Fitzpatrick Scale Skin Classification System
The Fitzpatrick Scale is a classification system for skin that is widely used in the aesthetics business. Since not all procedures are appropriate or safe for all skin types, aesthetic professionals use the Fitzpatrick Scale as a general guideline to assess any possible risks to a client regarding a specific procedure. Not all clients fit every number every time and the clinician will adjust the procedure as necessary to safely achieve optimal results for the client.
When you come in for your procedure, you will be given a brief health history form to fill out. It will include a numerical scale describing hair, eye and skin color and how easily you tan or burn in the sun. Please be truthful when discussing skin type as it is an important safety tool for you and the clinician.
Fitzpatrick Classification Scale
|
Skin Type |
Skin Color
|
Characteristics |
|
I |
White; very fair; red or blond hair; blue eyes; freckles |
Always burns, never tans
|
|
II |
White; fair; red or blond hair; blue, hazel, or green eyes |
Usually burns, tans with difficulty
|
|
III |
Cream white; fair to medium with any eye or hair color |
Sometimes mild burn, gradually tans
|
|
IV |
Brown; Hispanic, Native American, Mediterranean, some Middle Eastern, South American, Asian
|
Rarely burns, tans with ease.
|
|
V |
Dark Brown; Middle-Eastern, Indian, dark Hispanic, Asian
|
Very rarely burns, tans very easily |
|
VI
|
Black
|
Never burns, tans very easily |