Fitzpatrick Skin Type Questionnaire: What’s Your Skin Type & Why Does it Matter?

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Estheticians and other skincare professionals use the Fitzpatrick skin type questionnaire and scale to understand your skin. But does it matter, and can you learn your type from home? Here’s what you should know.

What Is a Fitzpatrick Skin Type?

Fitzpatrick skin types are classifications of skin based on color and response to sunlight, especially whether you tend to burn or tan. In general, a lower type on the scale is skin that burns easily, while higher types tan more easily than burn.

The scale isn’t perfect because it doesn’t describe a diverse world and all the varieties of skin types and tones. However, it is still valuable for estheticians and skincare professionals. For instance, your doctor may use the scale to identify your risk for skin cancer or provide advice on sun protection. Estheticians use Fitzpatrick skin types to make laser hair removal decisions and skincare treatments.

What’s My Fitzpatrick Skin Type Quiz

So, how do you determine your type? The easiest method is to complete a Fitzpatrick skin type questionnaire and review the types and descriptions to identify your skin.

Instructions: How To Determine Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type

Choose the answer that feels most accurate for each of the following questions.

1. What is your natural hair color?

  1. Light blonde or red
  2. Blonde
  3. Dark blonde or light brown
  4. Dark brown
  5. Black

2. What is your eye color?

  1. Light blue, light green, or light gray
  2. Blue, green, or gray
  3. Hazel or light brown
  4. Dark brown
  5. Brownish black

3. What color is your natural skin tone before sun exposure?

  1. Ivory white, pinkish
  2. Very pale to fair
  3. Fair to beige, golden undertones
  4. Light brown or olive
  5. Dark brown or black

4. Do you have freckles on unexposed areas of your skin?

  1. Yes, many
  2. Yes, several
  3. A few
  4. Very few
  5. No, none

5. How does your skin react to sun exposure?

  1. Always burns; prone to redness, blistering, and peeling
  2. Often burns; may also be prone to blistering and peeling
  3. Sometimes burns and peels
  4. Rarely burns, if at all
  5. Never burns

5. Does your skin tan after prolonged sun exposure?

  1. Never; I always burn
  2. Rarely; I usually burn
  3. Sometimes
  4. Often
  5. Always

6. How deeply does your skin tan?

  1. Not at all or very little
  2. Lightly
  3. Moderately
  4. Deeply
  5. My skin color is naturally dark

7. How sensitive is your skin to the sun?

  1. Very sensitive
  2. Sensitive
  3. Normal
  4. Resistant
  5. Very resistant or never had a problem

 

Find Out Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type Quiz Score

With each question answered, it’s time to tally up your scores. Count how many of each answer option you selected to find out what your Fitzpatrick skin type might be.

If you chose mostly…

  • A – Type I
  • B – Type II
  • C – Type III
  • D – Type IV
  • E – Types V, VI

Take a look at the table below to learn more about each skin type.

Skin Type Hair Color Eye Color Skin Tone Good for laser hair removal?
I Light blonde, red Light gray, green, blue Ivory white; always burns Maybe
II Blonde Blue, green, gray Fair; burns easily Yes
III Light brown, chestnut Hazel, light brown, dark green Fair to light, beige; may burn or tan Yes
IV Medium brown Light to medium brown Light brown, olive; sometimes burns Yes
V Dark brown, brownish black Medium to dark brown Brown to dark brown; rarely burns Maybe
VI Black Dark brown, brownish black, black Dark brown to black; never burns Maybe

Which Fitzpatrick Skin Type is Best for Laser Hair Removal?

Your Fitzpatrick skin type may affect the effectiveness of laser hair removal on different parts of your body. Historically, Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV have been cited as the best candidates for laser hair removal; however, modern technology has created new options for laser hair removal for darker skin tones. Plus, each person is different – your skin type doesn’t necessarily mean you will or won’t have a certain experience.

Overall, laser hair removal tends to work best for light to medium skin tones with dark hairs, but those with extremely light, fine hair or darker skin can still get laser treatment but may face increased risks of complications like hyperpigmentation marks.

That’s why it’s important to trust only experienced professionals who know what it’s like to work with all different types of skin when choosing a laser hair removal technician.

Discover Safe Laser Hair Removal for Dark Skin Types in Manhattan

Laser hair removal and laser treatments can revitalize your skin, whether light or dark, under the care of an expert esthetician. Laser by Monica is a luxury laser hair removal and skincare studio with over 70,000 treatments under our belt. We provide safe laser hair removal for dark skin in NYC and all skin types with expert consultation, tailored solutions, and state-of-the-art technology. Book a consultation today to get started.

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