Skin type. Do you know yours?
How do we classify skin type?
Skin types are often discussed in terms of the “Fitzpatrick Chart”. The Fitzpatrick skin type (or phototype) depends on the amount of melanin pigment in the skin and response to sun exposure. It’s helpful to know what type you are, and compare it to your hair type, in order to determine how effective laser hair removal will be for you. But keep in mind that there are exceptions to every rule, and the only proven way to determine your candidacy is through a personal consultation with a laser hair removal specialist.
Type I
Typical features: pale white skin, blue/green eyes, blond/red hair
Sun exposure: Highly sun-sensitive, always burns, never tans.
Example: Prince Harry
Type II
Typical features: fair skin, blue eyes
Sun exposure: Very sun-sensitive, burns easily, tans minimally.
Example: David Beckham
Type III
Typical features: dark brown hair, Mediterranean background
Sun exposure: Sun-sensitive skin, sometimes burns, tans even after burning
Example: Colin Farrell
Type IV
Typical features: light brown skin, Asian background
Sun exposure: minimally sun-sensitive, rarely burns, always tans easily
Example: Amir Khan
Type V
Typical features: Brown skin, mixed background
Sun exposure: Sun-insensitive skin, rarely burns, tans well.
Example: Lewis Hamilton
Type VI
Typical features: Tight curls, Afro-Caribbean or South Asian background
Sun exposure: Sun-insensitive, never burns, tans well and deeply pigmented.
Example: Stormzy
This scale is important in determining the intensity of laser used in the process. Darker skin, such as the type that is found in Mediterranean, African American and Asian populations, can be permanently damaged and scarred if the wrong laser is used. At Mansculpt we use the Soprano Titanium laser, this allow us to treat every skin type, from light to dark. Our Mansculpt experts will also analyse your skin tone and tell you during your first consultation.
What your skin type means for you
Type 1 and Type 2
If you have skin type 1 or 2, you are at an increased risk of skin cancer. Sun exposure causes sunburns, ageing skin, melanoma, and other types of skin cancer.
To protect your skin, you should follow these recommendations:
- Use sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30. (We recommend Dermaquest SheerZinc SPF 30)
- When you’re outside in the sun, keep your sun exposure to a minimum and look for cover.
- Put on a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face and head from the sun.
- Put on UV-blocking eyewear.
- If you intend to spend a lot of time in the sun, use protective clothing with a UPF rating of 30 or higher.
Every month, examine your skin from head to toe.
- Visit a doctor for a yearly skin examination.
Final thoughts
Feel free to book a free consultation if you’re still unsure about what skin type you are. Our experts can do this for you. Click here to book a free consultation with one of our experts.