Skin cancer is quite common in the US, one in five people will develop it during their lifetime. Experts established the Fitzpatrick system by looking at how different people’s skin reacted to sun exposure. Their results showed a clear trend, allowing researchers to identify the six Fitzpatrick skin types based on how much melanin was present in the skin.
One study in 2013 confirmed the usefulness of the Fitzpatrick skin type system. However, not everyone’s skin type will fit perfectly into one category,the system is best used as a guide instead of a definitive classification.
Now you may wonder what Fitzpatrick skin types are. Fitzpatrick skin types are also known as the Fitzpatrick skin typing test or the Fitzpatrick phototyping scale. It was developed by an American dermatologist, Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, in 1975. The scale was developed to measure appropriate doses of UVA for PUVA therapy (a type of phototherapy used to treat certain skin conditions).
The scale was primarily designed to categorize skin tones based on the amount of melanin in the skin and the skin’s reaction to light. However, brown and black skin were added later. The scale helps in determining the right amount of sun protection factor (SPF) and the correct dosage of light for treatments. It also helps in understanding the risk of cancer and other skin conditions in various skin shades.
Classification of Fitzpatrick Skin Types
| Skin Type | Salient Features | Tanning Ability |
|---|---|---|
| I | Pale white skin Red or blond hair Blue/green eyes Freckles |
Always burns Never tans |
| II | Fair skin Red or blond hair Blue, hazel, or green eyes |
Burns easily Tans with difficulty |
| III | Darker white Any eye or hair color |
Sometimes a mild burn Tans uniformly (golden honey or olive) |
| IV | Light brown skin | Burns only slightly Tans easily |
| V | Brown skin | Rarely burns Easily tans darkly |
| VI | Dark brown or black skin | Never burns Always tans dark and very easily |
Melanin as the Determining Factor in Skin Colors
Melanin is a pigment that is produced by melanocytes. All humans have a similar number of melanocytes, but their melanin production is different. The amount of melanin determines the color of the skin. The more pigment there is, the darker the skin color.
Melanin is not only responsible for skin colour, but it also imparts colour to other parts of the body, such as hair and eyes.
Types of Melanin and Their Biological Roles in Fitzpatrick Skin Types
Melanin has five types, namely,
- Eumelanin
- Pheomelanin
- Neuromelanin
- Allomelanin
- Pyomelanin
Eumelanin and pheomelanin are the two main types that are responsible for skin, hair, and eye color in humans. Neuromelanin is present in the brain, and its function is not fully understood. The combination and quantity of eumelanin and pheomelanin determine the phenotypic skin colour in humans. Eumelanin is responsible for the yellow or red tint in the skin. It absorbs and dissipates almost 99% UVA and UVB light. Thus, it protects the skin from sun damage, sunburns, and cancer.
In the Fitzpatrick skin scale, types from I to III have less eumelanin and more pheomelanin, which results in less pigment. These skin types have a lower ability to tackle the UVA and UVB rays and thus are prone to sun damage, sunburns, and skin cancer. The lower amount of eumelanin production is the reason these skin types do not tan when exposed to the sun.
Skin types from IV to VI have more eumelanin, which is responsible for dark skin. The eumelanin also protects effectively against sun damage and skin cancer. However, increased eumelanin production tans the skin easily.
Importance of Knowing Your Fitzpatrick Skin
You might be wondering why it is even important to know your Fitzpatrick skin type. The answer is to understand your skin and decide the best skincare products, sun protection, skin treatments, and cancer risk. The Fitzpatrick skin types are even used by the FDA to evaluate appropriate SPF for various skin types.
Below are some of the most important benefits of knowing your Fitzpatrick skin type.
- To curate a tailored skincare routine that will yield better results.
- Help decide which professional skincare treatment will be beneficial for your skin. For example, melanin-rich skin types may not be suitable candidates for certain facial procedures, such as higher-strength chemical peels or laser treatments, which can result in hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
- Evaluate risk for skin cancer; lighter skin tones are more susceptible to melanomas.
