Your Skin Phototype

Your risk of developing skin cancer among other factors highly depends on your skin type. In 1975, Fitzpatrick, a respected dermatologist created a standard for classifying individuals according to their skin color and burning and tanning responses to sun light exposure. Basically a low number means a higher risk. However, there are people with skin type 3 who develop skin cancer and even people with naturally dark skin can also develop skin cancer.

Skin Type

Sunburn Tendency

Tan Tendency

Skin, Hair, and Eye Color

I

I always get a sunburn.

I never get a tan.

white skin, freckles, blond or red hair, blue or green eyes

II

I usually get a sunburn.

I sometimes get a tan.

white skin, blond hair, blue or green eyes

III

I seldomly get a sunburn.

I usually get a tan.

white skin, usually dark hair, and brown eyes

IV-VI

I never get a sunburn.

I always get a dark tan.

brown to dark skin/ brown or black hair/ brown eyes