The Fitzpatrick skin type scale was developed in 1975 by Dr. T.B. Fitzpatrick in the Department of Dermatology at Harvard University. There are six types, numbered in Roman numerals from I to VI. Type I is the fairest and type VI is the darkest. Red and blonde hair with freckles and blue eyes are common in lighter skin types while black hair and dark brown eyes are common in darker skin types. It is based not only on the color of the skin, but more importantly, the reaction of the skin to sun exposure. This scale is important when considering procedures because darker skin types have a propensity for a phenomenon called post-inflammatory dyspigmentation, which is a change in color after inflammation caused (in this case) by a procedure. For example, procedures such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing, or dermabrasion have the potential to cause color changes in dark skin types. One way to reduce the possibility for this is to use bleaching agents such as hydroquinone for 4-6 weeks prior to the procedure and continue for several weeks after the procedure.
Type I: very fair, always burns, never tans
Type II: fair, burns easily, sometimes tans
Type III: light olive, rarely burns, usually tans
Type IV: olive, rarely burns, always tans
Type V: brown, rarely burns, tans profusely
Type VI: dark brown, never burns, tans profusely
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