Why Knowing Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type is Important

The Fitzpatrick skin type system, also known as the Fitzpatrick skin phototype, was developed in 1975. It remains widely used for classifying skin types to indicate the risk of sunburn, risk of skin cancer, and appropriateness of both skin care and skin rejuvenation procedures. In fact, the FDA uses Fitzpatrick skin type system when evaluating the SPF values of sunscreens. It is also used aesthetic medicine practitioners to determine which skin care products and treatments are best suited for an individual.

The different skin types help quanitfy how much melanin a person has in their skin. The more melanin they have, the greater protection they have against the sun and ultra violet radiation. Likewise, the less melanin a person has, the more likely they are to burn from the sun and ultra violet radiation.

What are the Different Skin Types?

Fitzpatrick Skin Type I

People with Fitzpatrick skin type I have ivory or almost white skin. They are ethnically Caucasian and have the least amount of melanin of all of the skin types. Their pale skin burns and peels easily, never tans, and often has freckles. Their natural hair color is usually blond or red, and eyes are usually blue.

People with Fitzpatrick Type I skin are especially susceptible to damage from sun exposure and have a higher risk of developing melanoma or other types of skin cancer. They absolutely must use a mineral-based SPF of at least 30. It is also best for them to avoid sun exposure as much as possible and wear protective clothing that reflects the sun’s rays. 

People with Fitzpatrick skin type I are almost always good candidates for all skin rejuvenation treatments, from chemical peels to microneedling to laser and radiofrequency.  

Fitzpatrick Skin Type II

People with Fitzpatrick skin type II have light, fair complexions. They are ethnically Caucasian. Like Fitzpatrick skin type I, their fair skin burns, rarely tans, and often has freckles. Their natural hair color is usually blonde, red, or light brown, and eyes are blue, hazel, or green.

Like people with Fitzpatrick Type I skin, type IIs are especially susceptible to damage from sun exposure and have a higher risk of developing melanoma or other types of skin cancer. They too absolutely must use a mineral-based SPF of at least 30. 

Those with Fitzpatrick type II skin are also almost always good candidates for all skin rejuvenation treatments, from chemical peels to microneedling to laser and radiofrequency.  

Fitzpatrick Type III

People with Fitzpatrick skin type III have cream to fair complexions. Unlike Fitzpatrick skin type I and II, their skin will tan and sometimes burn. Sun exposure may result in freckles. Their natural hair color is usually dark blonde or chestnut with brown, blue, green, or hazel eyes.

Like people with Fitzpatrick Type I and IIs, they are susceptible to damage from sun exposure and have a higher risk of developing melanoma or other types of skin cancer. They should use a mineral-based SPF of at least 30 when out in the sun. They are also almost always good candidates for all skin rejuvenation treatments, from chemical peels to microneedling to laser and radiofrequency.  

Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV

People with Fitzpatrick skin type IV have a light brown or olive skin color that tans uniformly and rarely burns. Their ethnicity is often Mediterranean, Southern European, Native American, Hispanic, or Asian. They often have dark brown eyes and hair, however hair may be darker and eyes may be blue, green, or hazel. 

Fitpatrick type IVs are less suceptible to melanoma or other types of skin cancer, however they still should use a mineral-based SPF of at least 30 when in the sun, particularly between 10 am and 2 pm when the sun is usually at its strongest. 

Fitzpatrick skin type IVs are more prone to post-treatment inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This means adjustments in power settings for both laser and radiofreqency are usually needed. This also means that hose with Fitzpatrick skin type IV skin are not good candidates for deeper, more aggressive peels. 

Fitzpatrick Skin Type V

Those with Fitzpatrick skin type V have brown to dark brown skin, rarely freckle, tan very easily, and rarely burn. Eye and hair color range from brown to black. Ethnicity is often African, South East Asian, or Eastern Indian. 

The melanin in Fitzpatrick type V skin helps it tend to age better than skin types I - III that are more sensitive to photo aging. Those with Fitzpatrick skin type VI are typically not ideal candidates for laser and peels. The 1926nm LaseMD laser is an exception, however energy needs to be adjusted downward to prevent hypopigmentation. Radiofrequency treatments in general are appropriate for those with Fitzpatrick skin type VI, however as with the LaseMD settings must be adjusted downward to prevent hypopigmentation. 

Fitzpatrick Skin Type VI

Those with Fitzpatrick skin type VI have deeply pigmented skin that tans but never burns or freckles. Natural hair color is black and eyes are dark brown to black. Ethnicity can be African, Aborigines, or dark skined Asians such as Tamils. 

Those with Fitzpatrick skin type VI are most likely to have beautiful aging skin, however they are typically not ideal candidates for laser and peels. The 1926nm LaseMD laser is an exception, however energy needs to be adjusted downward to prevent hypopigmentation. Radiofrequency treatments in general are appropriate for those with Fitzpatrick skin type VI, however as with the LaseMD settings must be adjusted downward to prevent hypopigmentation. 

Your Skin Type Matters!   

Knowing your skin type is important because it is a significant factor in choosing appropriate skin rejuvenation, laser hair removal, and tattoo removal treatments and settings. It's also important for ensuring appropriate skin care products, including skin brighteners and mineral-based SPF products. 

At Rejuvience Med Spa, you'll receive a detailed skin type questionnaire as one of your intake forms. This ensures that your skin type is correctly identified so that treatment and product recommendations are appropriate. We have technologies that are appropriate for all skin types, including award winning Vivace Microneedling RF, award winning Venus Viva for skin resurfacing, LaseMD for skin resurfacing, and the new Tixel for skin resurfacing.  

If you're not sure which treatment is right for you, schedule a complimentary consultation. We'll listen to your concerns and educate you on appropriate choices.