The Fitzpatrick Scale: Understanding Your Skin Type for Optimal Care 

Where Are You on the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Chart? 

Looking after your skin means knowing what skin type you have and how to best manage it. By understanding the specifics of your Fitzpatrick skin type, you can customize your skincare routine and take the correct steps to protect your skin from sun damage. Skin type is also used to determine if you are a candidate for certain lasers, chemical peels, and skincare ingredients used to renew and rejuvenate the skin on the face and body.    

If you’re wondering, “how do I know my Fitzpatrick skin type?” or “what is my skin type number?” let’s look at what the Fitzpatrick scale is. This is a scientific skin type classification system designed to divide skin based on how susceptible your skin is to the sun.    

What Are the Fitzpatrick Scale Skin Types? 

Where you fall on the Fitzpatrick skin type chart depends on a few factors, but mostly on your skin color. Skin color ranges from 1 (palest and most susceptible to sun damage) to 6 (darkest and least affected by the sun).    

Skin Type 1 

• Characteristics: Pale skin, always burns, never tans. Light blue, gray, or green eyes. Naturally blonde or red hair.    
• Challenges: High risk of sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer (melanoma).    
• Care: High-quality, medical-grade sunscreen (SPF 30+). Potent Vitamin C serum (e.g., SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic). 

Skin Type 2 

• Characteristics: Light skin, tans with repeated sun exposure, often burns and peels. Blue, gray, or green eyes. Naturally blonde or brown hair. May develop freckles. 
• Challenges: Sun damage, sunburns, premature aging, freckles, and melanoma risk. 
• Care: SPF 30+ medical-grade sunscreen. Non-surgical skin tightening and pigmentation treatments.    

Skin Type 3 

• Characteristics: Sensitive skin, occasional burns, tans slightly after burns. Golden undertone, hazel or brown eyes. Light to medium brown or dark blonde hair.    
• Challenges: Sun damage, premature aging, pigmentation spots.    
• Care: SPF 30+ medical-grade sunscreen. Medspa treatments for sun damage and aging.    

Skin Type 4 

• Characteristics: Olive skin, tans easily, occasional burns. Dark eyes, dark brown hair. May develop melasma. 
• Challenges: Sun damage, premature aging, pigmentation irregularities.    
• Care: SPF 30+ sunscreen, sunglasses. Microneedling and radiofrequency treatments. Products with peptides and retinol.    

Skin Type 5 

• Characteristics: Brown or dark brown skin, dark eyes, dark hair. Tans easily, rarely burns. 
• Challenges: Sunspots, uneven skin tone, darker scars, hyperpigmentation from certain treatments. 
• Care: SPF 30+ sunscreen. Treat wounds quickly. Products with peptides.    

Skin Type 6 

• Characteristics: Dark skin, dark eyes, black hair. Never burns, darkens with sun exposure. 
• Challenges: Sun damage, hyperpigmentation from certain treatments. 
• Care: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses. Moisturizers, Vitamin C, and kojic acid. 

Why Is It Important to Know Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type? 

You should know where you land on the Fitzpatrick skin type chart to treat your skin properly and prevent sun damage. When you care properly for your skin, you can reduce the chances of developing skin cancer and delay the signs of premature aging from sun exposure. Additionally, many cosmetic procedures are optimized for certain Fitzpatrick skin types, so knowing yours allows you to get the safest and most effective results