Skin phototype (Fitzpatrick skin type) (2024)

FAQs

What is Fitzpatrick skin type phototype? ›

The Fitzpatrick skin phototype is a commonly used system to describe a person's skin type in terms of response to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. * The information published here is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please seek advice from a qualified health care professional.

Tan then discussed the new UV exposure data field and revealed that as part of this new data type, Apple would ask users to identify their skin type in order to tailor UV exposure tracking to the individual. "UV radiation is present in sunlight and it has harms and benefits to human health," Tan said.

Skin Type 3

For those who tend to have sensitive skin that will burn from time to time, but usually tans slightly after the burn, you may be Type 3. You probably have a golden undertone to your skin, hazel or brown eyes and your hair will be light to medium brown, or possibly even dark blonde.

If your skin appears shiny throughout, you likely have oily skin. If it feels tight and is flaky or scaly, you likely have dry skin. If the shine is only in your T-zone, you probably have combination skin. If your skin feels hydrated and comfortable, but not oily, you likely have normal skin.

Fitzpatrick developed a skin phototype scale, which is commonly called the Fitzpatrick scale or Fitzpatrick skin type. It is a classification system based on the amount of melanin present in the skin, how the skin reacts to sun exposure, and the skin's tendency to sunburn or tan.

Fitzpatrick skin types can help predict a person's risk of skin cancer due to sun exposure. Overall, the risk of skin cancer is higher for people with type 1 or 2 skin. However, skin cancer can affect any skin type, and sun exposure increases the risk.

What is Fitzpatrick skin type 3 ethnicity? ›

Type III – White skin color, blonde/ brown hair, blue/brown eyes, tans after several burns, and may freckle. Common ethnic background: German.

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common acquired disorder occurring after skin inflammation or injury. It is chronic and is more common and severe in darker-skinned individuals (Fitzpatrick skin types III–VI).

People with skin type V have an olive or dark skin tone and include light-skinned African-Americans, Indians, and those of Middle Eastern descent. They tan easily and very rarely burn.

Skin Types

Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV People have dark hair and light Mediterranean olive-looking skin; beige with a light brown tint. They typically tan with ease and seldom get burned. Their risk to develop skin cancer is less than those with skin types I-III, but still present.

Olive skin is a human skin colour spectrum. It is often associated with pigmentation in the Type III to Type IV and Type V ranges of the Fitzpatrick scale. It generally refers to moderate or lighter tan or brownish skin, and it is often described as having tan, brown, cream, greenish, yellowish, or golden undertones.

The Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype Classification (FSPC) was developed in 1975 by Dr Thomas Fitzpatrick, a Harvard University dermatologist. This system classifies skin type according to the amount of pigment the skin has and its reaction to sun exposure.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), there are five primary types of skin: oily, dry, normal, combination, and sensitive. Each skin type has its own set of unique characteristics and needs that can affect the look and feel of your complexion.

Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV People have dark hair and light Mediterranean olive-looking skin; beige with a light brown tint. They typically tan with ease and seldom get burned. Their risk to develop skin cancer is less than those with skin types I-III, but still present.