Unfortunately, we are not all equal in face of the dangers of the sun! Under the action of UV radiation, every type of skin reacts and tans differently. To shield yourself correctly, it is essential to choose sun protection that fits your skin and the type of exposure you will be facing.
Unfortunately, we aren’t all equal when faced when it comes to the dangers of exposure t to the sun! Under the action of UV radiation, every type of skin reacts and tans differently. To shield yourself correctly, it is essential to choose sun protection that fits your skin and the type of exposure you will be facing.
Get to Know Your Fitzpatrick Phototype
Your skin’s Fitzpatrick phototype is your skin type. It depends on different criteria and can be put into 1 of 6 categories, from the most sensitive skin, to those that have the most natural protection against sunlight. What is yours?
Phototype I:
- Very pale or milky skin
- Blond or red hair
- Blue, green or light brown eyes
- Numerous freckles
- Always gets sunburned
- Never tans
→ High Protection
Phototype II:
- Very light skin
- Blond or light brown hair
- Light colored eyes
- Freckles
- Often gets sunburned
- Tans slowly
- Sometimes takes a light tan tone develops
→ High Protection / Moderate Protection in less severe conditions
Phototype III:
- Light to slightly olive skin
- Blond or light brown hair
- Brown eyes
- Some freckling occurs after exposure
- Sometimes gets sunburns
- Progressive tans (average tan)
→ High Protection in extreme conditions/ Moderate Protection
Phototype IV:
- Olive skin
- Brown or dark brown hair
- Dark eyes
- No freckles
- Rarely gets sunburn
- Always tans (deep tan)
→ Moderate Protection
Phototype V:
- Dark skin
- Black hair
- Black eyes
- No freckles
- Rarely gets sunburned
- Always tans (very dark tan)
→ Moderate to low protection
Phototype VI:
- Black skin
- Black hair
- Black eyes
- No freckles
- Never gets sunburned
→ Moderate to low protection
Choose your sun protection according to your phototype and the type of exposure: for longer periods of time, or more intense sunlight (in the tropics for example) always prefer high protection. Enjoy the sun with your mind at ease!