- Discovering Your Skin Type with the Fitzpatrick Score -
We understand that everyone's skin is unique. That's why we use the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Score as a guide to help determine the best skincare treatments and products for our clients.
Our Skin Experts have put their heads together to explain what the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Score is and how it can help you achieve healthy, beautiful skin.
What is the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Score?
The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Score is a numerical classification system based on an individual's skin colour and reaction to the sun. The score ranges from Type 1 to Type 6, with Type 1 being the lightest skin and Type 6 being the darkest.
The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Score takes into account several factors, including:
- Genetic disposition
- Skin colour
- Reaction to the sun
- Tanning habits
- Presence of freckles or moles
Why is the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Score important?
It helps us determine the best skincare treatments and products by giving us a deeper understanding of our clients skin behaviour. People with different skin types have different skincare needs, and what works for one person may not work for another.
For example, we are unable to treat people with a score 4 or greater with intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. People with Fitzpatrick skin type 4 or above are at higher risk of developing complications from IPL. This is because their skin contains more melanin, which absorbs more light energy during IPL and can result in burns, hyperpigmentation, or scarring therefore we have a selection of alternative treatments on offer.
At Ivy Clinic, we offer a range of skincare treatments and products tailored to each individual's skin type. Our experienced team can help you determine your Fitzpatrick Skin Type Score and recommend the best skincare regimen to help you achieve healthy, beautiful skin.
Book a Skin Discovery consult now!
TAKE THE TEST...(get your calculators ready)...
| Eye colour? | Natural hair colour? |
|
0. Light colours
1. Blue, grey, green 2. Hazel or light brown 3. Dark brown 4. Black |
0. Sandy red 1. Blonde 2. Chestnut or dark blonde 3. Brown 4. Black |
|
Natural skin colour (without sun)? |
Freckles? |
|
0. Reddish 1. Pale 2. Beige or olive 3. Brown 4. Dark brown |
0. Many 1. Several 2. Few 3. Rare 4. None |
| If you stay in the sun for too long (without sunscreen)? | Do you turn brown/tan? |
|
0. Painful blisters, peeling 1. Mild blisters, peeling 2. Burn, mild peeling 3. Rare 4. No burning |
0. Never 1. Seldom 2. Gradually 3. Usually 4. Always (quickly) |
| How brown do you get? | Is your face sensitive to sun (without sunscreen)? |
|
0. Never 1. Light tan 2. Medium tan 3. Dark tan 4. Deep dark tan |
0. Very sensitive 1. Sensitive 2. Sometimes 3. Resistant 4. Never had a problem |
| How often do you actively tan? | When was your last tan? |
|
0. Never 1. Seldom 2. Something 3. Frequently 4. Regularly |
0. More than 3 months ago 1. 2-3 months ago 2. 1-2 months ago 3. A few weeks ago 4. A few days ago |
Now add up your total number of points....
Fitzpatrick Skin Type 1 = 0-6
Fitzpatrick Skin Type 2 = 7-13
Fitzpatrick Skin Type 3 = 14-20
Fitzpatrick Skin Type 4 = 21-27
Fitzpatrick Skin Type 5 = 28-34
Fitzpatrick Skin Type 6 = 35+
What are the different skin types according to the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Score?
Type 1: Pale white skin, blue or green eyes, red or blond hair. Always burns, never tans.
Type 2: Fair skin, blue or green eyes, blond or light brown hair. Burns easily, tans minimally.
Type 3: Fair to medium skin, hazel or brown eyes, dark blond or light brown hair. Burns moderately, tans gradually.
Type 4: Olive or light brown skin, brown eyes, dark brown hair. Burns minimally, tans easily.
Type 5: Brown skin, dark brown eyes, dark hair. Rarely burns, tans easily and darkly.
Type 6: Dark brown or black skin, dark brown eyes, black hair. Never burns, tans very easily and deeply.
***Remember that this is just a general guideline, and your skin may not fit perfectly into one specific category. It's always important to use sunscreen and protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, regardless of your skin type. If you have any concerns about your skin or sun exposure, consult with a skin specialist.
