type before sun exposure is dark brown skin Sun reaction: doesn’t really freckle, burns rarely, and tans often This skin type before sun exposure is olive or light brown skin Sun reaction: skin might freckle, burns on occasion, and sometimes tans Natural hair colour: dark blonde to light brown

This skin type before sun exposure is fair to beige skin, with golden undertones Sun reaction: skin usually freckles, burns and peels often, and rarely tans This skin type before sun exposure is light, fair or pale Sun reaction: skin always freckles, always burns and peels, and never tans This skin type before sun exposure is typically light, ivory skinĮye colour: light blue, light grey, or light green