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What is the Fitzpatrick Skin Type?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

The Fitzpatrick Skin Type classification system is a means of determining risk for sunburn and some skin conditions. Developed in 1975 by Harvard University’s Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick, the Fitzpatrick Skin Type classification is used by dermatologists using laser and light therapy, as it can help highlight risks of poor reactions to treatment. Some critics consider the Fitzpatrick Skin Type tests to be subjective and inaccurate, due to only surface-level observation of skin tone and coloring.

There are six varieties of Fitzpatrick Skin Type, ranging from extremely pale skinned people who are highly subjective to burns, to extremely dark skinned people who may suffer serious discoloration from laser or light treatment, or other pigment altering therapies or conditions. To determine Fitzpatrick Skin Type, a variety of questions are asked about genetic history, physical attributes such as eye color, hair color, and freckling, and your personal observations of your skin’s reaction to sunlight.

Those with the Fitzpatrick skin type should avoid using tanning beds.
Those with the Fitzpatrick skin type should avoid using tanning beds.

Depending on the answers to the determination questions, most people fit into one of the six skin categories, usually labeled with roman numerals I-VI. Critics note that the results may be somewhat subjective, and can vary between different sources. The Fitzpatrick Skin Type system should be used as a guideline rather than a definitive analysis.

The test to determine skin type is used for a variety of medical and cosmetic applications, particularly in laser treatments. Those with a higher level of skin type such as V-VI are usually prone to an overactive production of melanin following laser skin or hair treatments. This can lead to permanent discoloration or scarring of the skin, and most experts agree that people with V-VI type skin should undertake any laser treatment with extreme caution.

People with Fitzpatrick skin types I-II often sunburn easily.
People with Fitzpatrick skin types I-II often sunburn easily.

On the other end of the scale, people with skin type I-II are usually pale and likely to experience severe sun damage from ultra-violet exposure. These skin types are believed to be highly susceptible to skin cancer, and patients are advised to take extreme care to use sunscreen and protect from harmful UV rays. Tanning in tanning beds is also not recommended for those with skin prone to burning, as it can give a concentrated dose of UV light to the skin, resulting in serious damage.

Those with extremely pale skin have a Fitzpatrick skin type of I-II.
Those with extremely pale skin have a Fitzpatrick skin type of I-II.

Before subjecting a patient a serious laser treatment, many dermatologists will perform a test treatment on a small patch of skin in addition to determining the Fitzpatrick Skin Type classification. If discoloration occurs, the doctor will usually recommend that you avoid the procedure. To protect your skin, be sure to ask dermatologists for these tests, and never accept treatment from a doctor who refuses to take safety precautions.

Exposure to the sun is strongly discouraged for people with fair skin who are particularly prone to sunburn.
Exposure to the sun is strongly discouraged for people with fair skin who are particularly prone to sunburn.

To help determine your skin type on your own, many websites offer complete questionnaires for the Fitzpatrick Skin Type method of classification. Photos are also available to give examples of the physical look associated with the different skin types. Home-determination is not a substitute for a doctor’s opinion, and you should consult a dermatologist to have your skin type professionally classified and explained to you.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a BeautyAnswered writer.

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Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a BeautyAnswered writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

FirstViolin

So how exactly do you determine your Fitzpatrick skin type? Is it kind of the same thing as a dermatological face mapping process, or is it different?

I am really curious about this, because I have fairly dark skin, but I also have a lot of acne scarring left over from my teens that I would really like to get taken off with laser skin resurfacing.

I have a friend with roughly the same skin tone as me who has had laser skin tightening done with no ill effects, but I am concerned that if I get such an extensive treatment done on my face, and it goes wrong, then I would be really in trouble.

What do you think? Does anybody reading this know about this kind of thing, or have had this procedure done before? I would be really interested to hear what kind of results you got.

yournamehere

If you have sun damaged skin, and are a Fitzgerald type 3, then could you still have a photofacial? I have a friend who keeps talking about how awesome her skin looks after she has a photofacial, and I'd really love to try it.

Do you know if this would be an appropriate treatment for me?

I have tried laser skin resurfacing before, but with mixed results -- so would a photofacial be a good idea, or should I just give up on it?

rallenwriter

I am a classic Fitzpatrick type I -- I am so, so pale, and super easy to sunburn. That's why I have to be really, really careful with any king of skin rejuvenation treatments that I use, especially any kind of laser skin rejuvenation.

Luckily I'm still pretty young, and don't have to do any major repair work (yet), but I know that when the time comes I'm going to have to be extremely careful, or the treatment could end up doing more harm than good.

For all of you Fitpatrick type ones out there like me, just remember that you have to be really proactive in taking care of your skin -- because you might not have so many repair options available to you in later life.

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    • Those with the Fitzpatrick skin type should avoid using tanning beds.
      By: Rido
      Those with the Fitzpatrick skin type should avoid using tanning beds.
    • People with Fitzpatrick skin types I-II often sunburn easily.
      By: Rostislav Sedlacek
      People with Fitzpatrick skin types I-II often sunburn easily.
    • Those with extremely pale skin have a Fitzpatrick skin type of I-II.
      By: sinuswelle
      Those with extremely pale skin have a Fitzpatrick skin type of I-II.
    • Exposure to the sun is strongly discouraged for people with fair skin who are particularly prone to sunburn.
      By: Antonioguillem
      Exposure to the sun is strongly discouraged for people with fair skin who are particularly prone to sunburn.
    • A patient's skin type can be determined by a dermatologist.
      By: michaeljung
      A patient's skin type can be determined by a dermatologist.