What is my Fitzpatrick Skin Type?
When it comes to skincare, dermal therapies, and sun protection, understanding your skin type is essential. One useful tool we often use is the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale—a classification system that helps determine how different skin types respond to ultraviolet (UV) light. Developed in 1975 by Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick, this scale is still widely used today in dermatology and cosmetic treatments.
The Six Fitzpatrick Skin Types
The scale divides skin into six categories based on genetic characteristics and how the skin reacts to sun exposure:
Type I – Very Fair Skin
Always burns, never tans.
Often has red or blonde hair, blue or green eyes.
Example: Celtic or Northern European descent.
Type II – Fair Skin
Burns easily, tans minimally.
Often light eyes and hair.
Example: Northern European ancestry.
Type III – Medium Skin
Sometimes burns, gradually tans to light brown.
Common in people of Southern European or Mediterranean descent.
Type IV – Olive or Light Brown Skin
Rarely burns, tans easily.
Often seen in people of Hispanic, Middle Eastern, or some Asian backgrounds.
Type V – Brown Skin
Very rarely burns, tans easily and darkly.
Common in people of Latin American, African, or South Asian descent.
Type VI – Dark Brown or Black Skin
Never burns, deeply pigmented.
Common in people of African or Aboriginal descent.
How to Determine Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type
To figure out your skin type, consider two main factors:
Your Natural Skin Color (especially areas not exposed to the sun).
Your Reaction to Sun Exposure – Ask yourself:
Do you burn or tan?
How quickly do you tan?
How severe is your sunburn if you get one?
You can also find online Fitzpatrick quizzes that ask a few simple questions about your skin tone, eye/hair color, and reaction to the sun to help you identify your type more accurately.
Why It Matters
Knowing your Fitzpatrick skin type can help you:
Understand your risk for sunburn, sun damage, and skin cancer.
Decide which cosmetic or dermatological treatments (like laser or chemical peels) are safe for your skin tone.
Help you choose which shade of our Dynamic Day Serum would suit you best!
