Do You Know Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type?

People usually classify their skin type as normal, oily, dry, combination, or sensitive. The understanding of “Fitzpatrick skin type” has yet to find its penetration amongst general skincare users but it is common terminology for dermatologists, physicians, and professionals of the beauty industry. So, what exactly is it and what are its applications? Let’s take a deep dive.

What is Fitzpatrick skin classification?

Fitzpatrick skin types (or phototypes) were developed by Thomas Fitzpatrick in 1972. A person’s Fitzpatrick skin type is based on his/her skin color and response to sun exposure, in terms of the degree of burning and tanning. Initially, the Fitzpatrick phototype classification scale was classified as skin types I through IV for people with light skin but was later modified to include types V and VI for those with darker skin. The Fitzpatrick skin type scale is a subjective tool that has been proven to be of diagnostic value.

Skin Type I – Light, pale white (ivory) skin with blonde hair. Always burns in the sun, typically has freckles. Type I skin is believed to be highly susceptible to premature aging and skin cancers including melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.

Skin Type II – Light, fair or pale skin with blonde hair. Always burns, has freckles, and is difficult to tan. Type IIs are at high risk for skin cancer including melanoma as well.

Skin Type III – Fair to beige skin, with golden undertones and blonde/brown hair. Type III may have freckles, sometimes burns, and may tan to a light bronze, but their risk for skin cancer remains higher than average.

Skin Type IV – Olive or light brown skin with brown hair. Tans more than average, rarely burns, and rarely freckles. Type IVs can be prone to an overactive production of melanin following sun exposure which can result in the uneven pigmentation of melasma, especially if they are on hormonal therapy such as an oral contraceptive or during pregnancy.

Skin Type V – Dark brown skin with brown/black hair. Tans with ease, rarely burns and has no freckles. It may react more severely to common conditions like acne, eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis which can lead to potential pigmentation problems/uneven darkening or lightening of skin color as the formation of melanin is a dynamic process and responds to various stimuli.

Skin Type VI – Dark brown to darkest brown skin with black hair. Tans, never burns, deeply pigmented, and never freckles. Although this skin type rarely burns and skin cancer is not common among people with this skin type, those with Fitzpatrick skin type VI should still take the necessary precaution to protect his/her skin against skin cancer.

Application of the Fitzpatrick scale and its relevance for consumers

While some brands are messaging their products to a wider consumer base with a scientific spin (fit for “all Fitzpatrick skin types”), I would not be surprised to see personalized skincare products repositioned by Fitzpatrick skin types in the future. However, for the time being, the primary application of skin prototyping remains largely relevant and confined to the fields of dermatology and skin research. Below are some examples of its application in these areas.

– The Fitzpatrick scale has been most commonly used to characterize skin sensitivity to UV radiations in population-based and case-control studies related to the cause of skin cancer, tanning, and protective behaviors.

– The Fitzpatrick scale has been applied as a standard for self-assessment of sun sensitivity in self-administered questionnaires and has been shown to correlate better for white skin as compared to brown skin.

– Skin phototype classification is widely used for estimating UV, PUVA, and laser treatment doses.

THE TAKEAWAY!

Regardless of what Fitzpatrick skin type you have, individuals with all skin types should protect themselves from the sun as chronic sun exposure leads to premature aging, uneven skin tone and pigmentation.

References:

1. Sharma AN, Patel BC. Laser Fitzpatrick Skin Type Recommendations. 2021 Mar 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021. [Pubmed]
2. Sachdeva S. Fitzpatrick skin typing: applications in dermatology. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2009 Jan-Feb;75(1):93-6. [Pubmed]
3. Weinstock MA. Assessment of sun sensitivity by questionnaire: Validity of itemand formulation of a prediction rule. J Clin Epidemiol 1992;45:547-52. [Pubmed]
4. Youn JI, Oh JK, Kim BK, Suh DH, Chung JH, Oh SJ, et al. Relationship between skin phototype and MED in Korean, brown skin. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 1997;13:208-11. [Pubmed]
5. Pathak MA. In memory of Thomas Bernhard Fitzpatrick. J Invest Dermatol 2004;122:20-1. [Pubmed]

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