Skin Facts

Fitzpatrick Skin Type Test

One of the important parameters for the success of any skin treatment is the correct typing of your skin.

Skin type is often categorized according to the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale which ranges from very fair (skin type I) to very dark (skin type VI). The two main factors that influence skin type and the treatment program devised by your doctor are:

  • Genetic disposition
  • Reaction to sun exposure and tanning habits


Skin type is determined genetically and is one of the many aspects of your overall appearance, which also includes colour of eyes, hair, etc..

The way your skin reacts to sun exposure is another important factor in correctly assessing your skin type. Recent tanning (sun bathing, artificial tanning or tanning creams) have a major impact on the evaluation of your skin color.

Try the following Fitzpatrick Skin Test to determine your skin type ...

Genetic Disposition (Please select what is most relevant to you)
What are the of your eyes?
 
What is the natural color of your hair?
 
What is the color of your skin (non exposed areas)?
 
Do you have freckles on unexposed areas?
 
Reaction to Sun Exposure

 
What happens when you stay in the sun too long?
 
To What degree do you turn brown?
 
Do you turn brown within several hours after sun exposure?
 
How does your face react to the sun?
 

Tanning Habits
When did you last expose your body to sun (or artificial sunlamp/tanning cream)?
 
Did you expose the area to be treated to the sun?