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Fitzpatrick skin phototype

What is Fitzpatrick skin phototype?

Fitzpatrick skin type (or phototype) describes a way of classifying skin by its reaction to exposure to sunlight.

What is the Fitzpatrick skin phototype based on?

Fitzpatrick skin type (or phototype) depends on the amount of melanin pigment in the skin This is determined by the constitutional color (white, brown or black skin) and the result of exposure to Ultraviolet radiation (tanned). Pale or white skin burns easily and tans slowly and poorly: it needs more protection from sun exposure. Darker skin burns less and tans more easily. It is also more likely to develop post-inflammatory pigmentation after injury (brown marks).

The Fitzpatrick skin phototype is a constitutional characteristic present at birth. Please note that people with photosensitivity may burn easily when exposed to the sun due to an illness, condition, or medication; however, its tanning ability is not influenced by its photosensitivity.

Fitzpatrick's classification

Fitzpatrick's classification of skin phototype is shown in the table below.

Fitzpatrick skin type
Type of skinTypical PropertiesTanning capacity
mePale white skin, blue/green eyes, blonde/red. hairIt always burns, it doesn't tan
IILight skin, blue eyesBurns easily, tans poorly
IIIDarker white skinTanning after the initial burn
IVLight brown leatherBurns minimally, tans easily
VBrown leatherRarely burns, tans dark easily
SAWDark brown or black skinNever burns, always tans dark
Light to dark skin types

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Type 1

type2__protectwyjqcm90zwn0il0_focusfillwzi5ncwymjisingildfd-7280736-6654466

Type 2

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Type 3

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Type 4

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Type 5

type-6__protectwyjqcm90zwn0il0_focusfillwzi5ncwymjisingildfd-8810109-1857605

Type 6

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