Fitzpatrick Skin Types

Fitzpatrick skin photo-type is a constitutional characteristic present at birth. Note that people with photosensitivity may burn easily on exposure to the sun due to a disease, condition, or medication; however, their tanning ability is not influenced by their photosensitivity.

The Fitzpatrick classification of skin photo-type is below.

• I: Pale white skin, blue/green eyes, blond/red hair (always burns, does not tan)
• II: Fair skin, blue eyes (burns easily, tans poorly)
• III: Darker white skin (tans after initial burn)
• IV: Light brown skin (burns minimally, tans easily)
• V: Brown skin (rarely burns, tans darkly easily)
• VI: Dark brown or black skin (never burns, always tans darkly)

It’s possible that you won’t meet all of the characteristics of any one type, so you should go with the one that best describes you.

Characteristics of this skin type:

• Skin Color (before sun exposure): ivory
• Eye Color: light blue, light gray, or light green
• Natural Hair Color: red or light blonde
• Sun Reaction: skin always freckles, always burns and peels, and never tans

Characteristics of this skin type:

• Skin Color (before sun exposure): fair or pale
• Eye Color: blue, gray, or green
• Natural Hair Color: blonde
• Sun Reaction: skin usually freckles, burns and peels often, and rarely tans

Characteristics of this skin type:

• Skin Color (before sun exposure): fair to beige, with golden undertones
• Eye Color: hazel or light brown
• Natural Hair Color: dark blonde or light brown
• Sun Reaction: skin might freckle, burns on occasion, and sometimes tans

Characteristics of this skin type:

• Skin Color (before sun exposure): olive or light brown
• Eye Color: dark brown
• Natural Hair Color: dark brown
• Sun Reaction: doesn’t really freckle, burns rarely, and tans often

Characteristics of this skin type:

• Skin Color (before sun exposure): dark brown
• Eye Color: dark brown to black
• Natural Hair Color: dark brown to black
• Sun Reaction: rarely freckles, almost never burns, and always tans

Characteristics of this skin type:

• Skin Color (before sun exposure): deeply pigmented dark brown to darkest brown
• Eye Color: brownish black
• Natural Hair Color: black
• Sun Reaction: never freckles, never burns, and always tans darkly

Dr. Wetherington is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is a former President of the Georgia Society of Plastic Surgeons.