Fitzpatrick Skin Type
What’s Yours?
And who is Fitzpatrick anyway?
Fitzpatrick is one of the most famous names in dermatology. When I was a resident, a two-volume 2000 page book he wrote was considered the ultimate dermatology textbook and reference. One of his many contributions to dermatology included the “Fitzpatrick skin type.” This skin typing system is still widely used by dermatologists to describe skin and to develop skincare regimens that take skin type into account.
Fitzpatrick skin type broadly refers to the pigmentation of the skin. There are six types, types 1-6. Similar to how a gardener refers to Zones when determining what to plant and when dermatologists use Fitzpatrick Skin Type to guide treatment options and recommendations.
Type 1 – I’m a type 1. Fair skin, freckle easily, blonde, red or brunette, light-colored eyes. Burns easily and never tans. Wounds are often slower to heal and look pink for a long time prior to healing.
Type 2 -Fairer skin. Light eyes. Lighter hair, not dark brown or black. Usually burns but tans rarely. Wounds heal without much discoloration.
Type 3-Fair to light brown skin. Light or brown eyes. Sometimes burns, sometimes tans. Wounds heal without much discoloration.
Type 4– Olive or light brown skin. Dark eyes. Dark hair. Rarely burns, usually tans. Wounds heal with brown discoloration.
Type 5 -Brown skin. Dark eyes. Very rarely burns. Wounds heal with brown discoloration initially and may end up lighter than the surrounding skin.
Type 6 – Dark brown skin. Dark eyes. Never burns. Wounds heal with brown discoloration initially and may end up lighter than the surrounding skin.
Why do those with darker skin burn less? Melanocytes in the skin produce the pigment that protects the skin from burning.
While Dr. Rosenberger recommends everyone wears a zinc-based sunscreen every day, those with Type 1 and 2 skin need to be extra cautious. To learn more about sunscreen tips, see our most recent sunscreen tips.
What’s New and Hot in Sunscreen 2020
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