What is the Fitzpatrick Scale?

What is the Fitzpatrick Scale?

The Fitzpatrick scale is a scientific classification system for human skin pigmentation developed in 1975 by Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick. It delineates skin tones (also known as phototypes) based on their reaction to ultraviolet (UV) light exposure and ranges from Type I (very fair, always burns, never tans) to Type VI (very dark, rarely burns, tans very easily). It’s important to note - while this scale does take into account how easily the skin burns, it does not define a sliding scale of a skin tone’s risk to cancer. Everyone, regardless of skin tone, is at risk of sun damage that can lead to skin cancer and should use sun protection daily. As such, the same goes for melasma - it affects all skin tones, therefore it is not possible to define a level of risk.

This scale is a very useful tool for dermatologists, healthcare & aesthetic professionals to assess risks for sun damage, determine appropriate UV treatments, identify the most effective and safe skincare products and treatments, and understand a person's overall skin characteristics. It is also important for you to know in order to understand your sun exposure limits, how much and how often to apply sun protection, and to know which cosmetic treatments are suitable or not for your skin.

The general rule of thumb is that pale to white skin burns easily and tans slowly and poorly and therefore needs more protection against sun exposure & medium to darker skin burns less and tans more easily - but more prone to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) after injury or acne. One example of a cosmetic treatment and its effect on different skin tones - 10 years ago, if you wanted to get laser hair removal, darker skin tones were not included as the laser would have difficulty knowing the difference between the melanin in the skin, and the color of the hair, posing a burn risk. 

Fitzpatrick Types:

The scale is divided into six types:

Type I: Pale white, always burns, never tans. 

Type II: Fair skin, burns easily, tans minimally. 

Type III: Fair skin, sometimes burns, tans to a light brown. 

Type IV: Light brown skin, rarely burns, tans well. 

Type V: Brown skin, never burns, tans very easily. 

Type VI: Black skin, never burns, tans very easily. 

If you’d like to have a professional assess your skin tone, consider booking a facial with one of our medical aestheticians here at Georgetown Allure Medical Spa in Washington, DC,  who will assess your habits & skin under a magnifying glass before cleansing & rebalancing your skin.

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Note: The header image is to be used as a visual reference. The images used do not depict the fluctuation of the individual’s skin tone due to makeup, faux tans or sun exposure.