Skin Types
Skin Phototype
The amount of melanin pigment in the skin gives an individual skin color. Skin pigment is typically inherited genetically but hormonal changes during pregnancy can also vary the amount of pigmentation.
The Fitzpatrick Scale is used to classify skin complexion and response to UV exposure. This classification is based on a personal history of sun burning and sun tanning. This classification is used clinically for evaluation of facial skin pigmentation before such things as resurfacing procedures and is important for predicting outcomes and adverse effects.
Its Important to know your skin type since many times it can define what type of skin care is used or what type of treatments can be applied to your skin.
Fitzpatrick Type I
Very Light Complexion or Freckled Skin.
Always Burns, Never tans
Fitzpatrick Type II
White Skin
Burns Easily
Fitzpatrick Type III
Olive Skin
Mild Burns, Gradually Tans
Fitzpatrick Type IV
Light Brown Skin
Tans Easily
Fitzpatrick Type V
Dark Brown Skin
Rarely Burns, Tans easily
Fitzpatrick Type VI
Dark Skin
Never Burns, Tans easily
Skin Character:
Normal Skin:
Normal skin refers to well-balanced skin that is neither too oily nor too dry.
Oily Skin:
Oily skin is characterized by high sebum production by the sebaceous glands. One can have oily skin for multiple reasons. These may include, among other things, genetics, hormonal conditions, medications, or stress. Individuals with oily skin tend to have large pores, comedones (black heads or white heads) and are more susceptible to acne.
Dry Skin:
Dry skin ranges from lightly dry to very dry skin. This is a skin that does not have enough moisture within it to keep it feeling smooth or soft. It can be scaly, itchy and crackly. Many causes include dry and cold weather, sun damage, harsh soaps and over washing.
Mixed Skin:
In combination skin the skin types vary in different areas of the face. The T-zone has been characterized as the area of the forehead, nose and chin. The T zone in mixed skin is typically more oily than the other areas. The cheek area is another area that may have different texture and is more typically dry in mixed skin types.
Sensitive Skin:
Sensitive skin is skin that easily irritated. That irritation can manifest by redness, itching, blotchiness or even acne. It has reduced tolerance to various factors such as weather, temperature change or even cosmetics. This can cause a breakdown of the skin and its protective function thus making the condition worse.