What's Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type, and Why Is It Important in Skin Care?

Photo: Kei Moreno

In addition to lifestyle and age, another important factor that I consider in my treatments is my client’s Fitzpatrick skin type. According to Healthline, it’s a scientific system that “classifies skin type according to the amount of pigment your skin has and your skin’s reaction to sun exposure.”

So why do you need to know your Fitzpatrick skin type? First of all, it helps to “predict your overall risk of sun damage and skin cancer,” says Healthline. When it comes to facials or hair removal, it’s important that I understand my client’s skin texture, tone, and sensitivity so that I can use the most appropriate ingredients and treatments.

It’s worth noting that the Fitzpatrick skin type scale won’t tell you how to find the right shade of tinted moisturizer. I also believe that no matter your skin type, you should always wear at least an SPF 30 sunscreen and UV blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes. I always recommend that my clients avoid tanning beds whenever possible, and to limit unnecessary sun exposure by wearing protective hats, clothing, and other accessories.

There are six skin types based on the color of people’s natural hair, eyes, and skin as well as their reaction to the sun. As Healthline points out, you might not meet all of the characteristics of one skin type. In my case, I develop my treatments based on the skin type that is closest to my client’s.

Below are the six Fitzpatrick skin types and what you need to know about them:

Skin Type 1

Skin Color: Ivory
Eye Color: Light blue, light gray, or light green
Hair color: Red or light blonde
Reaction to the sun: Always burns, peels, and freckles
Tan level: Never tans

Skin Type 2

Skin Color: Fair or pale
Eye Color: Blue, gray, or green
Hair color: Blonde
Reaction to the sun: Usually burns, peels, or freckles
Tan level: Rarely tans

Notes on skin types 1 and 2: High risk of sun damage, skin aging, melanoma, and other skin cancers. Be sure to always wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher

Skin Type 3

Skin Color: Fair to beige with golden undertones
Eye Color: Hazel or light brown
Hair color: Dark blonde or light brown
Reaction to the sun: Occasionally burns, sometimes freckles
Tan level: Sometimes tans

Skin Type 4

Skin Color: Olive or light brown
Eye Color: Dark brown
Hair color: Dark brown
Reaction to the sun: Rarely burns or freckles
Tan level: Usually tans

Skin Type 5

Skin Color: Dark brown
Eye Color: Dark brown to black
Hair color: Dark brown to black
Reaction to the sun: Rarely burns and freckles
Tan level: Always tans

Skin Type 6

Skin Color: Dark to darkest brown
Eye Color: Dark brown
Hair color: Black
Reaction to the sun: Never freckles and burns
Tan level: Always tans darkly

Notes for skin types 3 to 6: In addition to following the same safety advice as skin types 1 and 2, Healthline suggests checking your skin for strange growths from head to toe every each month. The medical website notes that acral lentiginous melanoma “is the dominant form of melanoma among darker-skinned people. It appears on parts of the body not often exposed to the sun.”