How Fitzpatrick Skin Types Impact Skincare
Knowing your Fitzpatrick skin type greatly impacts your skincare choice. It can help you design a routine that will be more beneficial for the skin. You can choose the right sun protection and active ingredients that can improve your skin tone, conditions, and concerns.
A higher SPF is required for skin types I to III. They need a minimum of SPF 50+ daily with frequent reapplication.
Skincare Ingredients for Fitzpatrick Skin Types
Here is the Fitzpatrick skin type chart of active ingredients that are beneficial for the skin and concerns.
| Skin Type | Skincare Actives |
|---|---|
| I and II | Hydration and barrier support
Avoid harsh ingredients Avoid strong exfoliants |
| III and IV | Gentle exfoliants like Mandelic Acid Antioxidants like Vitamin C |
| V and VI | Non comedogenic moisturizers
|
Fitzpatrick Skin Types and Common Skin Conditions
Various skin conditions are associated with specific Fitzpatrick skin types. These skin conditions are discussed briefly.
Type I and II
These are the major skin conditions for skin types I and II, which are fair to very fair.
- Sunburn
- Freckles
- Premature ageing
- Skin Cancer
- Acne or Rosacea
Type III and IV
The conditions associated with skin types III and IV are listed below.
- Mild sunburns
- Tanning
- Hyperpigmentation
- Acne
- Psoriasis
Type V and VI
The following are some skin concerns that are common among skin types V and VI.
- Hyperpigmentation
- Keloids
- Acne Keloidalis Nuchae
- Acne
- Melasma
- Eczema
When to Get Screened
If your skin type puts you at an increased risk for skin cancer, regular skin exams are crucial for your health.
People with skin types one or two, a family history of skin cancer, or a compromised immune system are all at higher risk.
And no matter your skin type, you should check your skin regularly. Watch for a mole or skin patch that:
- Is over a quarter-inch in size
- Has an uneven outline
- Is asymmetrical
- Changes color from brown to black
- Is new or changing
- Changes textures
- Is raised or lumpy
- Bleeds or weeps
- Feels tingly or itchy
It’s also worth noting that skin cancer can look different depending on your skin type. For example, some types will appear pink or pearly on lighter skin. However, most cases of skin cancer in people with darker skin appear brown.
Any changes in your skin are a reason to visit your doctor for a screening.
Conclusion
In short, the Fitzpatrick scale is an integral part of skincare and dermatology. It is very fruitful for identifying and understanding various skin types according to the amount of pigment and photosensitivity.
The Fitzpatrick skin types help the dermatologists suggest appropriate SPF potency, frequency, and spectrum. It also helps them understand how a specific skin type will react to the laser and light therapies. It helps not only to speculate the result and efficacy but also reduces the chances of failure, mishaps, and money waste.
The Fitzpatrick skin type chart is not foolproof and has its own shortcomings. One of them is the very little representation of darker skin tones, which have more variations than lighter tones. It makes this skin typing system less applicable to the masses. However, if you want to be a skincare enthusiast and want to choose the right products with suitable actives and ingredients. Then you must first know your Fitzpatrick skin type.
FAQs
What does the Fitzpatrick scale measure?
The Fitzpatrick scale measures skin pigmentation and photosensitivity of the skin. It helps to know how your skin reacts to Ultraviolet rays. The scale also helps to emasure how much your skin will tan when exposed to sunlight.
What is Fitzpatrick skin type 2?
Fitzpatrick skin type 2 represents fair-skinned individuals who get sunburns easily and tan minimally with difficulty. They have red, brown, or blonde hair. Their eye color can be green, blue, or hazel.
How do I know my Fitzpatrick skin type?
To know your Fitzpatrick skin type, you must observe your skin color and its reaction to sun exposure. You must assess if your skin burns under skin or tans. Other factors to consider are hair color, eye color, and freckles. You can take online assessments and also consult a dermatologist.
Can Fitzpatrick skin type change over time?
Your skin color is genetic, and it does not change with age and time; however, other characteristics and reactions, such as your skin sensitivity, burning and tanning can be affected by factors like age, hormones, environment, stress, medications, and sun exposure.
