Understanding the Fitzpatrick Skin Types

Your skin is as unique as you are. Understanding its characteristics is the key to providing the best care and ensuring optimal protection, particularly when it comes to sun exposure and personalised treatments. The Fitzpatrick Scale is a classification system that helps dermatologists and skincare professionals determine how different skin types react to the sun, aiding in the selection of tailored skincare and treatment plans.

What is the Fitzpatrick Scale?

The Fitzpatrick Scale was developed in 1975 by Harvard dermatologist Thomas B. Fitzpatrick. It categorises skin into six types based on genetic attributes—such as eye and hair colour—and reaction to ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. This scale serves as a foundation for understanding sun sensitivity, pigmentation response, and the likelihood of developing conditions such as hyperpigmentation or sun damage.

The Six Fitzpatrick Skin Types

Type I: The Porcelain Complexion

Skin Tone: Very fair, often with freckles
Hair & Eye Colour: Red or blonde hair, blue or green eyes
Sun Sensitivity: Always burns, never tans
Concerns: High risk of sun damage, premature ageing, and skin cancer
Best Skincare Approach: Daily broad-spectrum SPF, antioxidants like Vitamin C, and hydrating, barrier-supportive skincare to counteract environmental stressors.

Type II: The Fair Beauty

Skin Tone: Fair, with a pink undertone
Hair & Eye Colour: Blonde or light brown hair, blue or green eyes
Sun Sensitivity: Burns easily, tans minimally
Concerns: Susceptible to pigmentation issues and early signs of aging
Best Skincare Approach: SPF 30+ protection, brightening agents like niacinamide, and collagen-boosting treatments to maintain firmness.

Type III: The Golden Glow

Skin Tone: Light to medium, often with a warm undertone
Hair & Eye Colour: Brown hair, hazel or brown eyes
Sun Sensitivity: Burns occasionally, tans gradually
Concerns: Prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and uneven skin tone
Best Skincare Approach: Regular exfoliation with gentle acids (AHA), SPF 30+, and hydration to maintain radiance.

Type IV: The Mediterranean Radiance

Skin Tone: Olive or caramel
Hair & Eye Colour: Dark brown hair, brown or hazel eyes
Sun Sensitivity: Rarely burns, tans easily
Concerns: Increased risk of hyperpigmentation and melasma
Best Skincare Approach: High sun protection SPF 30+, pigment-correcting serums (Sepiwhite, licorice root extract), and hydration-focused formulations.

Type V: The Deep Bronze

Skin Tone: Deep brown
Hair & Eye Colour: Dark brown to black hair, brown eyes
Sun Sensitivity: Tans effortlessly, rarely burns
Concerns: Hyperpigmentation, scarring, and uneven tone
Best Skincare Approach: SPF 30+ to prevent dark spots, gentle exfoliation to promote an even complexion, and ceramide-rich skincare to reinforce the skin barrier.

Type VI: The Ebony Elegance

Skin Tone: Deeply pigmented
Hair & Eye Colour: Black hair, dark brown eyes
Sun Sensitivity: Least sensitive to sunburn, but still susceptible to sun damage
Concerns: Prone to hyperpigmentation, keloid scarring, and moisture loss
Best Skincare Approach: Daily SPF 30+ to prevent UV-induced hyperpigmentation, deeply nourishing hydration, and barrier-strengthening ingredients.

Why Knowing Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type Matters

Your Fitzpatrick classification influences not just sun protection needs but also how your skin responds to treatments such as laser, IPL, chemical peels, and microneedling. For example, deeper skin tones (Types IV-VI) require specialised laser wavelengths to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, while fairer skin types (Types I-III) may need extra hydration to counteract increased sensitivity.

At Lisa Franklin London, we incorporate an in-depth understanding of your skin type into every consultation, ensuring that your skincare routine and in-clinic treatments are bespoke to your unique needs. Whether you are looking to refine your complexion, combat hyperpigmentation, or enhance your natural glow, we provide expert-led solutions tailored for you.

Expert Skincare Tailored to You

A personalised skincare approach ensures that you’re giving your skin exactly what it needs to thrive. Book a consultation at today to discover how our advanced treatments and scientifically formulated products can elevate your skincare journey.