Classify Your Skin

There is an abundance of skin products on the market, but did you know there’s a scientifically designed scale to take the guesswork out of which one to use on your skin.

The Fitzpatrick Classification Scale (aka Fitzpatrick skin typing test or Fitzpatrick phototyping scale) was developed by Harvard Medical School dermatologist Dr Thomas Fitzpatrick back in 1975. It was developed to classify a person’s complexion and the skin’s tolerance of UV sunlight.

From a skincare point of view, it is used by many practitioners to determine skin colour, how someone will react to treatments and how likely they are to get skin cancer.

Our skin is our biggest organ and comes in a plethora of different colours. These different colours, referred to as skin tones, are determined by the outer layer’s supply of a pigment, called melanin. People with darker skin have more melanin than people with paler skin.

The simple distinction when referring to skin tone is warm or cool, although, as you’ve probably noticed when shopping for makeup, the descriptions and distinctions often go much deeper. The Fitzpatrick Scale remains a recognised tool for dermatologists, which is why brands such as DermaQuest base their DermaMinerals makeup range shades around this scale.

Skin type ranges from very fair (skin type I) to very dark (skin type VI). The main factors that influence skin type are our genetic disposition, reaction to sun exposure and tanning habits.

Genetics determine skin type as well as many aspects of our overall appearance, including the colour of our eyes and hair. The way skin reacts to sun exposure is an important factor in correctly assessing skin types, as is recent tanning (from sun bathing to self-tanners), and has a major impact on the evaluation of skin colour.

When UV rays start penetrating our bodies, skin cells called melanocytes kick into high gear and start producing melanin, which results in a tan. People with fair skin tend to burn as they have fewer melanocytes, therefore producing less melanin.

Skin type and hair colour are also important to consider when determining treatments such as laser hair removal. Laser is more effective for light-skinned people with thick dark hair than it is for people with thin, lighter coloured hair. People with darker skin can still benefit from laser treatment for hair removal, however additional treatments are usually required to achieve optimum results. Laser treatment for hair removal is generally less effective on naturally grey, red or blonde hair.

To determine your Fitzpatrick Skin Type, consideration is given to your natural skin, hair and eye colour as well as your response to sun exposure. Body parts usually not exposed to the sun are considered, along with hair colour on areas not dyed or infrequently exposed to the sun for the most accurate classification.

You can use this skin type chart for self-assessment by completing a question-answer Fitzpatrick test (there are numerous available online.) To find out your skin type, add up the scores for each answer and refer to the chart for your skin’s characteristics. This will enable you to decide on the best treatment options for your skin.

Knowing your skin type is important. Not only will you be able to better protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays and receive more accurate treatment for certain skin conditions but you’ll also be able to match clothing and hair colour to better suit your body’s largest organ.