Skin Classification Based on Reaction to Sun Exposure

Skin Type - I

Skin Reaction: Tans little or not at all, always burns easily and severely, then peels.     

Examples:  People most often with fair skin, blue eyes, freckles, white unexposed skin.

Skin Type - II

Skin Reaction: Usually burns easily and severely (painful burn); tans minimally and lightly.    

Examples:  People with fair skin, blue or hazel eyes, blonde or red hair, white unexposed skin.

Skin Type - III

Skin Reaction: Burns moderately, gains average tan.    

Examples:  Average Caucasian, white, unexposed skin.

Skin Type - IV

Skin Reaction: Burns minimally, tans easily and above average with each exposure.

Examples:  People with light or brown skin, dark brown hair, dark eyes; unexposed skin is white or light brown (Asians, Hispanics, Mediterranean).

Skin Type -V

Skin Reaction: Rarely burns, tans easily and substantially.

Examples:  Brown skinned persons; unexposed skin is brown (Indonesians, Hispanics, etc.).

Skin Type -VI

Skin Reaction: Tans profusely and never burns.

Examples:  Persons with black skin.

Related Contents:

1. Importance of Skin Types
2. Home Treatments for Dark Skin
3. Were First Humans Dark Skinned?