SKIN TYPES
Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick, MD, PhD, from Harvard Medical School in 1975 developed a classification system for the different skin types. This classification system is still used by doctors and aestheticians all over the world as an effective means of identifying a person’s basic skin type. By identifying a patient’s basic skin type they are able to identify their likely reactions and/or side effects to various forms of treatment. This allows them to accurately predict which procedures they should or should not use for removal of hair, wrinkles, veins, sun spots, and scars. The Fitzpatrick skin type classification is especially useful in regards to laser hair treatment. The correct skin type of a patient must be identified in order to effectively treat any of the above mentioned conditions with laser technology.
The Fitzpatrick skin type system helps doctors and patients classify the skin to be treated as belonging to one of six categories. The lighter a person’s skin the closer they will be to a I skin type and the darker the skin the closer they will be to the VI skin type. With a higher level of skin type such as V or VI, patients are considered at risk for hypopgimentation. This can lead to permanent discoloration of the skin. Patients with a lighter skin type like a I or II, are often not candidates for laser hair treatment as their skin lacks pigment and can be susceptible to hyperpigmentation. For people of these skin types it’s highly recommended that your physician perform a test treatment on a small patch of skin. If discoloration occurs, then laser hair treatment should be avoided.
Keep in mind that your skin type can change from day to day. It is effected by factors such as hormonal imbalances, health problems, genetic predisposition, smoking and medications. Everything from sun exposure to the environment to facial products you use can be the influences that make you look like you’ve aged considerably or gotten younger all of a sudden. Learn what you skin type is and learn how to make the most of it. The following chart can help you identify what skin type of have:
Fitzpatrick Skin Type Chart
|
Skin Type |
Typical Features |
Tanning Ability |
|
i |
Pale white skin, blue /hazeled
eyes, blond/red hair |
Always burns, does not tan |
|
ii |
Fair skin, blue eyes |
burns easily, tans poorly |
|
iii |
Darker white skin |
Tans after intial burn |
|
iv |
Light brown skin |
Burns minimally, tans easily |
|
v |
Brown skin |
Rarely burns, tans darkly |
|
vi |
Dark brown or black skin |
Never burns, always tans |
|
