05/22/2026
The Fitzpatrick Scale was developed by Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick. It is used to measure the skin’s ability to tolerate sun exposure! ☀️
Lighter skin types are generally more sensitive and reactive. Individuals with darker skin have more melanin, which gives more protection from the sun, but have other sensitivities and concerns
Type I
- Very fair skin, red or blonde hair, blue eyes, likely freckled skin
- Always burns, never tans
Type II
- Fair skin, blue, green, or hazel eyes; blonde or red hair
- Burns easily, tans minimally
Type III
- Very common coloring - fair, but with any color hair and eyes
- Sometimes burns gradually tans
Type IV
- Typical Mediterranean Caucasian skin; medium to heavy pigmentation
- Rarely burns, always tans
Type V
- Middle eastern skin types, not sun sensitive
- Vary rarely burns, always tans
Type VI
- Black or dark skin, generally never sun sensitive
- Almost never burns
Which type sounds the most like yours? Post in the comments!