What is your skin phototype? Discover the types and their characteristics!
Did you know that centuries ago fair skin was synonymous with wealth and beauty? This was because people who worked on the land were always exposed to the sun, so they had more pigmented skin. However, today the situation has taken a 180º turn. (Although being tan depends not only on sunbathing, but also on your skin phototype...) Let me tell you everything I know about it!
What are skin phototypes?
By definition, the skin phototype is the ability of our dermis to adapt to the sun . That is, depending on the skin phototype we have, we will know what degree of sensitivity it has to ultraviolet rays . After all, a person's skin phototype is a set of characteristics that make us more likely to tan or not.
How many skin phototypes are there?
To find out what your skin type is according to its tone and how sensitive it is to the sun 's UV rays , dermatologist Thomas Fitzpatrick established a classification of the skin types that exist. These are divided into 6 taking into account the sensitivity of each dermis and the reaction they have to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. All skin phototypes are collected on the Fitzpatrick Scale .
Skin phototypes and their characteristics:
If you have never wondered “ what is my skin phototype? ”, stay, because knowing your dermis is essential. In this way, and knowing what type of skin needs more sun protection , you will know how sensitive your skin is to the sun and how you should take care of it :
Phototype 1: people with this type of skin have blonde or red hair and light eyes (green or blue). Also, they have very little pigmented skin . They burn very easily when exposed to the sun since their skin is too sensitive to ultraviolet rays , so they should take good care of their skin and use full sun protection . They do not have the ability to tan even if they try.
Phototype 2: the second phototype is presented by people with fair skin with freckles , blue or brown eyes , and blonde or red hair . Although they can tan over time (although sometimes it's barely noticeable), they tend to burn their skin easily as well. They must use very high sun protection products .
Phototype 3: the characteristics of this skin type are blond or light brown hair , green or brown eyes and a skin tone that, while light during the year, becomes tanned in summer . These people get brown easily , although it is essential that they use sun protection , since otherwise they can get burned.
Phototype 4: These people have dark brown hair , brown eyes and brown skin (even without the need to be exposed to the sun ). However, when exposed their skin takes on a golden hue . Although their skin tolerates the sun's rays very well and they do not burn easily, it is important that they do not forget to apply sunscreen to protect their skin .
Phototype 5: These people have black hair and dark eyes and skin . They don't need to sunbathe if they want to be tanned , because they already are. It is very difficult for them to burn , since it only happens to them when they are exposed to the sun's rays for a very long time. In any case, it is essential that they protect their skin from ultraviolet light with a good sunscreen .
Phototype 6: this type of skin is characteristic of black people , since their skin , eyes and hair are usually dark . Their skin is so pigmented that it is almost impossible for them to damage their skin cells . Even if the sun's rays do not cause burns , it is vital that they use sun protection , since UV rays are harmful in all cases.
After knowing all the characteristics of each of the skin phototypes , what skin phototype do you have? Keep in mind that you should always use sun protection , regardless of the type of skin you have...
