Are you considering laser hair reduction, a photo facial, or other professional skin treatments? As you browse your options, it is important to remember that some skin types react to certain procedures differently than others. Different skin types require different levels of care when it comes to treatment options, laser equipment, and sun exposure. The Fitzpatrick skin scale is the most widely accepted way to determine your skin type and the best methods to care for it.
An Introduction to the Fitzpatrick Skin Scale
Scientist Thomas Fitzpatrick first developed the Fitzpatrick skin type system in 1972. This scientific approach remains the best way to classify skin type to this day. It is important to note that the purpose of this system is to estimate the way that bodies respond to the sun.
The Fitzpatrick system uses specific criteria to determine an individual’s skin type and reveal their sensitivity to the sun and other UV light-related activities (like laser treatments and tanning beds).
The criteria used to identify skin type are:
Skin tone
Eye color
Tanning and burning tendencies
How It’s Used
The Fitzpatrick system is meant to help people educate themselves about their natural predisposition for skin problems. The scale is a helpful tool in finding resources that may be beneficial to folks in a particular skin type.
The higher the number on the scale the more melanin is present in the body, which means there is less sunburn risk and then less risk for skin cancer. Conversely, the lower the number the less melanin in the body, which means there is a higher chance of sunburn, which could lead to a higher instance of skin cancer.
The 6 Skin Types
If you are wondering, “What are the Fitzpatrick skin types?” Your question is about to be answered. There are six different types within the system and each can be identified by hair and eye color, as well as other specific skin characteristics such as color and sensitivity to the sun.
Keep in mind that not everyone fits perfectly into one type. Like most other things in life, there are gray areas and the laser technology we use at Mill City Laser can account for the beautiful ranges that exist in all of the skin types.
In order to gain a better understanding of the Fitzpatrick Scale, we will break down each type.
Type I
Characteristics associated with skin type I are:
Natural skin color: Ivory
Eye color: Light blue, gray, or green
Natural hair color: Red, strawberry blonde, or very light blonde
Effects of the Sun: Freckles, quick to burn and peel, no tan
Type II
Characteristics associated with skin type II are:
Natural skin color: Fair to pale
Eye color: Blue, gray, or green
Natural hair color: Blonde
Effects of the Sun: Freckles, usually burn and peel, little tan
Type III
Characteristics associated with skin type III are:
Natural skin color: Fair to beige, golden undertones
Eye color: Hazel or brown
Natural hair color: Dark blonde to light brown
Effects of the Sun: Few freckles, occasional burn, some tan
Type IV
Characteristics associated with skin type IV are:
Natural skin color: Olive to light brown
Eye color: Dark brown
Natural hair color: Dark brown
Effects of the Sun: Little to no freckles, burning is rare, easily tans
Type V
Characteristics associated with skin type V are:
Natural skin color: Dark brown
Eye color: Dark brown, black
Natural hair color: Dark brown to black
Effects of the Sun: Little to no freckles, never burns, always tans
Type VI
Characteristics associated with skin type VI are:
Natural skin color: Deep brown to darkest brown
Eye color: Dark brown to black
Natural hair color: Black
Effects of the Sun: No freckles, never burns, always tans
Find Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type
If you would like to find out what your skin type is, there are a couple of different ways to go about it.
Self-evaluation. You can use this Fitzpatrick skin type chart to evaluate yourself. Self-evaluation may not always be the most accurate method to determine your skin type but it is the most convenient.
Ask a professional. It is recommended that folks see a doctor/dermatologist annually to make sure that spots and dots are accounted for and monitored, so next time you are there feel free to ask if they are familiar with the Fitzpatrick Skin Typing Scale and where you might be on that scale.
Is Your Skin Type Suited for Laser Treatments?
If you are considering laser hair reduction or laser skin treatments, knowing your Fitzpatrick skin type can guide you towards the safest, most effective treatments for your skin or hair reduction goals. To ensure your preferred procedure is right for you, visit a trustworthy, independent facility like Mill City Laser, where a team of certified technicians will offer customized recommendations.
At MCL, we provide all the information we can to our clients and potential clients so that they can make the best and most informed decisions for themselves on the treatments they hope for to accomplish their goals.
At Mill City Laser, we believe folks are already beautiful and amazing and that beauty is not a result of laser services. Our laser services are a way to help you accomplish your skin care goals. Visit our website to sign up for a free consultation and explore the services we offer.