Fitzpatrick Skin Types

Is it Pink, Rose or is it Salmon? What friggin color is it? Chances are most men can’t tell, nor do we care. It’s in the Pink category. That’s how most men would classify it. However, there are major categories of colors just like the colors of the rainbow… awwww. But most colors are a gradient of the major colors that make up all the additional colors out there. Personally, I think of skin color this way also. There are major categories of colors, and there are gradients of those colors. As a dermatology healthcare provider, I often get asked about how individual skin types (colors) impact overall skin health. One important factor to consider is a person’s Fitzpatrick skin type (Their skin color classification). This classification system helps dermatologists and other healthcare professionals understand how a person’s skin will react to different environmental factors, (I.e. The Sun!) and medical treatments.

The Fitzpatrick skin type system was developed in 1975 by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, MD, PhD. This dude was wicked smaat! He wrote one of the major textbooks in dermatology and more than 250 original scientific publications in his days. His classification system classifies skin into six different types based on a person’s genetic makeup, including their skin color, propensity to burn or tan, and overall sensitivity to UV radiation. Here is a quick rundown of each type:

Fitzpatrick Type I:

Pale skin, blue/green eyes, red or blonde hair. Always burns and never tans.
– I’m looking at you Gingers!! Sing it Ed Sheeran.
– Sun is their natural enemy!

Fitzpatrick Type II:

Fair skin, blue/green/hazel eyes, blonde or light brown hair. Usually burns and tans minimally.
– Yours truly. Don’t usually tan. Go from shades of white to shades of red.
– Sunscreen on them at all times!
– Also, Neil Patrick Harris

Fitzpatrick Type III:

Medium skin, hazel or brown eyes, dark blonde or brown hair. Sometimes burns and tans gradually.
– George Clooney

Fitzpatrick Type IV:

Olive skin, dark brown eyes, dark brown hair. Rarely burns and tans easily.
– My wife. We all love her skin and hate that it looks so good.
– Looks at the sun and gets a tan. Again, we hate it.
– Derek Jeter

Fitzpatrick Type V:

Dark brown skin, dark eyes, dark hair. Very rarely burns and tans easily.
– Think Tiger Woods.

Fitzpatrick Type VI:

Very dark skin, black eyes, black hair. Never burns and tans easily.
– Look at me, I’m the captain now.
– Idris Elba

Unsure of your skin type? Take a moment to examine your skin and eye color, and consider your sun exposure history. Your dermatologist or healthcare provider can assess your skin type during a physical exam. Alternatively, try online quizzes if you need help identifying it yourself. Understanding your Fitzpatrick skin type informs how you care for your skin. For instance, individuals with Type I or Type II skin should prioritize sun protection due to their higher risk of sunburn and skin damage. Keep sunscreen handy, just like you would an emergency inhaler. Conversely, those with Type V or VI skin might need extra measures to prevent hyperpigmentation and other related concerns.

Ultimately, understanding your Fitzpatrick skin type is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to taking care of your skin. Other factors, such as your age, diet, and lifestyle habits, can all impact your skin’s health and appearance. But by staying informed and working with your healthcare team, you can develop a comprehensive plan for keeping your skin looking and feeling its best. So don’t be shy about asking questions and seeking out the information you need to make the most of your skin’s unique qualities. Until next time, get SOM!