Did you know your skin type indicates how much sun protection you need and which clinical treatments are suitable for your skin?
Skin type affects the way your skin ages, how it reacts to skin procedures, and how vulnerable you are to developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIHP), hypopigmentation and keloid scarring.
We classify skin according to colour and its reaction to sun exposure using the Fitzpatrick scale, developed by Dermatologist Dr Fitzpatrick in 1975. The world is a rich mix of ethnicities with many shades – historically, the closer to the equator, the darker the skin and the further away your ancestors lived, the lighter your skin will be.
Using the Fitzpatrick scale, practitioners can determine your reaction to treatments such as IPL, laser, chemical peels and more. For the most accurate diagnosis, it’s best to consult with a fully qualified dermal therapist who will take into account your unique genetic background.
Skin Type I
You have: Celtic/Anglo-Saxon descent with light coloured eyes, fair or red hair and freckled skin, skin does not tan, only develops erythema (redness) and peels, often a thinner, dry skin.
You are very susceptible to: Photo damage such as skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma & squamous cell carcinoma) and premature ageing caused by repeat sun exposure, resulting in wrinkles, spider veins, freckles, and pigmentation. There is no to minimal risk of PIHP.
Treatments: Laser, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, anti-aging cosmeceuticals, and cosmetic injections can help restore the skin to a more youthful appearance.
Skin Type II
You have: Northern European descent with light coloured eyes, light hair, with or without freckled skin, light tan may develop, though will burn and peel easily.
You are moderately susceptible to: Photo damage such as skin cancers and photo ageing, resulting in pigmentation such as age spots, as well as broken capillaries, lines and wrinkles. There is minimal risk of developing PIHP.
Treatments: Anti-wrinkle and dermal filler injections, laser, peels, microdermabrasion and homecare cosmeceuticals incorporating vitamin A & C.
Skin Type III
You have: One parent from a Mediterranean, Indian, Asian or Latin American background with darker eyes and hair, moderate tan will develop and will only sometimes burn.
You are moderately susceptible to: Photo damage such as skin cancers and photo-ageing. Although you tan easily, you should still wear sun protection (minimum 30+). There is a potential risk of developing PIHP.
Treatments: Gentle clinical treatments such as chemical peels incorporating pigmentation suppression as well as cosmeceutical grade skin care. Due to potential risk of developing PIHP, always ensure your therapist is fully qualified and is aware of your genetic history.
Skin Type IV
You are: Mediterranean, Indian, Asian or Latin American descent with dark eyes and hair, a dark tan will develop and will seldom burn, often a thicker, oilier skin.
You are moderately susceptible to: Developing PIHP (darker patches) and hypopigmentation (lighter patches). You are not prone to early photo damage such as skin cancers and photo ageing.
Treatments: Please consult a fully qualified professional before undertaking any treatments.
Skin Type V
You are: Indian, Asian, Aboriginal or African descent with very dark brown eyes and hair, who tans extremely well and rarely burns.
You are highly susceptible to: Developing PIHP and hypopigmentation. You are not prone to early photo damage such as skin cancers and photo ageing.
Treatments: Always consult a fully qualified professional prior to clinical treatments to avoid complications.
Skin Type VI
You are: African or Aboriginal descent with black eyes and hair and very dark skin.
You are highly susceptible to: Developing PIHP, hypopigmentation and keloid scarring. You are not prone to early photo damage such as skin cancers and photo ageing.
Treatments: Due to the high risk of developing complications, please consult a fully qualified professional before undertaking any treatments.
Holly Copping is the Director of Territory Laser Clinic in Darwin, and is the Northern Territory’s first fully qualified Dermal Therapist. After studying for two years she graduated with an Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science through the AACDS in Perth. Holly specialises in skin and laser treatments and is a Certified Candela Laser Practitioner and IPL/Laser Safety Officer.
